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Artbank is a section within the Creative Industries Branch of the Office for the Arts. Established in 1980, Artbank is an Australian Government arts support program, and a key component of the Government’s support for visual artists. The program aims to increase the sustainability and accessibility of Australian contemporary art; support Australian contemporary artists; and encourage engagement with and appreciation of Australian contemporary art by the broader community. Within this context, Artbank has two core program objectives: to provide direct support to living Australian artists through the acquisition of their work; and to promote the value of Australian contemporary art to the broader community by making this work available through an art rental scheme. Artbank has offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (the Department) is responsible for the design and implementation of the Australian Government’s infrastructure, transport, regional development communication and arts policies and programs. We are at the forefront of the Australian Government’s efforts to connect our communities, secure the nation’s economic future, improve living standards, provide access to high quality communication services and ensure all Australians can enjoy diverse artistic and cultural experiences.
The Office for the Arts (OFTA) develops policies and delivers programs that encourage excellence in the arts, helps to protect our cultural heritage and supports public access to, and participation in, arts and culture in Australia. We do this through delivering strategic advice and policy development, effective program and grants management, regulatory management and collaborative stakeholder engagement.
The position of Registrar is responsible for ensuring the application of best practice standards for the documentation, transportation, storage, handling and display of the Artbank collection.
The Registrar oversees aspects of the acquisitions and loans including transportation, handling, and collection care of art objects under Artbank’s custody – largely drawn from our permanent collection and occasionally including works on loan for temporary exhibitions. The Registrar is responsible for maintaining collection records, condition checking, inventory, general handling and care of objects including reporting of conservation related issues, insurance and documentation through the collections management system Ke-Emu.
The Registrar will work with the Senior Registrar, Collection Officers, Artwork Technicians, Art Consultants and Curators to facilitate access to collection store, administering incoming acquisitions, and outgoing loans to clients including private, corporate, government and public galleries, and coordinating the transport, installation and display of artworks at client premises. This is a full-time position for an experienced professional Registrar – ideally with experience working with contemporary art. This position is based in Collingwood, Victoria.
Under general guidance and in accordance with APS values and Code of Conduct, Government and Departmental policies and the relevant Secretary’s Instructions, the Curator and Collection Coordinator duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
COLLECTION AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
· Maintain best practice collection management standards and procedures in the documentation, care and management of art objects under Artbank’s control.
· Undertake the specialised and technical aspects of safe handling, packing, movement and storage of artworks, providing advice and supervision to Artwork Technicians and contract installation staff to maintain best practice.
· Communicate with art dealers, galleries and artists to coordinate the transportation of acquisitions for the Artbank collection.
· Assist the Senior Registrar with the correspondence and documentation to facilitate import and export of artworks to and from Australian Embassies and Consulates.
· Undertake condition reporting including condition checks for art objects being dispatched or returned from/to the Artbank collection store.
· Assist with the inventory and stocktake of the collection and audit reports.
· Manage and maintain accurate collection management and information systems, including KE-EMu database records, collection image management, verifying data and working with staff to continually improve the access and integrity of the information systems in line with Artbank policies and procedures.
· Maintain comprehensive location records, including receipt and dispatch documentation.
· Review and provide advice on the photographic documentation of the Artbank collection, assisting the Registration team in coordinating contract photographers.
· Maintain the Artbank collection store and relevant public areas to a high standard and with consideration to WH&S and registration policies and practices.
ART HANDLING
· Undertake the specialised handling and packing of art objects ensuring they are packed, crated, handled, secured and stored according to current museum standards.
· Manage the logistics of planning and implementation of client installation/de-installation of artworks – liaising with the Art Consultants and clients to ensure all work is completed on time, within budget and in line with expectations.
· Oversee and provide direction and/or supervise contract installers in the safe handling and installation of art objects.
· Undertake and assist with risk assessment programs for the movement, handing and display of artworks with consideration to WH&S and registration policies and practices.
· Maintain a shared team calendar of installation and de-installation dates for exhibitions and client appointments.
COLLECTION ACCESS
· Ensure the collection store is suitable for public access as required by the Art Consultants and Curators.
· Ensure correct entry of data in the collection management system to ensure online publication is consistent and verified.
· Provide a high level of customer service when communicating with Artbank’s clients, suppliers and stakeholders, developing and maintaining positive relationships with all suppliers and contractors.
· Exposure to high profile and exciting projects
· Networking opportunities across the department and wider APS
· Capability development opportunities focused on your individual career goals
· Mentoring and access to the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme
· Flexible working arrangements where appropriate, including part time hours, home based work and job sharing
· Support for women’s progression into senior leadership
We are looking for a candidate with the following core capabilities.
· An experienced Registrar- ideally with experience working with contemporary art.
· A candidate who demonstrates experience in collection management issues as they relate to the registration, conservation, transportation and storage of visual art and objects.
· A candidate who has experience using KE EMu collection management software or similar program.
· A candidate with excellent oral and written communication skills.
· A candidate with strong organisational and coordination skills with a thorough attention to detail.
· A candidate with the ability to identify and solve problems whether working independently or as part of a team.
Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:
· Citizenship: Candidates must be an Australian citizen to be eligible for employment with the department. Only in exceptional circumstances will the department consider waiving this requirement.
· Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
· Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Insert Required Clearance Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
Applications for this opportunity close at time, 11.59pm AEST 27 November 2022
In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide a statement of no more than 2 pages outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role. You should also provide a CV, no more than 3 pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.
Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system.
Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.
If you experience any issues with the system please contact the Recruitment Team on 02 6274 6161 or via email to recruitment@infrastructure.gov.au to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.
For more information please contact enquiries@artbank.gov.au