Vacancy: Curatorial Assistant
Department: Curatorial
Duration: 12 Months
Reporting to: Chief Curator, Norval Foundation
Start Date: Immediate
Location: Norval Foundation, Steenberg, Cape Town, South Africa
Salary: R 16,000 per month (Cost to company with all deductions withheld from this amount)

Background

Opening in 2018, the Norval Foundation will present exhibitions of the highest quality focusing on artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries in purpose-built galleries and an extensive sculpture garden. It will have an accompanying multi-disciplinary public programme and will encourage research on the visual arts through the hosting of a major collection and archive of South African modernists as well as a dedicated library. Located in the Steenberg area of Cape Town and adjacent to Table Mountain National Park, the Norval Foundation aims to sensitively integrate the experience of art within a setting of rich biodiversity.

Purpose of the Job

The position of Curatorial Assistant will play an invaluable role in the Norval Foundation’s Curatorial Department in the lead up to the opening of the institution and beyond. Working closely with the Chief Curator, this role will specifically complete research and writing on the foundation’s exhibitions, assist with the administration of the Curatorial Department, manage communication with exhibition stakeholders, and support the creation of foundation publications.

Key responsibilities:

• Completion of research and writing on the themes and objects in the foundation’s exhibitions, public programming, and publications.
• Assist with the overall planning and preparation of exhibitions, including the creation of planning documents.
• Assist with the exhibition design and layout and the installation of objects.• Assist with the commissioning of major, new installations.
• Maintain exhibition checklists, artwork image files, artwork details, and exhibition presentations.
• Assist with writing, editing, and designing of didactic texts, including wall texts, object labels, essays for publications, object labels, newsletters, and the foundation’s website.
• Assist with the designing and production of exhibition graphics.
• Manage meetings with exhibition stakeholders, including artists, lenders, gallerists, and others, and travel arrangements for visiting artists, curators, and academics.
• Manage loan correspondence with artists, foundations, collectors, galleries, and other museums.
• Coordinate and edit Norval Foundation publications in collaboration with Curatorial Department, including acquiring copyright permission of artwork images and liaising with publishers or printers.
• Monitor exhibition budgets, including seeking estimates, processing invoices and payments, updating budget spreadsheets, and reconciling expenditures on a regular basis (in collaboration with the accountant).
• Assist with the preparation of grant applications for specific exhibitions.
• Manage external contractors supplying the Norval Foundation with services, including working with exhibition architects, fabricators and technicians, and artwork installers.
• In collaboration with the Collections Manager, inspect artworks on loan, on display, and in storage, prepare accompanying condition reports, and upload to collection database.
• Lead stakeholders on guided tours of exhibitions and manage exhibition enquiries.
• Collate and share exhibition materials with the Communications Officer so that content is online, shared through social media, and communicated through traditional media prior to artworks being exhibited and/or exhibition openings.
• Work together with other members of the Norval Foundation team to create a positive, enriching environment where excellence and growth are valued.
• Any other duties as required by the Chief Curator or Director

Person specification

The individual taking up the role of Curatorial Assistant will need exceptional research, writing, and cultural interpretation skills as they will be expected to produce content to the highest standards. It is vital that they have exceptional organizational skills with a methodical approach and a high level of accuracy. They will need to work well with a variety of people and appreciate the nuances of communication in the cultural sector. They must have a demonstrable engagement with the visual arts.

Required education, experience and skills:

• BA or BFA in art history, curating, visual studies, or a related subject.
• Some professional experience in the visual arts, with a preference for experience organising exhibitions.
• Exceptional research, writing, and cultural interpretation skills and the ability to effectively build an argument.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a methodical approach and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work well with others and communicate effectively with all stakeholders
• Appreciation for the nuances of communication and professionalism in the cultural sector.
• Capable of managing their own time and working within agreed timeframes.
• Passionate about the visual arts with a basic art historical knowledge.
• Ability to negotiate high-pressure circumstances and prioritize workload.
• Effective problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.
• Good computer skills, including the use of the MS Office package, Dropbox, Adobe InDesign or Illustrator.