Title: Spier junior art registrar

Hours: 8:00-17:00, Tuesday – Friday and 10:00 – 15:00, Saturday

Location: Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

Areas of Responsibilities

Based at Spier Estate, the Spier Junior Art Registrar is the in-person contact for art matters at that location, with primary responsibility to care for and activate the Spier Art Collection on site. Duties include Artwork Placement, Care of Assets, Administration of the Art Experience and Administration of Artwork Sales at Spier.

The Spier junior art registrar works closely with the Curatorial Team, the Supply Chain Team and the Enterprise Services Team to deliver on the Spier business needs, while ensuring Spier Collection artworks (on site and in storage) are well preserved. At Spier, this role will interact with Spier Wine Farm marketing, hosting, facilities and security teams, as well as tenant partners where artworks in our care are exhibited.

ARTWORK PLACEMENT AT SPIER

• Works with designated interior designer/s and Senior Registrar to place and install works as instructed.
• Assists responsible with relevant information for:
  • artwork collection from, and delivery to site
  • artwork installation
  • artwork de-installation
  • artwork storage
  • artwork location recording
• Oversees the installation and de-installation of artworks in specific locations at Spier Estate.
• Maintains accurate records of artwork locations and perform artwork movements for Arcadia collection on the SAT cataloguing system, AEM, every week.

CARE OF ASSETS AT SPIER

• Ensures housekeeping is performed for artwork display and storage areas according to agreed standards:
  • monitor cleaning procedures so that artworks are not at risk of being damaged by cleaning staff / cleaning staff are protected from harm
  • monitor all artwork placement sites (including exterior artworks) to ensure aesthetic and artistic professionalism (some require daily care)
• Conducts and report artwork condition and placement audits according to agreed requirements
• Responds to any incidents of risk, damage or deterioration with appropriate action and approval
• Documents artwork condition and provide restoration and preservation assessments
• Works with preferred artwork maintenance and reparation suppliers
• Maintains CARE GUIDE specific to site including security, cleaning and handling and storage

ADMINISTRATION OF THE ART EXPERIENCE AT SPIER

• Receives and directs all queries related to artworks and the Art collection at Spier Estate
• Manages requests for and provides relevant information on artworks for editorial use
• Conducts a Spier staff induction, to build an understanding of the art collection and art exhibitions on the Spier Estate , as required (at least monthly)
• Conducts ongoing training to build art story awareness for Spier staff
• Works with Spier Arts Curatorial Team and Spier Marketing Team to execute exhibitions and art programmes at Spier Estate, according to agreed schedule
• Facilitates scheduled or requested art tours to Spier Estate visitors and media, tailored to enhance each visitor group’s experience of Spier Estate (sometimes required outside of official work hours)
• Trains and monitors contracted guides in conducting art walks at Spier

ADMINISTRATION OF ARTWORK SALES AT SPIER

• Monitors all Creative Block sales outlet installations on site to ensure aesthetic and artistic professionalism at all times
• Liaises between Spier business and SAT teams to ensure all sales are accurately recorded and invoiced to clients
• Co-ordinate catalogues, framing, delivery and invoicing of replenishment stock, as required

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in art history, museum studies, cultural heritage studies, archaeology, visual culture, or an equivalent qualification is advantageous.
• Knowledge and application of collections management practices coupled with basic knowledge of conservation principles and techniques is advantageous.
• Knowledge and experience of artwork installation methods, artwork handling, packing and storage practices related to exhibition, transportation, and the preservation of art objects.
• Minimum of 3 years’ proven experience working with clients.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong administration and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach and attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Office applications, email services and the internet as well as a willingness to learn new computer skills as required.
• Physically able to stand, walk for extended periods of time – ability to bend, crouch, stoop, reach, push, climb ladders and carry artworks.