Collections Registrar, MacLaren Art Centre

Collections Registrar
MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie

Location: Barrie, ON. This is an on-site position.
Job Type: Full Time Temporary, (12-month Contract)
Salary: $60,000 – $65,000
Application Deadline: September 4, 2023
Start Date: October

About

The MacLaren Art Centre (MAC) is a free public art gallery located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. With over 4,000 works of contemporary and modern Canadian art in the permanent collection, the gallery serves an immediate community of approximately 300,000 people across Barrie and Simcoe County. We approach our work with a regional responsibility, responding to issues that matter in our immediate community within the broader context of the provincial and national visual art and cultural framework. We offer a variety of modern and contemporary exhibitions that focus on visual art and visual culture by Canadian artists of regional, provincial and national significance. Our goal is to provide the community with an exciting and relevant range of art exhibitions, tours, lectures and art programs that inspire curiosity, creativity, and interest in the visual arts.

Position Summary

Working as part of a collaborative curatorial team, the Collections Registrar will manage all aspects of the transition to a new Collections Management Database. The Collections Registrar is responsible for updating and transitioning all object and activity records from Mimsy XG to Argus. They will review and update current collections management policies and practices to ensure compliance with cataloguing best practices and facilitate skill-sharing among the curatorial team.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Data scrubbing of 4,416 object records to ensure consistency, accuracy, and completeness in compliance with Standard Procedures for Collection Recording Used in Museums (SPECTRUM).
In consultation with Argus and the curatorial team develop a database design including customizations and modifications based on MacLaren collections and research needs.
Manage the file transfer of a collection of 4,416 art objects and 23,116 archival photographs, and related activity records including:
◦ Data prep, review, and updating.
◦ Coordination of Argus and Mimsy consultants.
Produce a summary of objects that require additional research, photography, and document digitization.
Ensure all images are optimized for the web and connected to relevant object files in an excel spread sheet.
Update Art Rental and Sales data to include object ID numbering system.
Generate additional content including object photography and related documentation and research.
Working with the Curatorial and Argus team, design the online portal and determine what information is available to the public.
◦ Integrate online portal with new website.
◦ Address any imminent gaps in object data or research needed to launch a complete portal.
◦ Develop and plan custom search pathways to help guide users through the online collection experience.
Coordinate the launch of a publicly accessible digital collections interface to facilitate public access to collection records.
Develop Project Continuation Plan detailing any additional or ongoing work that needs to be completed upon the completion of the contract. This will include executing the Initial Project Evaluation Plan and determining future priorities for work with the collections database.
Support the Curatorial team with the research and implementation of collections-based projects and exhibitions.
Development of Project Continuation Plan.
Execution of Initial Evaluation Plan.
Other relevant project responsibilities as they arise.

This describes the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all job duties. Other project related duties will be assigned as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Formal Education

Master’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Collections Management, or combination of relevant education and experience.

Minimum Experience

One + years’ experience working with and managing a public art collection within a public art gallery.
One + years’ experience working with a collection management data base (Argus a definite asset).
Strong project management skills.
Experience transitioning to a new database a definite asset.
Familiarity of Standard Procedures for Collection Recording Used in Museums (SPECTRUM).
Ability to prioritize and multi-task a range of tasks at different stages of development.
Knowledge of Canadian art history, contemporary, and public art practices.
Demonstrated oral, written, presentation and reporting communication skills and capacities.
Demonstrated interest in remaining current on all trends and developments related to museum and gallery collections management practices.
Demonstrated problem solving and time management skills.
Proficient in collections data base applications.
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
Stays up to date with industry standards.
Creative thinking and an innovative approach to problem solving.
Has a passion for the visual arts.
Proven ability to remain current on all job-related technologies and best practices.
An energetic desire to work with colleagues.
Flexible and embraces change, diverse points of view, and creative problem solving.
Adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, and a good sense of humour.

Other Requirements

Successful vulnerability sector screening as required.
Health and Safety training as identified and required.

How to Apply:

In one pdf document, applicants must submit a relevant CV, and Cover Letter (max – 2 pages, 12pt font, single spaced) that describes your background, relevant experience, and interest in the position.

Resumes and cover letters will be received via email at rachel@maclarenart.com no later than 11:59pm September 4, 2023. Subject line: Collections Registrar.

The MAC is committed to being an employer that reflects our community and fosters an inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage candidates who are women, BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ and people with disabilities to apply. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants must make their needs known in advance.

Qualified internal employees will be prioritized in the recruitment process. We thank all candidates who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

MacLaren Art Centre
37 Mulcaster Street
Barrie, ON. L4M 3M2
www.maclarenart.com

Facebook: @maclarenart
Instagram: @maclarenart
Twitter: @MacLarenArt