Civic Art Registrar

Los Angeles County Arts Commission seeks a full time Civic Art Registrar with experience in museum registration, collections management, cataloging and database management for its Civic Art Program.

Background
The Civic Art Program was established in 2004 after the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the County’s first Civic Art Policy, which allocates one percent of design and construction costs of new County capital projects to a Civic Art Special Fund. The program provides leadership in the development of high-quality civic spaces by integrating artists into the planning and design process at the earliest possible opportunity, encouraging innovative approaches to civic art, and providing access to artistic experiences of the highest caliber for the residents of Los Angeles County. The Civic Art Policy mandates that the Arts Commission document, preserve and conserve County-owned artworks, which includes both artworks commissioned since the policy was adopted and historic artworks created before the establishment of the Civic Art Program.

Responsibilities
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Collections and working as a member of a team, the position will assist with the following for a growing collection of 300+ civic artworks including sculpture, murals, architecturally integrated art, portable works and ephemera/documentation from temporary engagements and projects.

Examples of Duties

  • Maintain and update the civic art collection management database EmbARK
  • Receive and digitally file multimedia documentation of the civic art collection
  • Evaluate and organize digital files
  • Maintain data standards and data integrity in the database and digital files
  • Manage and maintain digital and physical files for the civic art collection and for completed civic art commissions transitioning into the collection
  • Assist with ongoing inventory of civic artworks including provenance research
  • Assist in the production of the Civic Art annual report
  • Complete artwork condition reports and photo document artworks
  • Review and report on art damage incidents, as required (includes travel to sites within Los Angeles County)
  • Undertake special projects as directed by the Deputy Director of Collections

Qualifications

  • Minimum 3 years of experience working directly with a museum or library collection or equivalent combination of education and experience in the public and/or private sector
  • Bachelor’s Degree in art history, museum studies, information studies, library science or related field

Required Experience/Skills
The successful candidate will have the following experience and skills:

  • Experience working with a collection management database, experience with the EmbARK Collection Manager system is desirable
  • Experience with image and document scanning technology
  • Knowledge of, and experience with, museum cataloguing rules and standards
  • Knowledge of archiving and art storage practices
  • Experience with data entry and data management
  • Computer literacy in Microsoft Programs
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Diplomatic and have strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of County staff
  • Project management skills
  • Strong administrative skills
  • Abilities to meet deadlines required
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to produce precise, detail-oriented work
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs

Term & Compensation
This is a full time contract position. Compensation: $30/hour. Selected contractor will be required to have General Liability and Auto Insurance and must complete a Live Scan (criminal background check).

To Apply
Please submit a cover letter stating why the position is of interest, résumé, and a list of three professional references and salary history to Clare Haggarty, Deputy Director of Collections, MHaggarty@arts.lacounty.gov

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position will remain open until the staffing need is met and may close without advance notice.