Art Fund Curatorial Grants

Pier Arts Centre were awarded a grant to visit Frieze Art Fair in London 

In 2012 the Art Fund launched a new £50,000 annual funding stream aimed at helping maintain and develop curatorial expertise in UK museums.  The Jonathan Ruffer Curatorial Grants programme provides funding for travel and other practical costs to help curators from museums large and small undertake collection and exhibition research projects within the UK or anywhere in the world.

Since the scheme has launched a good number and quality of applications have been received – supporting nearly 40 curators to undertake research projects of all sizes, in nearly 30 institutions across the United Kingdom.  As the funding is awarded to individuals simultaneous applications from curators who work within the same museum or museums service are acceptable. Full details on the programme and some of the awards already made can be found on the Art Fund website

The Art Fund want to make sure that as many museum and gallery professionals as possible know about this scheme and benefit from it.

Applications for relatively small grants to cover all aspects of curatorial research in its widest sense are encouraged the Art Fund also accept applications for £2,000 or over to support more extensive, ambitious or far-flung research projects. Applications can also be made jointly by two or more curators who wish to work on a project together. The next deadline for large applications is on 15 May. Following this deadline there will only be one more for applications above £2,000 in 2013. Do not hesitate to contact the Art Fund to discuss applications. 

Revisiting Collections: report published

I was pleased to meet many of you at t MEG’s workshop at the Horniman Museum on 14^th March. You may remember mention of the research report ‘Is Revisiting Collections working?’ commissioned for the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Special Initiative 'Our Museum: Communities and Museums as Active Partners'. This has now been published online.  Full and summary versions can be downloaded from the PHF website

I have also uploaded to the Collections Link website so that the reports can sit alongside the Revisiting Collections toolkits, resources and guidance notes.

I am hugely grateful the over 50 interviewees who were so generous in sharing their experiences of using Revisiting Collections and their very insightful comments on the methodology’s strengths, weaknesses and potential. It is their contributions that (I hope you’ll agree) make the report such a valuable read for anyone interested in exploring how effectively Revisiting Collections can help deliver active participation and begin a process of change in the way organisations work with their collections and their communities.

The evidence shows that Revisiting Collections works and remains relevant, but that that there can be practical and organisational barriers to using the methodology successfully. Organisations and individual practitioners will continue to need support to overcome these, as well as to find out about the methodology and its potential. 

The report makes targeted recommendations to stakeholder organisations including Collections Trust, strategic sector lead bodies and funders so that:

Services and individuals that might benefit from Revisiting Collections are encouraged and

supported to consider and use the methodology

New entrants and current practitioners in the heritage professions, grant applicants and

services preparing to meet relevant sector wide standards (e.g. Accreditation) are

informed about the methodology and can readily access the necessary tools, guidance, case

studies and peer group support.

The full report also includes some practical guidance notes for services considering using the methodology.

I’ll be very happy to discuss the report and its findings – or potential specific applications of Revisitng Collections.

Caroline Reed

Museum and Heritage Consultant

caroline.reed@tiscali.co.uk

020 7638 0012

07971 953137

Powell-Cotton Museum: Collections Project Officer vacancy

The Powell-Cotton Museum has bid successfully for ACE funding to undertake a two year project, “Securing the Future of our Past”, with the aims of improving our visitor experience, improving our education offering and delivering strong leadership in education and research. With an eye to future aspirations of improved storage and research facilities the project also aims to ensure that our world class collection is made more accessible through cataloguing and by using web based media. Integral to this project will be the appointment of a Collections Project Officer and an Education Project Officer, each on a two-year contract, working under the direction of our Collections Manager.

Job Title: Collections Project Officer

Responsible to: The Collections Manager

Base: The Powell-Cotton Museum

Full time two year fixed-term contract

25,000 pa

Main Job Purpose

To improve the protection, digitisation, interpretation and promotion of the Powell-Cotton Collections, within the context of the funded project.

Accountabilities

1) Support the management and care of the Museum’s collections, on display and in storage and undertake regular condition checks in accordance with the Collections Care Plan.

2) Take responsibility for the recording and cataloguing of the Collections.

3) Participate in the design and interpretation of Museum displays.

4) Take the lead in the investigation of improved storage and research space, including costing’s for current and future needs.

5) Undertake conservation cleaning as required.

6) Carry out pre-emptive conservation practices and maintenance procedures as

directed, making the Collections Manager aware of any concerns regarding the

collections.

7) Ensure that handling, movement and storage of collections items is carried out in

accordance with best practice.

8) Under the guidance of the Collections Manager, explore creative solutions to the

maintenance of objects within the collections.

9) Contribute to the positive appearance of the Museum.

10) Ensure that the high care standards are maintained.

11) Undertake any appropriate task as requested by the Collections Manager.

12) Participate as reasonably required to deliver the project.

13) Participate in the specification and delivery of a newly refurbished dedicated

education and research facility.

14) Networking and building partnership links with Kent’s organisations, institutions,

service providers and communities.

Health & Safety

1) Observe all health and safety at work regulations as set out in the Museum’s H&S Manual.

2) Be responsible for your own health and safety and that of other staff and any member of the public who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.

Security

1) Give priority to the security of the collections at all times.

2) Ensure that all aspects of security and emergency are carried out in accordance with the Museum’s procedures.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge of relevant specialist area (ethnography or natural history)

A post graduate qualification in a Museum/Heritage related subject.

Competence in Integrated Pest Management policies and procedures.

Knowledge of museums’ collections and disposal policies and procedures.

IT literacy.

A sound knowledge in volunteering and community engagement principles and practice (and the ability to demonstrate appropriate knowledge)

Experience and knowledge of collection care documentation and cataloguing systems (ADLIB would be advantageous).

Desirable

Understanding of learning and access policies in the heritage sector.

Some understanding of the Leisure & Tourism sector.

Experience

Essential

Ability to deliver and to work to deadlines.

Proven experience with similar projects including budgetary control and dealing

with third party contracts.

Experience of working in collections care.

Experience of an Integrated Pest Management regime.

Experience in modern conservation techniques.

Desirable

Experience of exhibiting and promoting museum collections.

Experience in dealing with a range of stakeholders.

Experience of new media.

Working with originating communities.

Skills/Attributes

Practical hands-on attitude to collections care requirements.

Exhibition, interpretation and presentation skills.

Excellent team player, with ability to think corporately and work collaboratively. Written communication skills that demonstrate attention to detail.

Analytical and research skills.

Planning skills.

Personal Qualities

Commitment to the Powell-Cotton Museum’s objectives.

The ability to make a positive contribution to the organisation.

Innovation, creativity and problem solving ability – able to rise to a challenge by

providing innovative and practical solutions.

Commitment to personal and professional continuous development.

Commitment to equality and diversity.

The post holder will be subject to a CRB check. This post will include working at height and use of ladders. Some weekend, evening and Bank Holiday working will also be required.

Application Procedure

Applicants should complete the Powell-Cotton Museum Application Form which is available electronically from the Powell-Cotton Museum website vacancy page 

Applications should be marked as SFP Collections Project Officer Application – Private and Confidential’ and emailed or sent as a hard copy with a covering letter to arrive by 5pm on Friday 3rd May 2013.

Karen Botha Director Powell-Cotton Museum Quex Park Birchington-on-Sea Kent

CT7 0BH

karen.botha@quexmuseum.org

Interviews will be held on Monday 13th May 2013.