The newly established Subject Specialist Network
for Islamic Art and Material Culture, funded by Arts Council England, seeks a
freelance researcher to carry out a mapping project of UK collections. This
process will identify and define the extent of collections across the UK
(England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland), ranging from historic objects to
contemporary art.
The post-holder will liaise with the SSN’s regional
representatives, to gather information about holdings of Islamic material in
collections across the UK. This information will be presented on a dedicated
website and at the Inaugural Annual General Meeting of the SSN in early
November 2014.
This is a fixed-term opportunity beginning in
September 2013 with a completion date in May 2014. This would be ideally suited
to someone looking for a part-time project. Much of the work could be done from
home, but the contractor may also be required to visit some collections across
the UK and will be expected to report regularly to the chair or secretary of
the SSN, who are based in Birmingham and London. The fee is £5,000, which will
be paid in three instalments. Additional, but limited, funds will be available
for travel expenses directly related to the project.
The appointee must have some knowledge of Islamic
art (to at least MA level) and an interest in museums, libraries and archives.
Some pre-existing knowledge of the UK’s Islamic collections is preferable, and
a network of contacts in UK collections is desirable. It is essential that the individual
has advanced IT skills, that they be extremely organised and proactive, and
have good communication skills. The candidate must be UK-based and have the
right to work in the UK.
The individual will liaise closely with the SSN’s
website coordinator. They will have responsibility for maintaining accurate and
backed-up documentation in electronic format throughout the project. They will
be expected to report on progress at quarterly meetings of the SSN’s committee,
and to present the findings at the end of the project. Copyright for data and
images collected will remain the property of the SSN, as will the contact
details of institutions and people involved in the project.
This is a freelance position and as such, the
successful candidate will need to invoice the SSN at agreed points during the
work. They will also be responsible for declaring any taxable earnings
themselves to HMRC.
Please send a CV and covering letter, and the names
and contact details of two referees by Friday 12 July to the following e-mail
address: islamicartnetwork@gmail.com
Interviews will be held in London on Friday 9
August.
