Job Advert: Freelance Researcher: Mapping UK collections of Islamic Art and Material Culture

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.