Bentson Archivist and Assistant Curator

Walker Art Center

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • $24.75-27.50 per hour
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 days ago
The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.Under the direction of the Director and Curator of Moving Image, the Bentson Archivist and Curatorial Assistant will oversee the administration, care and upkeep, and activation of the Ruben/Bentson Moving Image Collection. This grant-funded position will maintain collection records and databases, monitor and maintain both physical and digital assets, as well as develop programming for the Walker Cinema, Bentson Mediatheque, and online platform that focuses on contemporary and experimental film and use of the Collection. This position will also oversee the physical and digital use of the Bentson Mediatheque, monitor work flow, and work with the Assistant Curator, the Department Coordinator, and other Walker teams to ensure the success of the program.WHAT YOU GET TO DOArchivist
  • Maintain the RBMIC database and content; write catalogue entries for the Collection films that will be part the on-line catalogue and interactive Mediatheque access.
  • Oversee the care and upkeep of digital and physical assets for RBMIC including 16mm, 35mm, analog and digital video media and files.
  • Provide staff and researchers with reference access to the Collection and provide access to the academic community for study and classroom use.
  • Plan and implement preservation policies for the RBMIC, including film inspections, managing loans and outgoing shipments, and reviewing deliverables from vendors.
  • Provenance and rights research for new and existing materials, plus maintain rights and permissions by renewing or updating expiration information.
  • Maintain operability and stability of the Bentson Mediatheque’s backend with the collaboration with Moving Image, Event Production, and Media Exhibition staff. On occasion, collaborate with programmer on application features to be implemented into the Mediatheque’s custom code.
  • Work with the Walker Art Center’s Library/Archives and Registrar to coordinate archival storage of the Ruben/Bentson Collection within the Walker Art Center's Media Archives.
  • Catalog and process new acquisitions into the Collection.
Curatorial Assistant
  • Collaborate with Assistant Curator and Director on programming that activates the Ruben/Bentson Moving Image Collection (RBMIC)
  • Develop, manage, and implement, along with other department staff, work plans for collection programming events.
  • In conjunction with PR and Marketing, explore promotional opportunities for the Collection; fulfill the preparation of materials for internal and external promotion.
  • Investigate broad ideas related to moving image collections in contemporary art museums, and engage in professional networking and development that helps contextualize the RBMIC and the Walker's Moving Image program and guide its development and stewardship.
WHAT WE NEED IN YOU
  • MA in Archives, Library, Film, Media Studies, or a related field or the equivalent experience with particular knowledge of artist moving image practices in collections/archives;
  • Experience with moving image collections and archiving including a working knowledge of the preservation and access of digital files, analog video, 16mm, and 35mm prints;
  • Working knowledge of Filemaker Pro, MS Office suite, and digital video editing (Adobe Premiere);
  • Demonstrated work and manage multiple projects independently
  • Film programming and/or curatorial experience with presenting films in multiple platforms and interdisciplinary contexts;
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk
  • Prolonged periods of looking at computer screens
  • Lifting and carrying equipment and materials between 50-60 lbs.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS This position is considered full-time (35 hours per week), non-exempt. As a non-exempt position, it is eligible for overtime pay. The compensation for this role is $24.75-27.50 hourly.The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees, click link to view benefits:This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled.

Walker Art Center