Collections Manager Oliewenhuis at National Museum Bloemfontein

Scope:

• Conservation of the Permanent Collection, including maintaining a conservation and housekeeping schedule to ensure high standards of collections care, from acquisition to conservation to display according to accepted ICOM and SAMA standards.
• Be able to do scholarly research on, and archive any information pertaining to the Permanent Collection and artists represented, and disseminate the information through publications, exhibitions and collaboration with the Education Officer and education programmes and activities.
• Manage climate control in all areas housing artworks and manage data loggers and its information.
• Responsible for arranging restoration, mounting and framing of Permanent Collection artworks according to the minimum acceptable standards according to accepted ICOM and SAMA standards.
• Maintain and update the hardcopy database (composes concise description of objects, and records descriptions on file cards and in collection catalogue). Maintain and update the digital database, using Logos Flow.
• Administrate incoming and outgoing loans effectively.
• Stay updated with insurance policies of the National Museum and make arrangements for the insurance of Permanent Collection artworks as well as artworks for temporary exhibitions.
• Stay updated with copyright legislation and manage licenses to reproduce artworks.
• Provide relevant conservation training to all Oliewenhuis Art Museum staff members, including Interns: Art Museum Guides and interns specifically appointed to assist with Collection Management duties.
• Assist Education Officer with managing research library.
• Handle queries related to the Permanent Collection.
• Arrange for photography of artworks in the collection for documentation and publication purposes.
• Provides scholars and the public access to information about the museum’s collection and holdings and may arrange for viewing of the collection.
• Responsible for the following aspects of temporary exhibitions: transport of artworks, insurance, packing and unpacking, completing condition reports and creating labels. Assist exhibiting artist / curator with sales of artworks when necessary.
• Maintain permanent and temporary exhibitions and ensure professional presentation to the public at all times.
• Manage budget relating to conservation, restoration and safety and security of artworks.
• Assist with general administration, projects and events.
• Assist Curator with acquisitions process.
• Manage local woodcarvers outreach program by selecting and displaying, with labels, their artworks in the foyer of the Main Building. Managing payments to them with assistance from the Administration department. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Qualification:

• Master’s Degree in Visual Arts
• Some knowledge and/or experience in conservation of artworks recommended
• Code 8 Drivers License

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a museum or institution with a heritage artwork collection.
• Some experience in collection related administration, such as maintaining a database, administrating loans, arranging transport for artworks and exhibitions and managing budget related to conservation, restoration and safety and security of artworks.
• Experience in disseminating information related to a visual arts.
• Experience in publishing research relating to collections would be an advantage.
• Experience in correct handling, packing and transport of artworks and completing condition reports.