Centre for the Study of Irish Art (CSIA) Curator
The National Gallery of Ireland (‘the Gallery’) is Ireland’s major national cultural institution devoted to the collection and care of fine art. Comprising almost 17,000 paintings, drawings, watercolours, miniatures, prints, sculpture and decorative arts, the institution’s extensive holdings include masterpieces by many of the most celebrated figures in the history of western European art. In addition, the Gallery houses the most representative collection of historic Irish art. Funded mainly by the State, the Gallery employs more than 180 staff and provides free access to the public 361 days a year. In 2022, the Gallery received numerous awards and accreditations. These included the Triple Lock Standard, which recognises Irish charities that have achieved excellence in governance, financial reporting, transparency and ethical fundraising.
The National Gallery of Ireland is home to Ireland’s national art research collections held in the Gallery’s extensive library and archives. The Irish art archives and library are held in the Centre for the Study of Irish Art (CSIA). Established in 2003, this research facility located in the Gallery’s Millennium Wing supports the study of Irish art history and visual culture. It holds one of the most important and valuable collections documenting the nations rich artistic and cultural heritage. It aims to promote Irish art to people of all ages and backgrounds and through its programmes present news ways of understanding and learning about Irish visual culture. The Centre also plays a crucial role supporting the Gallery’s work relating to Irish art and artists.
The Gallery wishes to recruit a Curator for the Centre for the Study of Irish Art. This position will help shape the future direction of the CSIA and the Curator will be responsible for its planning, development and operation. Working collaboratively with colleagues the CSIA Curator will oversee a collection ranging from artists archives and original manuscripts, rare volumes, artist’s monographs, collection catalogues, serials, artworks, photographs, ephemera and objects to digital and online resources. They will play a leading role in the management of the Gallery’s Irish art research collections and will contribute to developing collection access and discovery, engagement, exhibition, research and digital programmes. Reporting to the Head of Library & Archives or his / her nominated deputy the CSIA Curator will:
• Work with the Head of Library and Archives to develop strategic initiatives for the CSIA that align with and support the Gallery’s strategic plan
• Manage day-to-day operations and administration of the CSIA including the development, care and provision of access to the Gallery’s extensive Irish art library and archive collections
• Ensure all relevant policies and procedures, are in place and up-to-date, safe-guarding effective operation of the Centre
• Manage the requirements of a range of stakeholders including staff, academics and scholars, students, collectors, artists, patrons, donors and the public
• Manage and supervise staff including fellowship programmes and volunteers
• As part of the Library and Archive team, contribute to the strategic development of the department, progressing art research in Ireland, and collection, digital and engagement developments
• Work in collaboration with the Development Department to identify grants and funding opportunities to support the work of CSIA
• Manage, support and contribute to cross-departmental, inter-organisational programmes and other relevant collaborative projects as appropriate
• Continue to develop and enhance the CSIA public engagement programmes and exhibitions with a focus on presenting new narratives relating to Irish visual culture
• Share the work of the CSIA, its collections and services as widely as possible, through research, engagement, curation, publication and outreach activities
• Work with colleagues across the Gallery to support public and research programmes relating to Irish art
• Contribute to promoting the study of Irish art in general and foster partnerships with other appropriate bodies
• Support collection development and acquisitions in the CSIA
• Contribute to the management of the Yeats Archive
• Actively support and participate in the creation and gathering of original sources relevant to Irish art and making them available to the research community
• Work closely and collaborate with the broader library and archive team on the care, management and provision of access to the diverse holdings of the CSIA
• Support the development of digital content and online research resources relating to Irish art
• Work with colleagues to progress the cataloguing and digitisation of archival and special collections of particular historical value and the long-term management of born-digital assets relating to Irish art and artists
• Oversee the CSIA’s reference and inquiry services
• Monitor impact and reach of the CSIA and prepare reports as required
• Coordinate and contribute to marketing and communications relating to the CSIA
• Be aware of emerging trends and opportunities relevant to the visual arts in Ireland in galleries, libraries and museums, education, research and digital scholarship.
• Support existing partnerships and seek out new opportunities to build collaborations
• Maintain and develop links and partnerships with researchers, universities, artists, scholarly, cultural, heritage and other relevant organisations both nationally and internationally.
The successful candidate will have:
• A post-graduate qualification in Irish Art, Archives, information management or relevant related discipline
• Significant experience working with research collections in a library, archive, research or museum environment
• An excellent knowledge of Irish Art and Irish Art Archives
• Experience managing a collection and dealing with collection development, care, access and security.
• Experience documenting and digitising collections
• Experience using archives and special collections to deliver public engagement programmes
• Proven organisational and project management skills
• An ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written)
• Good knowledge and awareness of current trends and developments in libraries, archives, galleries and museums
• An enthusiasm and interest for working in an art and heritage cultural institution and a willingness to contribute to a positive working environment
• Research and publishing experience is desirable
• Experience managing people is desirable
Note: This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening, security and Garda vetting procedures.
Conditions of employment
This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. This may be subject to review in view of new structures and/or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening and Garda Vetting procedures. The post will be subject to a satisfactory medical check and successful completion of a successful probationary period. Applicants must be fluent in English and be eligible to work in Ireland.
Citizenship Requirements
Eligible candidates must be:
(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or
(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
(d) A non-EEA citizen who has a stamp 41 or a Stamp 5 visa;
1 Please note that a 50 TEU visa, which is a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is acceptable as a Stamp 4 equivalent.
To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer.
Grade and Salary: Salary is in accordance with point 1 of the Assistant Keeper II (PPC) pay scale €37,211 per annum as per 1 January 2024 pay adjustments.
Duration: Permanent.
Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week – 35 hours per week (net of breaks), Monday to Friday. Please note, flexibility is required, and the successful candidate may be required to work occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Candidates should note the National Gallery of Ireland complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations and guidelines on Public Service pay and conditions of employment.
Any personal data that you provide when applying for this position shall be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice.
How to apply: Please upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Candidates should note that panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled.
Closing date for receipt of applications: May 24, 2024.
Interviews will be scheduled in May 2024.
At the National Gallery of Ireland, we value equity, diversity and Inclusion we recognise the benefits it can bring to our staff and our visitors interactions. We celebrate difference and want our people to be representative of all communities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.
The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer
