AMP: Artists' Meeting Place and Resource Collective

City of Torrance Community Services Department

JOB OPPORTUNITY
Recreation Specialist (Curatorial Assistant, Torrance Art Museum)
Cultural Services Division -- $15.87 - $17.50 per hour

The City of Torrance Community Services Department is currently accepting applications for a Recreation Specialist (Curatorial Assistant, Torrance Art Museum) with the Cultural Services Division.

DESCRIPTION: This is a part-time hourly as needed position, up to 20 hours per week. The curatorial assistant reports to the curator of the Torrance Art Museum and is responsible for assisting in all aspects of development, installation, promotion, and management of the Museum's rotating exhibitions and programs.

About the Torrance Art Museum: The TAM is a premiere exhibition space located in the South Bay community of Torrance whose programming is primarily focused on the temporary display of contemporary art. The facility has nearly 4,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, divided into 2 galleries: the Main Gallery (2922 sq. ft.) and Gallery Two (a project room of 871 sq. ft.)

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Exhibition planning
* Working closely with curator to locate and select artists and objects
* Researching and verifying exhibition information
* Communicating with artists and exhibition lenders
* Coordinating with public relations and educational staff, including volunteers

1. Installation
* Coordinating with artists and exhibition lenders about the drop off and retrieval of art objects
* Generating exhibition receipts and associated loan forms
* Unpacking and packing of art objects
* Preparing galleries for installation of artwork
* Installing artwork (some heavy lifting can be anticipated)
* Creating exhibition labels and wall didactics

1. Publications
* Preparing and releasing press releases and educational materials
* Securing photographs, transparencies, and digital images for exhibition projects, including catalogs and brochures
* Assisting in the design, production and dissemination of exhibition announcements via print and email blasts
* Maintaining social media for TAM - website, Facebook, Twitter, etc
* Archiving exhibitions online and in files

1. General curatorial and clerical support
* Facilitating exhibition-related events, such as receptions and lectures
* Answering routine correspondence, including telephone and email queries
* Updating exhibition and mailing list databases
* Assisting volunteer coordinator, as needed

Qualifications:

The curatorial assistant must be self-motivated, flexible, and willing to multi-task. The ideal candidate will view this position at the Torrance Art Museum as an opportunity to gain broad experience in the museum and contemporary art fields.

Desired Skills and Abilities

* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
* Experience in records maintenance
* Understanding of appropriate handling, crating, and storage of artwork
* Some knowledge of exhibit preparation procedures
* Fluency with PC computers, Microsoft Office, and database software such as Filemaker Pro.
* Working knowledge of Adobe software, such as Photoshop, Pagemaker, and Illustrator
* Willingness to become informed about museum operating standards and best practices
* Knowledge of the contemporary art community in the South Bay and Southern California

Hours: Part-Time, average 20 hours per week (no more than 1,000 hours per year).
Candidate must be available some weekends and evenings.

FILING DEADLINE: 5:00 p.m., Friday March 4, 2011

* Interested applicants can submit an application, resume and cover letter to the City of Torrance Human Resources Department, 3231 Torrance Boulevard, during the following hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The Human Resources Department is closed every other Friday. Applications, resume and cover letter can also be submitted on-line via the Human Resources Department web page at http://www.torrnet.com/106.htm Only those candidates whose training and experience best meet our needs will be invited to participate in an oral interview. If no qualified applicants apply by the deadline, the application period will be extended.
* Oral interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of March 7, 2011. If you have additional questions please contact Max Presneill, curator at mpresneill@torranceca.gov or (310) 618-6341

The City of Torrance is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Applicants with disabilities who require special arrangements must
contact the above-named personnel prior to testing/interview.

from LA Culture Net