News

Manchester Metropolitan University are looking for an Archives Cataloguer to join their team, based in Manchester. This new role will help them open up more of our archives and make them discoverable and accessible to students, researchers and members of the public. In this role, you will:
- Assist in cataloguing a wide range of archive material, working with the Special Collections Archivist
- Sort, appraise, arrange and describe the archives using collections management software and according to ISAD
- Work as part of their interdisciplinary team to support the service we deliver as a museum to all our users and visitors

Do you have:
- Strong communication skills with a commitment to providing a high-quality service?
- Good organisational skills with an ability to manage multiple projects whilst delivering results on time and to a high standard?
- Knowledge of relevant digital technologies and data management agendas?
- Enthusiasm, dedication and a willingness to learn?

About the Special Collections
As the University Museum, the Special Collections are an accredited museum and an important research resource nationally and internationally. The Collections include fine and decorative arts, historic and modern books, Victorian greetings cards and ephemera, posters and artists’ papers. The archival holdings include the private papers of artists associated with the book arts, the practice and teaching of architecture in the Manchester region and the history of the Manchester School of Art. Access to the collections and exhibitions is free and open to all.

Contract Type: 6 months Fixed Term, 35 hours per week
Deadline for applications: Friday 22nd February 2019

For full job description / to apply, click here.

The Photographer's Gallery is seeking to appoint an Archivist to oversee the acquisitions, management, preservation and dissemination of the collections within The Photographers’ Gallery’s Archive. 

The principle job objective of the Archivist is to oversee the acquisitions, management, preservation and dissemination of the collections within The Photographers’ Gallery’s Archive. Core duties will include:
- Appraising, prioritising and safeguarding material for preservation and retention;
- Cataloguing and digitising The Photographers’ Gallery’s collections;
- Overseeing and maintaining the Archive’s database system;
- Setting/adhering to, and regularly updating, policy guidelines concerning the Archive (preservation, cataloguing, digitization and public access);
- Supporting funding bids for the Archive and activities related to it;
- Line managing the Archive Assistant, ensuring that their work contributes to a wider framework;
- Overseeing copyright clearance for identified material.

The ideal candidate will be someone with knowledge and experience of 21st century archiving practice within a visual arts organisation. The post holder will be diligent, resilient, flexible, proactive and a good problem solver with a keen eye for detail. Among other criteria, they will have 3 or more years' experience in an equivalent post, a strong commitment to digital preservation and a passion for photography and the visual arts.

About TPG
The Photographers' Gallery is the UK’s leading centre for the presentation and exploration of photography in all its forms and a dedicated home for an international photographic community. Established in London in 1971, the Gallery has been instrumental in reflecting photography’s pivotal role in culture and society and championing its position as a leading art form through a rich programme of exhibitions, talks, events, workshops, courses and other activities.

Click here to read the full job description / apply.
 
Deadline for applications Mon 25 Feb 2019, 12.00
Interviews to be held: W/C 11 Mar 2019

Collections Trust are looking for two new trustees to join their board. In particular, they would like to hear from people with one or more of the following attributes:
- Legal expertise
- Financial expertise
- Museum professional seeking their first board experience
- A connection with university museums

The roles are voluntary with expenses paid for by Collections Trust to attend the four meetings a year. Some trustees also serve on an audit committee that meets twice a year. Meetings are usually held in London, in the board room of Rich Mix.

To apply, send your CV with a covering letter by 31 January 2019. The board will consider applications in early February and will interview shortlisted candidates as soon as possible after that. As Collections Trust is committed to increasing the diversity of its board, staff and audience you must also complete an online equal opportunities form. It is completely anonymous and cannot be linked to your application. When the form has been completed, add the code you will find at the end of the form to your covering letter. The code is the same for all applicants.

Applications can be emailed to recruitment@collectionstrust.org.uk. 

Visit Collections Trust's website for more details.

The Photographic Collections Network (PCN) has been awarded Arts Council England funding of £69,800 to supports its work on building networks, knowledge, support and advocacy for anyone working with or interested in photographic collections and archives in the United Kingdom.  

The funding will enable the PCN – a subject specialist network – to deliver a significantly enhanced programme during 2019-20.  This includes:

- Researching and delivering a major conference on the subject of digital legacy
- Identifying and acting as an advocate for threatened photographic collections
- Organising a series of community roadshows and digitisation events
- Developing the programme of workshops and study days to encourage networking, learning, research and advocacy
- Enhancing the involvement of PCN members
- Building links with specialists in other related disciplines

Director of the PCN Paul Herrmann said: “We are delighted that Arts Council England has recognised the importance of Britain’s photographic collections and the key role that PCN has in securing, documenting, and making available these important resources for future generations.

The grant will support the next phase of PCN’s development, in particular, the work on digital legacy which will secure the collections of today’s photographers for the future.”