Conservator for Contemporary Art at the Singapore Art Museum
Contract (2 years)
JOB OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE:
The conservator will contribute to the smooth operation and delivery of exhibitions, loans and events of Singapore Art Museum (SAM), as well as other requirements assigned by the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC) to assist with conservation-related tasks and activities (operational and administrative). S/He will coordinate with both internal and external parties involved in accordance with procedures and project timelines. Relevant in-house training will be provided to the successful candidate.
DESCRIPTION OF COLLECTIONS WORK LOCATIONS:
Artworks and artefacts are part of the National Collection and are under the custody of the National Heritage Board (NHB), Singapore. NHB preserves, presents and promotes the cultural heritage of Singapore, for the purpose of education, nation-building and cultural understanding.
HCC is an institution of NHB with purpose-built facility for the storage and conservation of all artworks and artefacts under the care of NHB. The collections include socio-historical, cultural, ethnographic, modern and contemporary artwork materials. Conservation comprises four specialisations: objects conservation, paintings conservation, paper conservation, and textiles conservation.
The conservator will mainly work at HCC on 32 Jurong Port Road, Singapore 619104 and at SAM on 61 Stamford Road, #02-02, Stamford Court, Singapore 178892, according to project needs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Carry out conservation assessments, documentation and treatment on artworks and artefacts according to HCC procedures, instructions and guidelines for exhibitions, loans and events for SAM.
Active involvement in exhibition planning and commissioning of new works including installation, de-installation, packing and storage and documentation.
To work with collection managers in the setting up of documentation systems to manage information on artist materials, interviews, installation requirements, display requirements, history of past uses, conservation records, storage requirements, resource planning for recurring access useful for sustainable preservation strategies.
To provide advice on preventive care, specialised mounting techniques and environmental settings for short- or long-term display of artefacts/artworks.
To review temporary and permanent display at SAM upon request to ensure the stability of artefacts and eventual maintenance needs.
To provide advice on transport, handling and display requirements whenever necessary.
Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas prior to meetings and notes/minutes of said meetings.
To provide supervisory responsibility to assigned reportee/s (if any).
Any other ad hoc duties and projects assigned.
May be involved in conservation study or research projects.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Candidate should have a recognied degree (bachelor’s or honours) or a Master’s degree in Conservation, with 6 to 8 years of relevant practical experience primarily in conserving contemporary works of art.
Specialist experience in objects, video and digital media, and performance art will be considered. Successful candidates can continue to practise within his/her field of specialisation.
Ability to carry out comprehensive treatments with a high degree of manual dexterity and aesthetic sensitivity.
Conserves diverse object types and not limited to contemporary works of art.
Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills.
Works collaboratively with diverse individuals, including but not limited to curators, conservators, exhibition team, artists, collections managers, conservation scientists and designers.
Familiarity and experience with contemporary artistic practices in Southeast Asia is preferred.
Institutional experience in the conservation and preservation of contemporary art is preferred.
Ability and experience to coach and impart conservation skills and knowledge effectively.
Possesses initiative, with the ability to multitask, organise and prioritise work within a given timeframe.
Possesses a wide exposure in handling multicultural materials with sensitivity, with demonstrated adaptability in making contextual judgements when applying conservation principles and practices.
Ability to work unsupervised, as well as within a team.
Ability to adapt in a multilingual and multiracial environment.
Keep up to date with current conservation development through self-directed learning and training. Evidence of continual professional development is strongly desirable.
Salary range: SGD$4,500 to SGD$5,300.
The job posting can also be viewed on SAM’s website: https://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/get-involved/jobs/conservator
Please send your application and any inquiries to hr@singaporeartmuseum.sg. We regret that only short-listed candidates will be notified.
