The Smithsonian Institution is seeking three (3) media art conservators to work with conservation staff to conduct a feasibility study for the development of a time-based and digital art conservation lab. For detailed information on the project and instructions on how to submit a bid, go to: https://www.dropbox.com/s/gqpww91flglt4eq/Media%20Art%20Conservators%20-%20RFQ%20final.pdf
Over the past several years, the acquisition of time-based works by Smithsonian art museums has increased dramatically. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden has been steadily acquiring media art for over a decade, resulting in an extensive collection of artworks that range from born-digital to film and slide installations by prominent artists including Tacita Dean, William Kentridge, Douglas Gordon, and Gary Hill. The Smithsonian American Art Museum has more than 100 TBMA artworks in the permanent collection, including works by Jenny Holzer, Bruce Nauman, Kota Ezawa, Bill Viola, Cory Arcangel and other artists working in time-based media. SAAM’s Nam June Paik Archive, which consists of sculptural robots, video and television technology, and research notes and materials from the artist's estate, is a core part of the collection. The National Portrait Gallery has acquired major works in the last few years, and NPG’s new strategic plan includes both increasing TBMA collections and planning a time-based media gallery. The National Museum of African Art and the National Museum of the American Indian are also making significant acquisitions. For more information about the Smithsonian Time-Based Media Art (SI TBMA) working group and its initiatives, visit: www.si.edu/tbma
Gwynne Ryan
Sculpture Conservator
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Independence Avenue at 7th Street
Washington DC 20013
t: 202 633 2728
f: 202 357 3151