Job Opportunity for Archivist in MAP in Bengaluru

Reports to: Head of Collections
Works closely with: Heads of Departments
Role type: Full-time
Location: Bengaluru
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Application deadline: April 15, 2023
Role commencement: Immediate

About the Museum of Art & Photography

The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) is one of India’s first major museums of South Asian visual culture. The museum is housed in a state-of-the-art, 44,000 square foot building, designed by the acclaimed Indian architectural practice Matthew & Ghosh, on a landmark site at the heart of Bengaluru’s museum district.

MAP’s five-story building on Kasturba Road includes multiple galleries where the collection is displayed, an auditorium, an art and research library, an education centre, a specialised research and conservation facility, as well as a café. MAP’s collection includes more than 60,000 works, covering the full range of South Asian visual culture: modern and contemporary art and sculpture, folk and tribal art, textiles, graphics, posters and photography, dating from the tenth century to contemporary times. MAP’s mission is to take art and culture to the heart of the community, making it accessible to diverse audiences, and to create a museum-going culture that encourages people to experience art and heritage in new ways. With a focus on accessibility for people with special needs, and technological tools to make the museum relevant and exciting, MAP ensures a holistic experience for visitors of all ages.

Having launched online in December 2020, at the height of the pandemic, as India’s only digital-first museum, MAP has been bringing its collection to life through multiple pathways, from online exhibitions to a range of articles and essays, collaborations with museums around the world, engaging talks by leading industry figures, and educational resources for kids and adults.

Role Overview

The role of the archivist is integral to the Collections Department. The candidate will aid the department in research, cataloging, digitisation, care, storage and collection display. The candidate will ensure all objects’ information is accurately entered into the museum’s Collections Management System. The candidate will support the department’s goal to provide access to the museum’s vast collection to various
internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

● To accurately document and catalogue artworks

● To digitise artwork information on the Museum’s Collections Management System

● To aid in inventory management of the collection

● To ensure end-to-end project management, including photography deadlines for objects recorded in the Collections Management System

● To research and ensure that descriptions and catalogue notes are duly entered into the Collections Management System

● To work with the Collections and Conservation team in the care and maintenance of objects on display and storage

● To report/ coordinate with the Registrar for any damages and repairs to the works for restoration/conservation

● To support in artwork movement

● To provide access to objects information to various departments in MAP, including Education & Outreach, Exhibitions, PR & Communications, Development & Inclusion, and Technology

● To provide guided tours of the museum

● Travel for research if/whenever required by the Department

● Any other duties assigned by the line manager

Required Competencies

● A Post-Graduate degree in Arts, History, Museum Studies, Design, or any specialised field of art, with knowledge or experience of researching objects from the medieval to the pre-modern period.

● Knowledge of Indian miniature paintings tradition will be desirable.

● At least two years of work experience in a museum, gallery or a research institution

● Knowledge of Indian modern and contemporary photography practices will be advantageous, although not mandatory.

● Self-motivated individual with an eye for detail, to conduct and push research boundaries leading to well-documented and researched collections.

● A team player who will contribute effectively towards the department goals.

● Ability to multitask in an environment that is challenging and dynamic.

● Should be able to travel and adapt to certain situations that may arise while on research projects.

● Should know the basics of object handling and upkeep of the artworks, as well as make condition reports.

● Ability to write academically as well as proficiency in written communication is an essential qualification.

● Excellent organisational skills and impeccable attention to detail is a strong requirement.

● Working knowledge of software like MS Office, G Suite, Adobe Photoshop and any collections management system is a plus.

Equality & Diversity

MAP is an equal opportunities employer. It opposes all forms of discrimination and believes that all people, regardless of their identity or membership of any group deserve to be treated equally, consistently and fairly.