Curatorial Assistant

Job Overview
The Mott-Warsh Collection (MWC) Curatorial Assistant plays a vital role by providing administrative and research assistance in support of the MWC’s curatorial, exhibition, and educational programming. It is a full-time position reporting to the MWC Director, Curator, and Collection Educator. The position will also work cooperatively with other MWC staff on tasks relating to collections management and programming at MW Gallery, located nearby. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about art and culture with a special interest in art of the African diaspora.

We manage many tasks with a small staff. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent presentation, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills. The Curatorial Assistant will engage in various tasks that contribute to the effective operation of the collection while gaining valuable experience in the field of curation.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the management and organization of the collection, ensuring proper documentation and care.
• Support the research, planning and execution of exhibitions, including installation and de-installation processes (on-site and off-site).
• Conduct research on artworks, artists, and historical contexts to inform exhibition narratives.
• Assist in the research, writing, editing, proofreading, and production of print and multimedia educational materials, including wall texts, object labels, and website and app content.
• Co-manage updates to MWC website.
• Communicate with internal and external constituents to facilitate object loans, exhibitions, acquisitions, appraisals, and deaccessions.
• Secure rights and reproduction permissions for collection objects; maintain accurate copyright credit lines.
• Create, maintain, and update physical and digital collection files.
• Manage digital image files and image use requests.
• Utilize databases for collection management and tracking inventory.
• Assist MWC Registrar with collection inventory. Perform periodic inspections of (local) off-site art loans.
• Assist with art movement.
• Assist with planning and implementation of public programs related to MWC artists and exhibitions.
• Coordinate the logistical needs of visiting artists, curators, and scholars, including arranging travel, lodging, and itineraries.
• Field and respond to inquiries about the MWC from artists, scholars, and the general public.
• In collaboration with the MWC Collection Registrar and MW Gallery Manager, assist in the organizational maintenance of the MWC Research Library and Archives.
• Maintain calendar for regular staff and special projects meetings.
• Assist in preparation and documentation of meetings (agendas, PowerPoint images, minutes, budgets, etc.).
• Serve as liaison to our Information Services department, communicating MWC’s technological needs.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of MWC’s relationships with local and national arts organizations and community groups.
• Collaborate with team members on various projects, ensuring effective communication and teamwork.
• Other special projects and duties as assigned.
• All duties must be performed in accordance with MWC policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies, or related field, and a minimum of 1 year of related work experience. MA in art history with an emphasis in modern and contemporary art is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and interest in modern and contemporary art of the African diaspora.
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated knowledge and command of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of collection management practices. Experience with PastPerfect software is a plus.
• Ability to establish priorities, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, and to meet deadlines.
• Public speaking skills to engage diverse audiences effectively.
• Working knowledge of Sketchup or other exhibition design software is a plus.
• Knowledge of standard office practices, such as letter writing, filing, database management, and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (MSWord, Excel, Outlook, Teams), and the use of digital collaboration platforms (i.e., Zoom).
• Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team environment while also being self-motivated.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth applicable to the public or private museum sector while contributing to meaningful cultural experiences.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• This is a 40-hour week, full-time position with a Monday-Friday schedule in a hybrid environment of no fewer than 4 days in the office.
• Some weekend and evening hours are required. The position typically works 4 evenings or less per month. There is an increase of evening work hours during MW Gallery exhibit changeovers, which occur twice a year, over a 3-week period. A flex-schedule is offered on days that require evening work.
• Candidates for this position must be able to lift objects weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination status is required upon hire.
• Successful background check is required.

The Mott-Warsh Collection offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.

About the Mott-Warsh Collection

The Mott-Warsh Collection is a privately owned, publicly shared fine art collection that comprises over 1,100 works by artists of the African diaspora and those who reflect on it. Artists represented in the collection include post-World War II masters, such as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, and Betye Saar, as well as contemporary visionaries, such as Wangechi Mutu, Titus Kaphar, Howardena Pindell, Hank Willis Thomas, Carrie Mae Weems, and Kehinde Wiley. Collectively, they cover a wide range of media: drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and video.

The collection was established in 2001 by Maryanne Mott and her late husband, Herman Warsh, in her community of origin, Flint, Michigan. Their primary intent was to bring art into non-traditional venues where it could be encountered by people as they went about their daily lives. They formed community partnerships with institutions that had an interest in making the collection visible to their memberships, clients, visitors, and participants. Today, rotating exhibits of art from the Mott-Warsh Collection can be found in the public library, churches, health clinics, local colleges and universities, and the MW Gallery. The collection also lends to internationally and nationally touring museum exhibitions.

Mott-Warsh Collection, 111 E. Court St., Suite 2C, Flint, Michigan 48502.