Job Vacancy | Curator of Dutch and Flemish Art at The National Gallery of Ireland
Curator of Dutch & Flemish Art
The National Gallery of Ireland (‘Gallery’) is Ireland’s major national cultural institution devoted to the collection and care of fine art. Comprising some 16,000 paintings, drawings, watercolours, miniatures, prints, sculpture and decorative arts, the institution’s extensive holdings include masterpieces by many of the most celebrated figures in the history of western European art. In addition, the Gallery houses the most representative collection of historic Irish art. Funded mainly by the State, the Gallery employs more than 140 staff and provides free access to the public 361 days a year. In 2021, the Gallery was a finalist in two categories of the Digital Media Awards – Best in Government & Not for Profit for ‘National Gallery at Home’, and Best Podcast.
The Gallery wishes to recruit a Curator of Dutch & Flemish Art on a permanent basis. The purpose of this role is to care for, research, display and provide information about the Gallery’s collection of Dutch, Flemish, Early Netherlandish, German and a small collection of other Northern European paintings and sculptures pre-1850. Reporting to the Head Curator (or nominated deputy), the Curator of Dutch and Flemish Art will:
- Ensure that the collection of Dutch and Flemish art is displayed to the highest standards
- Research and publish on Dutch, Flemish and other Northern European works of art in the Gallery’s collection
- Keep abreast with current scholarly research in this field
- Propose exhibitions and displays of Dutch and Flemish Art and work closely with the Exhibitions team to ensure successful delivery of these projects
- Research and recommend potential acquisitions and loans, carry out provenance and due diligence research and provide insurance valuations for works in the collection
- Maintain and develop close professional relationships with colleagues from other galleries and museums and identify and develop opportunities for partnerships
- Foster and maintain strong relationships with academics, private collectors, dealers, auction house staff and other relevant contacts and stakeholders
- Develop collection information on the Gallery’s collection management system and ensure that the information on the works of art is up-to-date
- Work closely with the Gallery’s Conservation team to identify works for treatment and collaborate on technical research
- Make the collection accessible through lectures, publications and digital engagement by contributing to the public programme
- Respond to queries from the public, external specialists and arrange visits and viewings
- Liaise with and provide information to colleagues in the Communications team for publicity, press and the website and social media
- Support the Development team with funding proposals and build and maintain relationships with (potential) donors and patrons
- Represent the Gallery nationally and internationally
- Partake in and enhance their own professional development
- Undertake other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned
The successful candidate will have:
- An advanced third-level qualification (Masters, NFQ Level 9) or higher, specialising in Dutch and/or Flemish Art
- Curatorial experience in a similar environment
- A record of publishing in the area of Dutch and/or Flemish Art
- Proven research and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
- Outstanding organisation and planning skills, and a commitment to meet deadlines
- A track record of self-motivation and the ability to work independently and on his/her own initiative
- Excellent communication and inter-personal skills and the ability to work as part of a collaborative project team
- Proficient IT skills
- Experience working with a collection management system is desirable
- International academic and museum contacts
- A willingness to partake in and enhance own professional development
Note: This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening, security and Garda vetting procedures.
Candidates must be eligible to work in Ireland
Grade and Salary: Salary will be is in accordance with point 1 of the Assistant Keeper II Salary scale (PPC), currently €33,149 per annum. Candidates should note the National Gallery of Ireland complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations and guidelines on Public Service pay and conditions of employment.
Contract Duration: Permanent, Full-Time
Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week – 37 hours per week (net of breaks). The successful candidate must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends (as required).
Closing date for receipt of applications: 26 May 2022
Interviews will be held week commencing: 6 June 2022
How to apply: Please upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Candidates should note that panels will be formed from which future positions may be filled.
The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer