Job Vacancy | ESB (CSIA) Fellowship
ESB Centre for the Study of Irish Art (ESB CSIA) Fellowship
The National Gallery of Ireland is the country’s most popular free visitor attraction housing the nation’s collection of European and Irish art, from about 1300 to the present day, and extensive Library and Archive collections. Nominated for European Museum of the Year (2018), and winner of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Culture-Public Building award (2018), the Gallery continues its mission of serving our visitors in their enrichment and enjoyment of visual art. Entry to the collection is free for all to enjoy, learn and be inspired. 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.
Based in the Library and Archive, this role is part of the Gallery Fellowship Programme. The Gallery provides fellowships in various areas of its work such as: art history, librarianship, archive and information management, curatorship, conservation, education and research. Fellows are appointed to undertake projects with a view to producing clearly defined deliverables in areas such as collection management and care; exhibition and public engagement; research and education. Fellows are assigned a mentor and offered access to the Gallery’s expertise, collections and research facilities.
The ESB Centre for the Study of Irish Art (CSIA) is a research centre which holds one of the most important and valuable library and archive collections associated with the history of art in Ireland. A core objective of the CSIA is to connect people with this collection as a source for studying, interpreting and appreciating the history of Irish art. As part of the Library and Archives department, the ESB CSIA provides a rich environment to learn and gain hands-on experience working in an art museum, library and archive. The ESB CSIA Fellow will receive an overview of the management and care of the diverse library and archival collections, from manuscripts and rare books to digital and online resources. They will work with a variety of staff in the library and archives, and across the Gallery, to develop programmes supporting access to and engagement with the collections. Supported by the ESB, this fellowship is open to new and recent graduates of art history or related disciplines, library, archival and museum studies.
The Gallery wishes to recruit an ESB CSIA Fellow in the Library & Archive Department on a 2 year fixed-term contract basis. The core purpose of this role is to support the development of engagement programmes relating to the Irish art archive and special collections and to contribute to the ESB CSIA’s Decade of Centenaries programme. Reporting to the Curator of the ESB Centre for the Study of Irish Art the successful candidate will:
- Contribute to research and the production of new content for ‘Source’, the Gallery’s new online resource providing and enhancing access to the Irish art archive collections
- Work on an exhibition and engagement programme for the Decade of Centenaries supporting all planning, development, and implementation of the programme
- Contribute to collection digitisation
- Work closely and collaborate with the broader library and archive team on matters relating to collection care, development, access and engagement
- Contribute to planning and delivery of other CSIA exhibitions and public engagement programmes
- Support both existing partnerships and opportunities to build collaborations with scholarly, cultural and heritage organisations
- Support reading room services, provide assistance to researchers and deal with enquiries
- Complete other duties as required
The successful candidate will have:
- A qualification in art history, library, archive, museum or art related field
- A demonstrated interest in the history of Irish visual art, studying and interpreting archives and library special collections
- A keen interest in research coupled with excellent writing skills
- Good communication, interpersonal and presentation skills
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail
- An ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
- Excellent IT and digital media skills
- An enthusiasm and interest in working in a cultural institution and a willingness to contribute to a positive working environment
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
Salary: Salary is fixed at €28,000 per annum (pro rata) for the duration of the contract
Duration: 2 year fixed-term contract
Working hours: Full time -37 hours per week (net of breaks,) onsite and /or remotely
Closing date for receipt of applications: 14 March 2022
Interviews will be held week commencing: 21 March 2022
How to apply: Please upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Candidates should note that panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled.
The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.