Position: Preparator

Status: Independent Contractor

Start Date: June 1

Contact: Francine Weiss

Position Summary:

Join the dynamic curatorial team at the Newport Art Museum as we install new exhibitions, refresh galleries, and care for our collection. The Preparator (Independent Contractor) is involved in all technical aspects of art handling working with the Preparator on staff, Chief Curator, Curatorial Fellow, and Registrar. The Preparator (Independent Contractor) prepares galleries for exhibition and works of art for both display and storage, packs and unpacks works of art, and deinstall exhibitions.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares artwork for exhibition– tasks include but are not limited to framing/unframing 2D works; mount-making and fabrication; and assisting with object packing/unpacking
• Prepares gallery spaces for exhibition– including wall preparation (patching, sanding, painting); installation/deinstallation of art objects; vinyl title and text installation; and label/wall text panel construction and installation
• Adheres to best practices for handling works of art
• Interacts and works with fellow contractors, Museum employees, collectors, donors, and visitors in a courteous and professional manner
• Performs required work effectively and efficiently

Essential Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and experience with museum standards for packing, crating, handling, and installing and deinstalling artworks of all sizes and mediums
• High attention to detail
• Experience and skill with hand and power tools, ladders, and other large equipment
• Basic math skills
• Has strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Possesses good communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Ability to take direction from the Curatorial Staff
• Possesses excellent time-management and planning skills
• Ability to work well, and remain calm, under pressure

Required Education and Experience:

• A., B.F.A., M.A., or M.F.A. in studio art, art history, or a related field, but consideration will be given to candidates with related experience
• A minimum of 2 years of experience as a preparator in a gallery or museum

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Work may be performed both indoors and outdoors on Museum campus
• Position may require standing for prolonged periods, walking, climbing, bending and stretching
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted
• Ability to climb ladders etc. in excess of 8 feet

This is an independent contractor position. Work is conducted during installation/deinstallation periods and during Museum office hours: Monday – Friday 9:30am- 5pm. Installation periods typically occur quarterly, for a period of 4-6 weeks.

Payment rates are at discretion of the contractor in agreement with the Museum.

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter, current résumé, and three references to: jobs@newportartmuseum.org. No phone calls please.

The Newport Art Museum recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its work culture and integral to its role as a cultural institution serving the public. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.

The Education Department at Newport Art Museum seeks qualified Teaching Artists to teach classes at the Museum School.

The Museum School at the Minnie and Jimmy Coleman Center for Creative Studies hosts art classes and workshops throughout the year, as well as a variety of camps during the summer and school vacation weeks. The successful candidate should be prepared to teach courses, and to provide vital cultural experiences to a diverse group of students with a wide range of experience. Interpersonal skills, clarity, and creativity in teaching are essential. Candidates should be prepared to encourage students to grow creatively and intellectually.

Qualifications

Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Museum Studies or Art Education required.

Preferred Qualifications

All teaching artists are welcome to apply, however we are specifically looking for instructors who can teach in these areas:

• Animation
• Architecture
• Art + Activism
• Ceramics
• Design Fundamentals
• Drawing
• Fashion Design
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Interior Design
• Landscape Design
• Mixed Media
• Photography
• Painting
• Sculpture
• Visual + Critical Language (liberal arts: writing and research in visual arts)

The Newport Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Independent Contractor Hourly Pay, rate negotiable.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and current résumé, to jobs@newportartmuseum.org with Art Instructor in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Director of The Museum School
Reports to the Executive Director
Full-Time, Salary, Exempt

The Newport Art Museum is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to fill the role of Director of the Museum School. The successful candidate will play a key role in the development and implementation of a re-imagined Museum School curriculum, contributing to its growth and success. The Director of the Museum School will be responsible for overseeing various aspects of the school’s operations in alignment with the overarching mission of the Newport Art Museum.

Responsibilities:

• Design and oversee the development of innovative and engaging arts education programs for diverse age groups and skill levels, including camps, workshops, and Master Classes for children and adult audiences.
• Identify, contact, and hire qualified teaching artists and designers.
• Collaborate with local schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to promote the importance of arts education and expand outreach.
• Strategize to bring in revenue and leverage and grow the Museum’s School’s potential.
• Explore and implement new strategies to increase income, particularly through the rental of the studio to local artists and community groups.
• Oversee Bradley-School Partnership, including managing billing processes, viability, and other relevant tasks as assigned.
• Contribute to the strategic planning process by identifying opportunities for growth and improvement within the education department.
• Manage the budget for the education department, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective allocation of resources, including instructor contracts, and payments.
• Track all class registrations and waiting lists, including adult, studio time, and summer youth art camps.
• Create class lists, administer refunds, and serve as the Museum’s main point of contact for inquiries related to Museum School offerings.
• Manage and approve scholarship applications in collaboration with the Executive Director and Finance Department.
• Order and organize supplies for all classes.
• Ensure all Museum School policies are up-to-date and adhere to best practices.
• Track department spending and create an annual budget.
• In collaboration with the Museum’s Senior Curator and Director of Community Engagement, assist with docent training and School-Museum Relationships.
• Develop and implement professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their skills and stay current with best practices in arts education.
• Assist the Museum’s Director of Marketing with the preparation of material for all education-related communications and publications.
• Assist with the orientation and oversight of summer youth art camp interns.
• Collaborate with museum staff and other departments to ensure seamless integration of educational programs with overall museum activities.
• Collaborate with the development team to write grant proposals and participate in fundraising activities to support educational initiatives.
• Implement assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of education programs and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
• Stay informed about current trends and best practices in museum education through continuous learning and professional development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Art Education, Museum Education, or a related field, along with sound knowledge of art history, museum teaching and inquiry-based teaching strategies.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven leadership experience in a museum or related setting is preferred along with an understanding of the role of education in the museum education field.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful arts education programs.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational programming.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with budget management and financial processes.
• Previous experience in a museum or educational institution is a plus.
• Proven experience in collaborative work, able to work fluidly with all departments.

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, a list of references, and their salary requirements to jobs@newportartmuseum.org

The Newport Art Museum is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.