The post will support a research initiative exploring the cultural and historical relationship between a nation and the moving image, tracing how cinema has shaped, and been shaped by, identity, landscape, and collective memory. The project brings together archival, material, and oral sources, and will result in a major public-facing output including an exhibition and published outputs.
The successful candidate will join a small, focused team at an early and exciting stage of the project’s development. They will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the research, administration and delivery of this major cultural project which comprises various public outputs including an exhibition and accompanying published material.
The Exhibitions Research Assistant will be responsible for a range of tasks spanning archival research, stakeholder liaison, object and collection management, and publication support, contributing to every stage of the project lifecycle. This will include working with colleagues across the organisation as well as archives, collections, lenders, an advisory committee and partner institutions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Research
* Carry out primary and secondary research as directed by the Curators, including desk-based research, collection surveys, and object identification.
* Assist Curators in researching and identifying collections of material relevant to the project, including holdings across public institutions, private collections, and community archives.
* Together with the Curators lead in shaping the project’s scholarly and interpretive framework for published materials, engaging critically with existing literature and identifying current research discussions.
* Assist in preparing correspondence for loan requests and research access.
* Support the compilation of bibliographies, source lists, timelines, and object checklists.
Administration & Coordination
* Manage a range of administrative tasks including scheduling, correspondence, and maintaining accurate project records (electronic and hard copy).
* Assist with tracking project expenditure; support budget monitoring.
* Attend and contribute to project meetings; take minutes and circulate actions.
* Assist in briefing project stakeholders, including exhibition, graphic, and publication designers, ensuring all collaborators have accurate and timely information.
Collections & Object Management
* Maintain the project object list and asset database; track and update object records and condition reports in accordance with collections management procedures.
* Support the management of copyright, rights clearance, and image permissions for visual and audio-visual material.
Publishing
* Assist in the preparation of any accompanying published material, in digital format and print, including proofing, indexing, and the compilation of illustration lists and end matter.
* Assist with presentations and guided discussions for funders, supporters, and partner organisations as required.
General
* Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
* Maintain familiarity with all health and safety policies and procedures.
* Carry out ad hoc duties as requested by the Curators or appropriate manager.
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