Curatorial Assistant Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

550 Winslow Way East | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art | Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Print Studio Manager & Curatorial Associate

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Cynthia Sears Artist’s Books Collection Curatorial

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Curator of the Cynthia Sears Artists’ Books Collection

STATUS: Hourly, Non-exempt

HOURS: Full-time 40 hours a week, non-exempt; some nights and weekends included

SALARY: $32/hour, $66,520/year plus comprehensive Benefit Program

PRIMARY LIASON TO: Visiting Artists in Residence BRAVA Award Applicants and Winners

THIS POSITION SUPERVISES THE FOLLOWING STAFF: Volunteer Studio Assistants

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, a dynamic contemporary art museum located just thirty minutes from Seattle by ferry, is looking for a Print Studio Manager & Curatorial Associate (PSM) to help advance BIMA’s Artists’ Books Program through a multi-faceted museum role. Under the supervision of the Curator of the Cynthia Sears Artists’ Books Collection, the PSM collaborates with other museum staff in three primary ways:

1. Support and foster BIMA’s Daisy Lane Artist-in-Residence Program
2. Serve as lead project organizer for the BRAVA Awards
3. Assist the Curator in a variety of projects and programming related to the Artist BookCollection

We’re looking for a multi-talented, arts-loving, outgoing individual who can interface in multiple ways with the artist, staff, and volunteer community at BIMA. The right candidate will be both a team player and a self-starter. They will be able to troubleshoot and move from tasks requiring in-person, e-mail, and phone communication with a wide variety of people. They will deftly manage the physical space and equipment of a studio and navigate a wide array of computer software systems, including databases, design, and Google Suite, including Docs, Sheets, and Forms.

Daisy Lane: (75%)

Daisy Lane is a brand-new printmaking studio and Artists-In-Residence Program that is in the final phase of development. The project invites artists, both national and local, to apply for residency time at its studio, located in a beautiful natural setting. In addition to serving scores of visiting and local artists and scholars in residence, Daisy Lane will be a vibrant year-round space for events, workshops, and artist book-making activities throughout the year. Daisy Lane was developed by BIMA to better serve the needs of working artists more directly and connect more artists to the visual arts content and resources of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.

The PSM oversees the application process, the studio operations and a nearby residential space, manages equipment maintenance, and ensures a safe, organized environment for artists, staff and students. The primary duties of the job are to execute a creative, welcoming, and safe residency program for visiting artists.

Curatorial Associate (15%)

The PSM supports the planning, organization, and implementation of artists' book exhibitions by providing administrative, research, and logistical assistance to the Curator.

BRAVA Awards (10%)

The PSM oversees a once-a-year CAFé application and jury process for BIMA’s BRAVA Awards, an annual Award program honoring artists in four different categories. The project requires outreach to artists in a variety of categories to build awareness; understanding of the application platform; collaboration in creating and providing marketing information about the Awards; running a once-a-year jury process; and helping to plan the Award event.

The right candidate will join BIMA’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and will be fully aligned with BIMA’s vision of nurturing a place of creativity, discovery, and mutual respect, celebrating diverse artists and art practices, and building opportunities for inclusion and belonging.

JOB DETAILS

Studio Management

Manage equipment, facilities, and processes in the letterpress, silkscreen, and Riso-focused print studio and photo darkroom. The facilities include letterpress, screen printing, bindery, Risograph, and other technical skills associated with printing and artist book-making. The PSM will:

• Support a diverse community of Artists-In-Residence, in collaboration with the other BIMA colleagues
• Ensure the overall functionality of systems and equipment throughout the studio
• Develop and implement safety protocols, including ensuring safe storage of materials, maintaining current Safety Data Sheets, hazardous waste disposal, and legal reporting/documentation requirements
• Conduct routine maintenance and repairs on printmaking equipment
• Welcome and orient incoming artists and provide follow-up support as needed
• Oversee the application and selection panel process for potential residents
• Provide orientations on equipment, health and safety, and print specific processes for artists, staff, and teachers
• Coordinate tutorials for artists on request, where possible; Provide guidance on a scheduled basis on studio protocols and best practices, and offer technical advice on equipment and materials
• Prepare and maintain flat files and shared storage areas for incoming and outgoing artists; Manage equipment loans as required
• Manage the resale of unneeded equipment periodically, and a small number of studio supplies (photopolymer plates, nitrile gloves)
• Schedule, supervise, and provide leadership to volunteer Studio Assistants
• Track, order, and manage consumable materials such as inks, solvents, and paper. Prepare supplies for artist use
• Provide annual Fire Safety training for staff and studio assistants
• Coordinate studio access, open studio hours, and resident workspace allocations; Collaborate with BIMA’s Learning & Engagement Team to provide space and support for classes, workshops, and community programs
• Manage service and supplier communications
• Integrate new equipment and provide training to staff and artists
• Oversee artist residence experience, creating a welcoming environment with alignment of expectations and needs
• Improve facilities as needed (floor plan revisions, deep cleaning, disposal of old items)
• Perform other duties as assigned

BRAVA Award Program Management

• Oversee the application process, selection panel, and awarding of the BRAVA Awards, an annual artist award program that includes cash prizes, press visibility, and artist spotlight videos
• Work with other members of the BIMA team on the marketing, outreach, and execution of the BRAVA Awards
• Partner with the marketing team on the awareness of the program, both before applications open and after the winners have been selected
• Plan the final award event with other members of the BIMA team
• Perform other duties as assigned

Curatorial Associate

• Assist the Curator and Collection Registrar with databases, exhibition checklists, and records in support of artists' book exhibitions
• Assist in coordinating and tracking artworks, contracts, loan agreements, and related documentation with artists, collectors, galleries, art institutions, and community partners
• Assist with exhibition display information, including labels, text panels, and signage
• Help with the routine monitoring and maintenance of exhibitions
• Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities:

• Organize artist residency/studio staff coverage for any vacation/holiday hours
• Participate in weekly artist residency team meetings and join museum staff in participating in major Museum events as required; participate in organizational long-term planning and serve on committees like strategic planning, auction planning, and other cross-departmental initiatives
• Support recruitment and training of interns/volunteers; Supervise Interns and related project staff
• Arrange occasional field trips and social gatherings for artists-in-residence
• Post regularly on Instagram and social media as part of BIMA’s cross-departmental marketing team
• Perform other duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, activities, and benefits may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

- Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Art, Art Education, related fields, or equivalent life experience

- 5+ years of experience with non-profit arts organizations, artist residencies, museums, alternative art spaces, or equivalent experience

- Proficient in printmaking techniques with practical experience in a shared printmaking facility

- Experience working with artists and colleagues across various disciplines

- Must have transportation and provide a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance

- Good judgment and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility

- Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, conflict resolution, and creative problem solving, to foster a collaborative and supportive studio & work environment

- Highly organized and resourceful, with excellent time management and project management skills

- Familiarity with print studio facility maintenance and cleaning procedures; Knowledge of health & safety procedures for handling hazardous materials and operating printmaking studio equipment

- Sensitivity to and understanding of the needs and interests of diverse artists and participants

- Overall positive attitude, interest in learning, takes initiative, and can work well both independently and as a team member

- Computer skills, including strong experience with design programs relevant to digital printing, film printing for silkscreen, risograph, and the production of photopolymer plates

- Management and supervisory experience

EOE STATEMENT

BIMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity. BIMA does not

discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior contact with the criminal legal system, or any other basis prohibited by law.

BENEFITS INCLUDE

- Medical insurance, dental, and vision insurance

- Holiday, vacation, and sick leave

- Participation in the BIMA retirement plan with optional employer match

- Access to BIMA’s studio equipment and a discount on classes and workshops

- Employee Assistance Program

- Discounts at the BIMA Store & Bistro

- Patron level membership

- Travel Stipend if you live off of Bainbridge Island