Assistant Registrar and Collection (Len Lye)

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery - Len Lye Centre

Ko wai mātou - Who are we

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery - Len Lye Centre is Aotearoa New Zealand's contemporary art space. Located in Ngāmotu New Plymouth, the Gallery is renowned for its innovative programming that supports artists, and fosters engagement with new contemporary art and conversations about the world we live in. The gallery is also the home of the works of pioneering filmmaker and kinetic artist Len Lye. His experimental works are housed, researched and presented in newly interpreted programs in the architecturally significant Len Lye Centre.

Te āheinga - The opportunity

Are you passionate about modern and contemporary art and the care of collections? Do you have experience in registration, managing archives and supporting exhibition development?

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery - Len Lye Centre is looking for an Assistant Registrar and Collection (Len Lye) to join our team on a fixed-term basis.

This 12-month parental leave cover role will focus on assisting with management, care, and registration tasks related to the Len Lye Foundation Collection and Len Lye Archive. You will also contribute to the research, development, and delivery of contemporary exhibitions that highlight the work of Len Lye.

Tino takohanga - Key responsibilities:

• Assist the Curator Len Lye and Contemporary Art to deliver best practice and impactful Len Lye related exhibitions, supporting research, liaising with lenders, developing loan agreements, and arranging national and international artwork transport
• Undertake best practice collection and archive management including art handling, documentation, data entry, and digitisation, for the Len Lye Foundation Archive and Collection
• Support specialised internal and external research on the Len Lye Foundation Collection and Archive for publication and exhibitions
• Answer public Len Lye inquiries
• Collaborate with Public Programming as relevant
• Support the Len Lye Foundation in the organisation of the maintenance and creation of Time Based Media works, Archive and Collection administration and communication
• As required, support the production of publications as well as presentations and exhibition-related materials
• Assist with the preparation of grants and sponsorship proposals and the maintenance of budgets
• Actively ensure that legislative requirements and Council policies and procedures are fulfilled, particularly in relation to all key relevant legislation
• Ensure a positive gallery team culture and collaboration across Cultural Experiences

Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako - Essential skills and experience:

• Tertiary art history or museums qualification preferable with knowledge of twentieth century and contemporary art beneficial
• Experience in registration including art handling, cataloguing, domestic and international art transport, and art exhibition development and/or implementation
• Capability in research, writing and public speaking and working with key stakeholders
• Knowledge of Vernon data base a benefit, as well as gallery legal documentation including loan agreements
• Understanding of publication production
• Awareness of international museum practices and standards

He aha ai a Taranaki? - Why Taranaki? 

With the stunning Mt Taranaki as a backdrop and the warm iron sands along our coast, it is no wonder Taranaki is one of the best regions in New Zealand and the world. In Taranaki it's easy to achieve an enviable lifestyle without having to compromise your career. Our regions' dynamic surf, multitude of parks and gardens, iconic walkways, major events calendar and mountain playground make this the place to live!

Ōu mātou rourou - What we offer

At the New Plymouth District Council we aim to create and sustain a truly rewarding workplace environment for our staff including solid career pathways, learning and development opportunities as well as personal and professional development.

You can expect to start in this 12-month fixed-term role with us between $72,355 - $75,501.

If you think this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

Applications close on Sunday, 1 December 2024.