Conservator

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

National Gallery Singapore is a leading visual arts institution which oversees the world's largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art. Situated at the birthplace of modern Singapore, in the heart of the Civic District, the Gallery is housed in two national monuments - City Hall and former Supreme Court - that have been beautifully restored and transformed into this exciting 64,000 square metre venue. Reflecting Singapore's unique heritage and geographical location, the Gallery aims to be a progressive museum that creates dialogues between the art of Singapore, Southeast Asia and the world to foster and inspire a creative and inclusive society. This is reflected in our collaborative research, education, long-term and special exhibitions, and innovative programming. The Gallery also works with international museums such as Centre Pompidou, Muse d'Orsay, Tate Britain, National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), to jointly present Southeast Asian art in the global context, positioning Singapore as a key node in the global visual arts scene.

In 2020, the Gallery was the only museum in Southeast Asia that received a ranking in The Art Newspaper's annual global survey of attendance at art museums, taking 20th place. In 2018, the Gallery was also the first museum in Asia to receive the Children in Museums Award by the European Museum Academy and Hands On International Association of Children in Museums. It also won the awards for "Best Theme Attraction" at TTG Travel Awards 2017, "Best Attraction Experience", "Breakthrough Contribution to Tourism" and "Best Customer Service (Attractions)" at the prestigious Singapore Tourism Awards in 2016 for its role in adding to the vibrancy of Singapore's tourism landscape.

We offer job opportunities in our dynamic organisation. Working at the Gallery enhances and cultivates your love for the arts, and offers you a chance to be part of the Gallery's vision.

OUR PEOPLE

At National Gallery Singapore, we develop cultural leaders who make the world better. Our people are united by a shared belief in the power and necessity of art, and work together to create meaningful experiences for our visitors.

DESIGNATION : Conservator (Paintings)

RESPONSIBILITIES

National Gallery Singapore is recruiting a Conservator (Paintings) who would be mainly based at the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC), which is the repository and conservation facility for the National Collection under the National Heritage Board (NHB).

The selected candidate will be working in the Paintings section at the HCC to serve both the National Gallery, under the Visual arts cluster and the museums and institutions under the National Heritage Board, such as the National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, The Peranakan Museum, and the Heritage Institutions.

He/ She will report to the Head of Paintings section in HCC, while conserving the National Collection as part of exhibition and research projects. He or she would also be required report to the Director of Artwork and Exhibitions management in the National Gallery and participate in selected projects and events as agreed by both institutions.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Carry out conservation assessment, documentation and treatment on the National Collection according to HCC and NHB procedures, instructions and guidelines for exhibits, loans, maintenance and research projects.
• Manage exhibition projects as liaison officer to cover conservation-related as well as administrative aspects of exhibition preparations including preventive conservation.
• Be involved in preventive work, storage improvement, giving ideal environmental recommendations for short or long term display of artefacts/artworks and advice on transport, handling and display requirements whenever necessary.
• Provide supervision, mentoring and training for junior staff (Assistant Conservator) to reinforce constructive behaviour, performance and establish their knowledge and competencies.
• Conduct and lead specialized conservation research projects to enhance collection knowledge and artefact significance while working in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, in Singapore, the region and/or internationally, and respecting the various perspectives involved.
• Implement documentation and knowledge management processes to ensure that all documentation of the collection relevant to conservation and the conservation documentation are well-captured, recorded and accessible as needed.
• Participate and share administrative duties in the paintings section and conservation services department, and any procurement as assigned by the head of Paintings section.
• Participate in ah-hoc duties and projects assigned, including working groups, outreach activities, committees or events organised by the Heritage Conservation Centre, National Heritage Board and the National Gallery.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master's degree in Conservation, with a specialty in Easel Paintings and minimum of 5 to 8 years work experience as a full time staff.
• Experience in providing advice on complex conservation treatments, supervising staff members and managing exhibition and research projects. Experience in institution is required.
• Ability to lead, coach and impart conservation skills and knowledge effectively as well as being a strong team player.
• Ability to carry out comprehensive treatments with a high degree of manual dexterity and aesthetic sensitivity.
• Familiarity and experience with collections in South East Asia, as well as modern and contemporary artworks will be advantageous.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills that facilitate teamwork and the ability to work across departments and institutions. Fluency in English is required.
• Possess ability to multi-task, organise and prioritise work in given timeline.
• Possess a wide exposure in handling multi-cultural materials with sensitivity and demonstrate relevance in making sound contextual judgements in applying conservation principles and practices.
• Ability to adapt in a multi-lingual and multi-racial environment.
• Keep up to date with current conservation development through self-directed learning and training. Evidence of continual professional development is strongly desirable.