Associate Provenance Researcher at the Denver Art Museum
Job Title: Associate Provenance Researcher
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Denver, CO
Salary: $72,000 – $81,000
Description
POSITION PURPOSE:
Under the supervision of the Senior Provenance Researcher and in partnership with curatorial departments, the position will conduct advanced provenance research and documentation of DAMs encyclopedic collection. Position requires expert examination of artwork and thorough investigation of museum archives and other primary and secondary resources with focus on collections with incomplete ownership histories and those impacted by relevant legal, ethical, and museum professional guideline considerations.
This position reports to the Senior Provenance Researcher in the Curatorial department.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct research, fact check, and document provenance (history of ownership) on selected areas of DAMs encyclopedic collection for the files, database, and on-line records.
- Focus provenance research priorities for museum collections that comprise artworks with Nazi-era ownership gaps; colonial era considerations, antiquities, and archaeological material with incomplete documentation; NAGPRA; and works associated with red flag dealers, collectors, and any other relevant legal, federal law or bi-lateral agreements and professional guideline considerations.
- Apply standard methodological practices in fact-checking, researching and documenting ownership history in the museum records and database using all available primary and secondary sources including but not limited to the artwork, museum records, owner documentation, export/import documentation, collector/dealer and auction history records and databases, archaeological field notes, genealogical and archival materials, catalogues raisonné and exhibition catalogues.
- Advise as directed on research and due diligence for potential gifts, proposed purchases, incoming loans (e.g., immunity from seizure applications), outgoing loans and proposed deaccessions. Advise/review museum paperwork for appropriate warranties and representations for relevant new acquisitions.
- Assist, facilitate, and document visits and consultations related to viewing collections, potential claims, or repatriations by country of origin, tribal or related governmental representatives.
- Train staff as directed in relevant departments on provenance research methodology and related museum policy and guidelines.
- Deliver public presentations and provide support for programming and outreach about provenance research and ethical collecting practices upon request.
- Assist in answering queries submitted on DAMs website, provenance@denverartmuseum.organd collaborate with communications department on media inquiries as directed.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Maintain active networks of provenance-related contacts and attend, when relevant and approved by the supervisor, conferences and seminars focused on provenance issues, and contribute to museum professional provenance policy and NAGPRA-related issues and discussions.
- Travel may be required to archives and libraries for resources that are not on-line.
- May supervise volunteers or interns.
In alignment with EDI initiatives, apply usage of the Racial Equity Lens in day-to-day operations and yearly goal setting to support Racial Equity Roadmap initiatives
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Experience, Skills, etc.):
- M.A. (minimum) in the humanities with focus on art history, archaeology, history, museum studies or related.
- 3+ years of proven and demonstrated experience with provenance research methodology and advanced documentation practices.
- Prior work experience in an art museum setting and knowledge and familiarity with cultures, periods, artists, and art historical perspectives represented in the collections of the Denver Art Museum.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
- Sitting, working with hands, talking, hearing, vision
- Office, file room, art storage, and library settings
- Climbing ladders to access files and lifting up to 50 lbs.
Pay: The hiring salary range for the position is $72,000-$81,000 based on experience.
Benefits: A comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan, that can be extended to domestic partner, spouse, and children. DAM 100% paid Life Insurance, and Short/Long Term Disability. Generous sick and vacation paid time off and one personal day. Ten paid holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and those who meet the requirements will qualify for the 3% non-elective contribution and 2% match program. A free RTD Eco Pass. A free DAM Family Membership. Free Telehealth and Employee Assistance Program. Access to Headspace. Two weeks Paid Parental Leave.
NOTE: The DAM prioritizes adaptability and a human-centered work environment. We are happy to consider accommodations to the position. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. We know there is no such thing as a “perfect” candidate – Nor do we look for the right “fit” with us, we look for the add! We believe in cultivating an environment where there is diversity of perspectives, in hopes that we can all thrive in an inclusive environment.
We know that searching for a job can be stressful so we would like to give you an overview of the process to manage expectations. This role may require a phone screen, interviews with the hiring manager and or panel that will be held in-person at the DAM or video.
DENVER ART MUSEUM:
As an institution, we believe the Denver Art Museum is both a platform for and an amplifier of the voices of people of all races. We acknowledge that Black lives matter and communities of color – Latinx, Indigenous, Black, and others – have been underrepresented in art museums over decades, both internally and externally. We are committed to elevating all voices, artworks and perspectives and strive to support racial equity inside and out.
We prohibit discrimination against any person or organization based on age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, political service or affiliation, genetic information, or disability, as well as any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
We strive to provide a professional and positive work environment for our employees. The Museum expressly prohibits any form of employee harassment on the basis of age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, political service or affiliation, genetic information, disability or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. Actions based on these, or any legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated.
We encourage the freedom of gender expression and/or gender presentation. As an institution, we do not create barriers that may prevent any employee from expressing behaviors, mannerisms, interests, and appearances that represent their authentic personality or culture. Qualified candidates are expected to exemplify the DAM’s internal values, which include being dynamic, respectful, inclusive, creative, and curious. The ability to maintain effective and positive working relationships with visitors, employees, volunteers, representatives of public and private entities, policy making bodies, and contractors is critical to the success of this position.
The Museum believes vaccination is an important measure to protect the health and safety of everyone from significant illness due to COVID-19 infection. As a condition of employment, employees must present proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on their first day of employment or receive an exemption or other reasonable accommodation due to circumstances protected under federal or state law that prevent the employee from being vaccinated. Employees are also mandated to receive a booster within 6 months of being fully vaccinated.