Art Collections Coordinator, Animation Research Library

Job Summary:

Overview

The Collections Coordinator actively contributes to both the organization and preservation of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library (ARL’s) production art collection as well as activities related to the digitization pipeline project.

This role involves processing the physical artwork that has been identified to be digitized into the ARL’s collections management database including; placing artwork into correct production order by consulting production reference materials, re-housing artwork in appropriate archival storage materials, capturing metadata for each piece of art and cataloguing the artwork into our collections management database. This position may also be called upon to contribute to non-digitization collections projects, maintain the organization of the collection storage spaces and support the Research and Exhibition teams in pulling and tracking artwork.

As part of Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS), the Walt Disney Animation Research Library houses a collection of more than 65,000,000 pieces of original artwork, which includes, but is not limited to, conceptual art, storyboards, maquettes, hand drawn production art, 3D models, textures, image files and final rendered images. This role is an integral member of the team of Collection, Research, Design and Image Capture Specialists who make-up the ARL, and will work closely with these groups in an effort to physically care for and organize this vast, world-class collection of animation art created at Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Responsibilities:

Collections and Art Handling

• Rehousing and organizing artwork for both the image capture pipeline and non-digitization collections projects using best museum practices in handling and housing artwork
• Identify and pull original artwork from the vaults and rehouse the artwork. This involves reading and interpreting x-sheets and other production documentation to determine the placement and order of artwork, reading story board Photostats and reconstructing storyline order, identifying fragile mediums (i.e. pastels) and placing in appropriate new storage (i.e. pastel trays, interleafing glassine etc.). Requires knowledge of art mediums and understanding the mediums in relation to archival materials for safe and appropriate long-term storage. Working with all elements of artwork in our collection, including art slated for the Digitization project, as well as priority artwork as identified by ARL management
• Through the above method, identifying when artwork is not in its correct location and determining the correct production, element, order and proper method of storing. Locating the correct scene/sequence and integrating the artwork into the correct location and archival housing
• Identifying damaged and/or inappropriately housed/high risk artwork and bringing it to the attention of supervisor when necessary for repair assessment and potential conservation remediation
• Identify and implement appropriate storage options based on specific art medium and procure materials as needed
• On an as-needed basis, construct pastel trays, maquettes boxes or other types of specialized housing

Cataloguing duties - During the cataloguing phase of collections projects, this role will work closely with the Archives Data Specialist to:

• Carefully and consistently catalogue artwork in our collections management system (MuseumPlus) following procedures and nomenclature developed by the collection team
• Catalogue work including medium identification, artist identification, measuring and labeling, and ensure the correct metadata for consistency across all films
• Collaborate with team members on key words, and nomenclature hierarchy for consistency

Additional collections related tasks

• Assist the Research and Exhibition teams with identifying, pulling and tracking objects slated for exhibition, including the verification of art mediums and dimensions
• Conduct condition reports before art is shipped out and upon its return
• Expected to participate in studio outreach events like in-studio collections exhibitions and presentations
• May be trained by supervisor in additional collections related activities as meets the needs of the department’s priorities

Basic Qualifications:

• College degree and a minimum of 3 years of equivalent work experience
• Experienced in handling original art using best museum practices
• Experience cataloging artwork
• Experience working with collections management systems and spreadsheet software
• Familiarity with best museum practices for storing art collections
• Experience working on and contributing to projects that require sustained attention and effort over a long period of time (i.e., measured in both weeks and months)
• Ability to distinguish between different art mediums, (i.e., charcoal, pastel, graphite, acrylic, etc.)
• Ability and willingness to follow specific in-house procedures for artwork handling
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment while also being able to work independently
• Effective problem solving in a high stress/fast paced environment
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Appreciation of, and interest in, animation and art history
• Ability to embrace change and adapt to new processes and procedures as needed
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of Disney Animated Films – character names, artists, animation elements
• Requires the physical ability to lift, push, pull or physically maneuver a minimum of 35 lbs of materials and/or supplies
• Ability to be a resourceful problem solver and learner
• Must be available to work onsite 5 days per week (Monday-Friday)