Mediabistro logo
job logo

Art Collections Coordinator, Animation Research Library Job at The Walt Disney C

The Walt Disney Company (Germany) GmbH, Glendale, CA, United States


Art Collections Coordinator, Animation Research Library
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. The position will also 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 storyboard photostats and reconstructing storyline order, identifying fragile mediums (e.g. pastels) and placing in appropriate new storage (e.g. pastel trays, interleafing glassine, etc.).

Identify when artwork is not in its correct location and determine the correct production, element, order and proper method of storing; locate the correct scene/sequence and integrate the artwork into the correct location and archival housing.

Identify damaged and/or inappropriately housed/high risk artwork and bring it to the attention of supervisor when necessary for repair assessment and potential conservation remediation.

Implement appropriate storage options based on specific art medium and procure materials as needed.

Construct pastel trays, maquette boxes, or other types of specialized housing on an as-needed basis.

Cataloguing Duties

Carefully and consistently catalogue artwork in the collections management system (MuseumPlus) following procedures and nomenclature developed by the collection team.

Catalogue work includes medium identification, artist identification, measuring and labeling, and ensuring correct metadata for consistency across all films.

Collaborate with team members on keywords 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 verifying art mediums and dimensions.

Conduct condition reports before art is shipped out and upon its return.

Participate in studio outreach events such as in-studio collections exhibitions and presentations.

May be trained by supervisor in additional collections related activities as needed to meet department priorities.

Basic Qualifications

College degree and a minimum of 3 years of equivalent work experience.

Experience handling original art using best museum practices.

Experience cataloging artwork.

Experience with collections management systems and spreadsheet software.

Familiarity with best museum practices for storing art collections.

Experience contributing to projects requiring sustained attention over a long period.

Ability to distinguish between different art mediums (e.g. charcoal, pastel, graphite, acrylic, etc.).

Willingness to follow specific in-house procedures for artwork handling.

Ability to work in a collaborative environment while also working independently.

Effective problem solving in a high stress/fast-paced environment.

Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and 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.

Physical ability to lift, push, pull or manipulate a minimum of 35 lbs of materials and/or supplies.

Resourceful problem solver and learner.

Must be available to work onsite 5 days per week (Monday–Friday).

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $53,200 to $68,700 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

#J-18808-Ljbffr