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The Walt Disney Company is hiring: Art Collections Coordinator, Animation Resear

The Walt Disney Company, Glendale, CA, United States


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 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 the collections management database. This position also contributes to non-digitization collections projects, maintains the organization of the collection storage spaces, and supports the Research and Exhibition teams in pulling and tracking artwork. As part of Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS), the ARL houses a collection of more than 65,000,000 pieces of original artwork, including 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 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). Requires knowledge of art mediums and understanding the mediums in relation to archival materials for safe and appropriate long-term storage. Work with all elements of artwork in the collection, including artwork slated for the Digitization project, as well as priority artwork identified by ARL management

Through the above method, 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 for repair assessment and potential conservation remediation

Identify and implement appropriate storage options based on specific art medium and procure materials as needed

As needed, construct pastel trays, maquettes boxes or other types of specialized housing

Duties

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 the 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 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 the verification of art mediums and dimensions

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

Participate in studio outreach events like in-studio collections exhibitions and presentations

May be trained by supervisor in additional collections related activities as needs of the department’s 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 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 (weeks to months)

Ability to distinguish between different art mediums (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 meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Appreciation of 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 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)

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.

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