Logo
MUSEUM ASSOCIATES

Provenance Specialist

MUSEUM ASSOCIATES, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079

Save Job

Provenance Specialist (Regular, Full‑Time)

General Counsel

Reporting to the General Counsel Assistant Secretary, the Provenance Specialist is responsible for providing guidance and advice on best practices in connection with the research, documentation, and verification of the history of ownership of works in the museum’s collection and potential acquisitions by working closely with the Registration Collections, Curatorial, and Conservation departments. This position plays a key role in coordinating among all departments throughout the museum to help ensure ethical stewardship and compliance with national and international cultural property laws. This role may also require the undertaking of research on provenance for specific acquisitions, as necessary.

Responsibilities

Coordinates with registrars, curators, and legal teams to assess risks and advise on potential acquisitions

Investigates claims of Cultural Property working with curators, conservators, and scientists on provenance research and analysis

Compiles, verifies, and maintains provenance records in accordance with museum standards

Partners with the relevant departments and the director to create a provenance policy for the Museum

Trains employees in relevant departments on provenance best practice and procedures

Prepares reports and documentation as requested by the General Counsel

Influences the direction of training sessions for curatorial and collections management staff on provenance best practices

Collaborates with international and national provenance networks, researchers, and databases

Monitors legal and ethical developments in the field of cultural heritage and advise museum leadership accordingly

Contributes to catalogues, exhibitions, and publications as needed

Performs other duties or special projects as assigned

Benefits

The expected annual salary for this Los Angeles, CA based position is $75,000‑$80,000, subject to change, and the position is eligible for LACMA’s comprehensive benefits package, including pension plan.

LACMA is committed to providing its employees with valuable and competitive benefits as a core part of a strong overall employee experience.

Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher in Art History, Museum Studies, History, or a related field

Minimum of 2 years of experience conducting provenance or archival research

Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills

Proficiency with museum collections management systems (e.g., TMS)

Knowledge of external sources of provenance information, such as archives (both in the U.S. and other countries), including those that are not publicly available

Experience improving collecting practices within museums or related organizations

Ability to handle sensitive topics with discretion

Established network of contacts in the field of provenance research

A demonstrated interest in LACMA as a collecting institution committed to the highest standards of collecting practices

#J-18808-Ljbffr