The Contemporary Conflict team is one of four curatorial teams whose key role is to create and develop the collection and provide content for our public programme and interpret objects which fall within that time period (2001 – to date). It looks at the causes and consequences of war as well as its course and conduct. The team facilitates and supports access to our collection, knowledge and skills both to our audiences and to colleagues across IWM and the sector.
You will need to work, and support others in the team, to proactively and imaginatively to develop ways to build and interpret our collection. This may involve working sensitively and professionally with those directly involved with recent or ongoing conflicts and with internal and external partners. Working with contemporary material brings many challenges but is also engaging and exciting. Our collecting efforts will be vital for the future success of the museum.
You will be involved in the acquisition, assessment, review and cataloguing of collections material relating to conflicts after 2001, with particular focus on objects/exhibits including uniforms and equipment, weapons and ammunition, orders, medals and decorations, flags, insignia and ephemera. The IWM has an internationally important collection, unique in its scale, depth and scope. You will be pro-active in developing practical archival and curatorial skills, and an appreciation and knowledge of the material culture of contemporary conflicts.
You will support Curators and Senior Curators/Historians in all aspects of the work of the Contemporary Conflict Section. You will develop and dispense knowledge regarding the IWM collection relating to twenty first century conflict and its display and interpretation at all branches and in all areas of IWM public offer. You will apply and develop knowledge and skills for the benefit of our audiences and put forward imaginative ideas for exhibitions and other elements of public programme. Finally, you will contribute to a working culture that is responsive, collaborative and committed, and an environment that welcomes curiosity and creativity.
Your duties will include:
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to apply to all areas of activity a cohesive understanding of the material culture of twenty-first century conflict
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encourage and support development of volunteers
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support delivery of content for galleries and exhibitions other public programme-related outputs
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to work at all times as a team member, consulting with colleagues and sharing knowledge and information
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to facilitate and support access to our collection, knowledge and skills to the public and to colleagues across IWM
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To work with colleagues across IWM to support effective stewardship and care of the collection
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Actively promote and implement IWM’s strategy for widening access, inclusion and diversity within the scope of the project
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To keep up to date with changing technology to assist more efficient and effective working
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Ensure familiarity with all of the Museum's health and safety policies and procedures
For a full list of duties and the person specification (which your application will be marked against) please view the Job Description.