Research and Archives Assistant

At David Zwirner, we look to be an industry leader in our field, with our artists at the center of what we do. Our global exhibition program expands beyond our locations in New York, London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Paris, representing seventy artists and estates. Home to innovative, singular, and pioneering exhibitions across a variety of media and genres. Active in both the primary and secondary market, David Zwirner has helped foster the careers of some of the most influential artists today. 

Who will work well with us:

• The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate and interested in the arts/larger creative arena or is eager to learn. Previous experience and a background within the commercial art world is not required.
• We welcome all individuals entering the workforce, those moving into a new stage of their career or vocation, making a change, returning to work, those wanting to learn and grow within the industry, to apply. 

About the Opportunity: 

Research and Archives Assistant | $55-65k

• David Zwirner seeks a full time Research & Archives Assistant to join the gallery’s Research & Exhibitions department. The ideal candidate must have at least a BA (in Art History or related) and a demonstrated knowledge of contemporary art. Superior attention to detail, excellent research and documentation skills, proficiency in writing about artists and artworks, and strong editing and administrative skills are required. Some gallery, museum, or auction house experience is preferred but not required.
• About the department: The Research & Exhibitions department is responsible for writing and art historical documentation around the artists handled by the gallery; and for providing curatorial and research support for the gallery’s loan and historical exhibitions. This team of art historians and archivists supports both the primary and secondary market activities of the gallery with detailed editorial content, art historical documentation, and reference material; objects research to help support the sourcing of secondary market inventory and consignments; and collaborates with our online-content and publications teams on select editorial initiatives. 

What you’ll do:

Artist CVs and Bios:

• Fact-check, proofread, and actively update and maintain Curricula Vitae for a select set of the gallery’s artists, thoroughly documenting their full exhibition histories and bibliographies
• Prepare, fact-check, proofread, and maintain up-to-date narrative biographies for new artists and for a select set of the gallery’s current roster of artists
• Supply updated CVs and narrative bios for publication to the gallery’s website, and manage uploading on a timely basis.

Library Management / Sales Viewings Support:

• Maintain gallery’s extensive reference library and oversee the processing of books with department’s interns
• Assist with book sourcing and purchasing for the gallery’s projects and artists 
• Locate and supply books needed for secondary market sales viewings
• Generate books lists for art fairs and pack books for shipment
• Prepare packages of book requests for global gallery locations

Archive Support:

• Basic sorting, handling, and processing of incoming archival materials
• Occasional transporting of materials to offsite storage and shifting of materials
• Assist in assessing additional needs for archive maintenance 

General Research Support:

• Assist the Research team with compiling sales-facing and exhibition-related research and documentation, including but not limited to comparable works lists and other research
• Assist with cataloging and generation of fact sheets for available works
• Assist with curatorial research pertaining to upcoming exhibitions, working closely with the Research & Exhibition Associates and Directors in the team on projects
• Work with interns to manage and assist on projects

General Administrative:

• Maintain Research Departmental Accounting
• Track and respond to or allocate all external queries to research@ (including all auction queries)
• Coordinate internal requests and internal scheduling for the team
• Coordinate (minimal) scheduling (internal meetings etc) for Senior Director and Directors as needed

What we would like you to have: 

• BA (in art history or related field)
• Prior experience interning at or working in art galleries is a plus
• Must be detail-oriented and able to work on multiple projects at once
• Must be able to work independently and proactively
• Strong relationship skills and an ability to forge positive relationships with staff across departments
• Familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite, Adobe applications is a plus
• Fluency/Proficiency in multiple languages is a plus

What you will love about David Zwirner (benefits): 

• David Zwirner has pioneered initiatives dedicated to the gallery’s long-standing commitment to kaleidoscopic storytelling, including: David Zwirner Online, David Zwirner Books, Dialogues, Platform, Utopia Editions, Consignments, Program.
• Premier Access - to private on-site and off-site events, such as exhibition previews, book signings, talks, and walkthroughs with gallery artists and estate members, and external curators and scholars.
• Staff-driven projects and fundraising initiatives. This includes David Zwirner commitment to Galleries Commit.
• Benefits! Flexible workplace and commuter benefits, corporate memberships to museums, including the Whitney, New Museum, MOMA, and others. Summer Fridays, generous PTO and leave, Family Medical/Dental/Vision benefits. 401K savings plan with automatic employer contributions.

David Zwirner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Gallery is firmly committed to equal employment opportunities in all facets of its operations. The Gallery makes decisions concerning hiring and terms and conditions of employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, if you need assistance in applying to a role you may reach out to recruiting@davidzwirner.com.

Salary : $55 - $0