Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a highly experienced Curator to provide curatorship services and manage the Groote Schuur House/Museum for a period of 12 months. The Curator will oversee the conservation, restoration, management, and digitisation of heritage collections, ensuring compliance with museological standards and heritage legislation. The role includes developing sustainable management practices, maintaining heritage assets, and facilitating public access and education about the collection.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Overall management of Groote Schuur House/Museum, including Presidential and Ministerial residences with heritage collections.
• Conservation, restoration, and maintenance of heritage items such as antique furniture, artworks, tapestries, silverware, pottery, and heritage furniture.
• Drafting specifications for conservation and restoration work, monitoring service providers, and inspecting completed work.
• Documentation, cataloguing, and marking heritage assets according to museological standards.
• Conducting research, preparing reports, and updating the collection based on information from heritage authorities.
• Managing display, guided tours, visitor education, and training staff and cleaning personnel.
• Digitisation of the collection, including photographic records and inventory management.
• Liaising with heritage institutions such as IZIKO Museum and SAHRA, and ensuring compliance with relevant heritage legislation.
• Managing security protocols and liaising with security services for access control.
• Developing policies, budgets, and reports related to the management and preservation of heritage assets.

Technical Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in curatorship management, museum tours, and staff supervision (minimum 3-5 years).
• Qualifications: BA Degree or higher in Arts History, Fine Arts, Archaeology, or related heritage fields.
• Ability to develop conservation specifications, monitor restoration processes, and prepare conservation reports.
• Knowledge of museological standards, heritage legislation, and best practices in heritage management.
• Experience in digitising collections, maintaining asset registers, and conducting research.
• Capacity to prepare budgets, reports, and manage stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to liaise with heritage authorities and security services effectively.

Skills Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of heritage conservation, museology, and heritage legislation.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and report-writing abilities.
• Proficiency in collection documentation, cataloguing, and digitisation techniques.
• Ability to train and supervise staff and volunteers.
• Competence in developing policies, specifications, and budgets.
• Experience in liaising with heritage institutions and security agencies.
• Attention to detail and commitment to heritage preservation standards.