Open Call: Annotations Programme Research Associates

Accepting Applications

Are you passionate about cultural exchange and eager to delve into the exploration of African art library collections and archival materials? G.A.S. Foundation is seeking research associates to join us for 7-weeks (10th June until 26th July 2024) under our Annotations Programme. 

 

Annotations is a 6-month programme focussed on the exploration of African art festivals, such as FESMAN, Panafest, Zaire 74, and FESTAC’77. The Annotations Research Associates Programme falls under the wider scope of G.A.S. Library and Picton Archive’s Re:assemblages project, a multi-year cultural exchange programme with a focus on exploring African art library collections and archival materials on the African continent. Our mission is to develop local cultural infrastructure and inspire new modes of engagement with Pan-African art history. Through knowledge creation, capacity building, and cultural heritage preservation, Re:assemblages leverages on G.A.S Foundation's international network, and various partner organisations to deliver multidisciplinary residencies, a symposium, and several new publications around archival African art materials. For more details, please view the Re:assemblages Concept Document below.

 

 

Position Details

As a dedicated and highly competent research associate, you will work in various research capacities to aid the development of the Annotations programme. Each research associate will be paired with a counterpart from an equivalent programme to maximise learning and cultural exchange opportunities.  Starting with the G.A.S. Library and Picton Archive, research associates will be challenged to conduct in-depth research and utilise strong analytical skills to identify links and contrast relevant materials within various African art libraries and archives held in museums, libraries and private collections in Lagos and surrounding areas. 

 

This research associates programme will feature collaboration with several of our partner organisations and visits to various relevant cultural institutions, allowing research associates ample opportunity to network with practitioners from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Additionally, the research associates programme will feature ongoing engagement with the contemporary art ecosystem in Lagos, allowing participants the opportunity to socialise and make lasting connections during this programme. 

• Participation requirements: 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday (10th June until 26th July 2024).  

• Location: G.A.S. Foundation, Oniru Lekki, Lagos (including day trips to various research sites in South West Nigeria) 

• Compensation & Benefits: A competitive stipend and project-related travel expenses 

 

Key Responsibilities Include

• Researching archival African art material across multiple cultural institutions 

• Auditing library and archive collections in various cultural institutions across South-West Nigeria 

• Contributing data to a central finding resource 

• Other tasks relevant to Annotations and the wider Re:assemblages Programme 

 

Community-Focused Ethos

As part of G.A.S. Foundation's commitment to community engagement, research associates will be challenged to develop a presentation, exhibition and/or publication on their combined learnings towards the end of the research programme. 

 

Eligibility Criteria

• Ability to conduct in-depth research and identify connections within archival materials  

• Strong analytical skills and a passion for cultural heritage and preservation  

• Knowledge and interest in West African art, history, and culture  

• Enthusiasm for learning and cultural exchange  

• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritise tasks effectively  

• Excellent command of written and spoken English, copywriting and proofreading skills 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both autonomously and in a group  

• Strong attention to detail, a high level of accuracy and strong analytical skills 

• Strong IT skills 

• An ongoing or recent undergraduate degree with art or cultural heritage-related courses are preferred but are not a requirement  

• Candidates must be between the ages of 21 to 25 years old 

• Candidates must be based in Lagos or its immediate environs 

• Candidates must be available to attend a 5-day work week at G.A.S. Foundation, Lagos for 7 weeks from 10th June 2024 until 26th July 2024 

 

How to Apply

If you're ready to embark on this exciting learning opportunity, kindly submit an application form before 11:59 am 19th May 2024 including:  
 

• A curriculum vitae (CV) including contact details for two professional referees (references will only be taken for shortlisted candidates)   

• A cover letter (no more than 2 pages of A4 or 1000 words) outlining relevant experience, your suitability for the role and your ability to meet the programme requirements. Eligible cover letters must provide specific examples of what you have done and how you believe this demonstrates that you meet the requirements, including: 

• Your motivations for participating in Annotations as a research associate 

• Why this opportunity is relevant to you, especially how it will contribute to your current practice/professional development goals 

• Details for two professional referees (references will only be taken for shortlisted candidates) 

 

 

For any questions, kindly email info@guestartistsspacefoundation.com with the subject line, ‘Annotations Research Programme’.