Art Collections Coordinator, Animation Research Library

Job ID 10147313 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Animation Studios Date posted Apr. 09, 2026

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Job Summary:

Overview

The Collections Coordinator actively contributes to both the organization and preservation of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library (ARL’s) production art collection as well as activities related to the digitization pipeline project.

This role involves processing the physical artwork that has been identified to be digitized into the ARL’s collections management database including; placing artwork into correct production order by consulting production reference materials, re-housing artwork in appropriate archival storage materials, capturing metadata for each piece of art and cataloguing the artwork into our collections management database. This position may also be called upon to contribute to non-digitization collections projects, maintain the organization of the collection storage spaces and support the Research and Exhibition teams in pulling and tracking artwork.

As part of Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS), the Walt Disney Animation Research Library houses a collection of more than 65,000,000 pieces of original artwork, which includes, but is not limited to, conceptual art, storyboards, maquettes, hand drawn production art, 3D models, textures, image files and final rendered images. This role is an integral member of the team of Collection, Research, Design and Image Capture Specialists who make-up the ARL, and will work closely with these groups in an effort to physically care for and organize this vast, world-class collection of animation art created at Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Responsibilities:

Collections and Art Handling

Rehousing and organizing artwork for both the image capture pipeline and non-digitization collections projects using best museum practices in handling and housing artwork

Identify and pull original artwork from the vaults and rehouse the artwork. This involves reading and interpreting x-sheets and other production documentation to determine the placement and order of artwork, reading story board Photostats and reconstructing storyline order, identifying fragile mediums (i.e. pastels) and placing in appropriate new storage (i.e. pastel trays, interleafing glassine etc.). Requires knowledge of art mediums and understanding the mediums in relation to archival materials for safe and appropriate long-term storage. Working with all elements of artwork in our collection, including art slated for the Digitization project, as well as priority artwork as identified by ARL management

Through the above method, identifying when artwork is not in its correct location and determining the correct production, element, order and proper method of storing. Locating the correct scene/sequence and integrating the artwork into the correct location and archival housing
Identifying damaged and/or inappropriately housed/high risk artwork and bringing it to the attention of supervisor when necessary for repair assessment and potential conservation remediation
Identify and implement appropriate storage options based on specific art medium and procure materials as needed
On an as-needed basis, construct pastel trays, maquettes boxes or other types of specialized housing

Cataloguing duties - During the cataloguing phase of collections projects, this role will work closely with the Archives Data Specialist to:

Carefully and consistently catalogue artwork in our collections management system (MuseumPlus) following procedures and nomenclature developed by the collection team
Catalogue work including medium identification, artist identification, measuring and labeling, and ensure the correct metadata for consistency across all films
Collaborate with team members on key words, and nomenclature hierarchy for consistency

Additional collections related tasks

Assist the Research and Exhibition teams with identifying, pulling and tracking objects slated for exhibition, including the verification of art mediums and dimensions
Conduct condition reports before art is shipped out and upon its return
Expected to participate in studio outreach events like in-studio collections exhibitions and presentations
May be trained by supervisor in additional collections related activities as meets the needs of the department’s priorities

Basic Qualifications:

College degree and a minimum of 3 years of equivalent work experience
Experienced in handling original art using best museum practices
Experience cataloging artwork
Experience working with collections management systems and spreadsheet software
Familiarity with best museum practices for storing art collections
Experience working on and contributing to projects that require sustained attention and effort over a long period of time (i.e., measured in both weeks and months)
Ability to distinguish between different art mediums, (i.e., charcoal, pastel, graphite, acrylic, etc.)
Ability and willingness to follow specific in-house procedures for artwork handling
Ability to work in a collaborative environment while also being able to work independently
Effective problem solving in a high stress/fast paced environment
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Appreciation of, and interest in, animation and art history
Ability to embrace change and adapt to new processes and procedures as needed
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and strong attention to detail
Knowledge of Disney Animated Films – character names, artists, animation elements
Requires the physical ability to lift, push, pull or physically maneuver a minimum of 35 lbs of materials and/or supplies
Ability to be a resourceful problem solver and learner
Must be available to work onsite 5 days per week (Monday-Friday)

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $53,200 to $68,700 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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About Walt Disney Animation Studios:

Combining masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology, Walt Disney Animation Studios is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films ever made. Disney Animation continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully-animated feature film, 1937's “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” to the upcoming fall 2024 feature, “Moana 2.” Among the studio's timeless creations are “Pinocchio,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Frozen,” “Zootopia,” and “Encanto.”

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Pictures, which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Walt Disney Pictures is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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