Art Handler

AccorHotel•Louisville, KY

About The Position

The Art Handler is responsible for museum exhibition preparation, installation, de-installation, and transportation, and helps oversee the safe handling of artworks in the 21c collection, including incoming and outgoing loans. The role requires broad hands-on experience, flexibility, and the ability to perform a range of tasks. Working with the museum team and under the direction of the Registrar and Collections Manager, the Art Handler serves as a custodian for collection and loaned objects and may assist with packing and unpacking, assembly and disassembly, exhibition preparation, shipping and receiving, and other collection projects. The role requires travel for exhibition installations and de-installations lasting from one or two days to two weeks, driving heavy-duty trucks over long distances, and occasional evening and weekend work as needed.

Requirements

One to two years of museum or gallery experience.
Organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to focus on tasks, and effective communication skills.
A positive and professional demeanor.
Ability to follow instructions and accomplish tasks quickly and safely.
Strong initiative and work ethic, and ability to work as part of a team.
Experience installing a wide variety of artworks, including digital media works.
Experience with condition reports.
Knowledge of museum exhibit design and construction; lighting concepts and systems; safety regulations, practices, and procedures; and ADA requirements.
Knowledge of art-handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional art objects of varied materials, sizes, and weights.
Knowledge of standard tools, practices, and methods used in painting, rough and finish carpentry, and cabinet work.
Experience using materials such as lumber, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to interpret working drawings.
Ability to participate effectively as a member of a cross-functional team and establish and maintain effective working relationships with museum, hotel, and restaurant staff, the general public, and representatives from other museums.
Ability to explain and carry out procedures for handling irreplaceable art objects.
Ability to pass DOT-required physical examinations necessary to acquire a medical examiner’s certificate from a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.
Willingness to travel for exhibition installation and de-installation for periods ranging from one or two days to two weeks.
Ability to drive heavy-duty trucks over long distances.

Nice To Haves

Experience driving a 26-foot truck.
Forklift experience.

Responsibilities

Install, move, store, and prepare artworks in galleries and storage areas.
Install lighting, labels, and vinyl.
Construct packs and crates for individual works, determine packing materials and requirements with the Collections Manager, and assist in retrofitting existing crates.
Pack and unpack artworks.
Pull and stage works for exhibition efficiently and in an organized manner.
Assess condition and test artworks before exhibitions under the supervision of the Collections Manager and/or Registrar.
Update, format, and maintain crate labels, object transfer forms, and bills of lading for collection artworks and incoming and outgoing loans, under the guidance of the Registrar and Collections Manager.
Communicate effectively with the museum team.
Move crated and packed works on and off trucks.
Maintain museum tools, hardware, and other equipment.
Travel to install and de-install exhibitions.
Drive heavy-duty trucks over long distances.
Perform other duties as needed and required.