Gallery Preparator, Dunlop Art Gallery (28/26 - 6 month term, part-time, .50 FTE)

Regina Public Library•Regina, SK

8d•Onsite

About The Position

At RPL, we’re on a mission to provide Regina residents with opportunities to discover, learn and connect in an inclusive, customer-centred, and safe environment. Under the supervision of the Curator and Head of Engagement, Dunlop Art Gallery, the Preparator is responsible for the installation and dismantling of exhibitions, design and construction of museum standard crates and the ordering of materials related to installations, shipping and receiving, and crating works of art. The Preparator is also responsible for the maintenance and inventory of Dunlop Art Gallery equipment, with some responsibility in the areas of the Permanent Collection and event set-up for Dunlop Art Gallery activities. The Preparator will play a vital role in exhibition design and the preservation of RPL’s Art Collection, and support artists to achieve their artistic goals.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of art handling and installation experience, ideally in a museum-standard environment, and knowledge of museum-standard practices and methods of display.
Previous construction/building experience (as well as plumbing, electrical, etc.). Familiarity with various installation techniques and technologies, as well as lighting standards and techniques.
Ability to creatively solve construction and design challenges, be detail-oriented, and to plan, prioritize, schedule and implement overlapping projects.
Ability to work independently, and as part of a team, with excellent communication skills.
A valid driver’s license.
Strength and mobility to perform the required physical duties.
Knowledge and practice of workplace health and safety. Must be bondable.
Experience in a computerized office environment.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a museum studies program or equivalent technical program of study would be an asset.

Responsibilities

Installs and dismantles exhibitions including: design, construction and repair of sculpture stands, portable walls, a variety of mounting and framing devices, repairing and painting walls; packing, unpacking and transporting artworks following accepted museum procedures; preparing objects for exhibition, ensuring the objects’ safety, reporting their status and condition, and identifying and correcting any problems with the set-up; lighting; advising curatorial staff and artists regarding effective installation strategies.
Supervises contracted staff hired to assist with installation and dismantling.
Designs and builds crates according to accepted museum specifications. Manages the physical shipping and handling of works of art to/from lenders and institutions.
Maintains inventory of gallery equipment. Responsible for upkeep of equipment, as well as arrange safe storage for empty crates, display cases and framing materials.
Maintains physical supports and vault for the permanent and art rental collections.
Orders materials and supplies relevant to installation, crating, and equipment maintenance. Maintains an up-to-date file of suppliers, catalogues and price lists.
Co-ordinate scheduling, shipping, receiving and receipt of all exhibitions. Prepares loan agreements for art works as assigned. Maintains knowledge of current best practices for fine arts packing and shipping methods.
Assess the condition of incoming and outgoing art works and prepare condition reports for art works for exhibition and from RPL’s art collections as assigned. Photo-document damaged works of art as soon as damage is discovered. Performs minor conservation work as required.
Daily inspection, maintenance and monitoring environmental conditions for Central Gallery exhibitions, and weekly inspection, maintenance and monitoring environmental conditions for Sherwood Gallery exhibitions.
Assist with set-up for special events and programming as assigned.
Works effectively with artists. Deals with public (including lenders) and colleagues in a courteous and professional manner, providing excellent customer service.
Performs related work as required.