Institute for Contemporary Art Preparator

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

3d•$52,900 - $62,900•Onsite

About The Position

The Preparator supports and assists all aspects of art and exhibition-space preparation, installation, and de-installation as a member of the Institute for Contemporary Art’s exhibitions and programs team. Reporting to the Senior Preparator, the role collaborates with artists, curators, and project stakeholders on commissions and exhibitions, translating concepts into practical solutions and preparing layouts, installation plans, scale drawings, and technical documentation. The Preparator also conducts site assessments and helps develop gallery layouts, visitor flow, and interpretive elements. The role performs and assists with fabrication, audio-visual installation, and art handling. Work includes constructing and repairing exhibition spaces and environmental elements; preparing and installing audio-visual artworks; packing, moving, documenting, and installing artwork; and supporting lighting adjustments. Preparators help guide Art Handlers/Installers during complex projects, communicate project needs and supply requirements, and coordinate with the Senior Preparator and Registrar & Digital Assets Manager. The position requires at least three years of relevant professional experience, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. It is fully onsite, 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work nights and weekends.

Requirements

At least three years of professional experience as an art handler, fabricator, carpenter, or A/V technician at a museum, gallery, design/build firm, or academic institution; contemporary art installation experience is preferred.
Ability to work independently or in a team with attention to detail, urgency, and ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Knowledge and experience with museum best practices for object care and handling, packing and moving artworks, and display techniques.
Working knowledge of different types of audio-visual equipment.
Working knowledge of gallery lighting, including wiring or adapting fixtures, creating custom gels, and understanding bulb types and applications.
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated experience working with exhibition teams.
Good organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work in physically demanding situations, including lifting up to 50 pounds and working at heights.
Flexibility to work nights and weekends.
Ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or commitment to do so as a VCU staff member.

Nice To Haves

BFA in Studio Art or Architecture, or equivalent professional/commercial-level experience.
Current driver’s license.
Proficiency in carpentry, fabrication, and production.
Professional demeanor when interacting with staff, couriers, and visiting artists, including appropriate safe dress.
Ability to proactively adapt and execute changes in layouts, presentations, display furniture, hardware, and dimensions to meet changing museum needs.
Workshop skills and safety experience, including use of hand and power tools.
Experience or licensure using forklifts, scissor lifts, scaffolding, and rigging.
A/V installation and troubleshooting experience.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with artists, curators, and project stakeholders to develop commissions from concept discussions through installation.
Contribute to the ideation and planning of artist-led projects, aligning them with curatorial objectives, budgets, timelines, and spatial requirements.
Produce exhibition layouts, installation plans, scale drawings, and technical documentation.
Coordinate with artists, fabricators, registrars, and installation teams to turn conceptual proposals into practical exhibition solutions.
Conduct site visits, spatial assessments, and feasibility studies.
Support testing and refinement of gallery layouts, visitor flow, and interpretive elements.
Prepare presentation materials, floor plans, and visualizations for review and approval.
Maintain records of design iterations, installation requirements, and project specifications.
Perform basic cutting and boring using shop equipment and tools.
Assist with framing, sheetrocking, taping, mudding, sanding, finishing, and wall demolition.
Patch small sections of walls, floors, and ceilings and paint surfaces to industry standards.
Support installation and de-installation of environmental elements such as carpet, curtains, and glass panels.
Assist with fabrication and de-installation tasks as assigned.
Assist with installation and de-installation of time-based and new-media artwork.
Read drawings, plans, and specification sheets and help retrieve equipment from A/V inventory.
Assist with complex multi-channel A/V environments, including preparing projection surfaces; securing projectors; calibrating projections; connecting speakers and amplifiers; managing cables; and fabricating custom cables, cords, and adapters.
Independently prepare, install, and de-install single-channel A/V artwork.
Perform other audio-visual tasks as assigned.
Pack, unpack, log, prepare, install, and de-install artwork.
Clean, repair, or reposition artwork as directed by Registrars or Conservators.
Support safe transport of crated artwork through exhibition spaces, hallways, elevators, and loading docks, including loading and unloading vehicles.
Support placement and adjustment of lights as directed by the Curatorial Department.
Perform other art-handling, installation, and de-installation tasks as assigned.
Debrief project scope with the Senior Preparator and Registrar & Digital Assets Manager.
Notify the Senior Preparator when supplies are low and need to be ordered.
Help guide Art Handlers/Installers during complex installation or de-installation projects.