Art Handler

Accorhotel; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

21c Museum Hotels seeks an Art Handler to manage preparation, installation and transport of artworks for the collection and loans. The role requires flexibility, hands-on ability, and collaboration with the Registrar and Collections Manager.

Responsibilities include packing, shipping, and exposure to travel for installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, with potential weekend or evening work. Prior gallery experience preferred and ability to lift up to 50 lbs is required.

Qualifications

• One to two years of museum or gallery experience.
• Demonstration of organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication.
• Maintain a positive and professional demeanor.
• Ability to follow instructions and safely accomplish tasks.
• Work well as part of a cross-functional team.
• Experience installing a wide variety of artworks, including digital media.
• Knowledge of design and construction of museum exhibits; lighting concepts and safety regulations.
• Experience handling various art materials and packing methods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to interpret working drawings.

Responsibilities

• Installation, movement, storage and preparation of works of art in galleries and storage areas.
• Lighting and label/vinyl installation.
• Construction of packs/crates based on needs of individual works; coordinate with Collections Manager on packing materials.
• Assist in retrofitting crates as needed.
• Packing and unpacking of artworks.
• Pull works for exhibition and stage them efficiently.
• Assess condition and test artworks prior to exhibitions under supervision.
• Maintain crate labels, transfer forms and bills of lading.
• Communicate effectively with museum team.
• Move crated works on/off trucks.
• Maintain museum tools, hardware, and equipment.

Skills

Art handling

Exhibition installation

Packing & crating

Heavy lifting

Teamwork

Communication

Safety procedures

Drawings interpretation

Tools

Forklift

Truck driving

Job description

The Art Handler is responsible for all aspects of museum exhibition preparation, installation, and transportation, and helps oversee the safe handling of all artworks in the 21c collection, including incoming and outgoing loans. The position requires a broad variety of experience, flexibility, and demonstrable hands‑on abilities with a range of tasks. Exhibition‑related tasks include proper art handling, installation and de‑installation. In collaboration with the entire museum team, the Art Handler acts as a custodian for collection and loaned objects. Under the directive of the Registrar and Collections Manager, the Art Handler may also assist with collection work including art packing and unpacking, assembly and disassembly of artworks, preparing works for exhibition, shipping and receiving, and other collection‑related projects. Must be willing to travel to install and deinstall exhibitions for duration ranging from 1‑2 days to 2 weeks. Position also requires driving heavy‑duty trucks over long distances and may require occasional work on weekends and evenings as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Installation, movement, storage and preparation of works of art in galleries and storage areas.
• Lighting and label/vinyl installation.
• Construction of packs/crates based on needs of individual works. Work with Collections Manager to determine proper packing materials and requirements.
• Assist in the retrofitting of previously constructed crates.
• Packing and unpacking of artworks.
• Pull works for exhibition and stage them in an efficient and organized manner.
• Assess condition and test artworks prior to exhibitions under supervision of Collections Manager and/or Registrar.
• Working under the guidance of the Registrar and Collections Manager, update, format and maintain crate labels, object transfer forms and bills of lading for artworks in collection, as well as incoming and outgoing loans.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with museum team.
• Moving crated/packed works on and off trucks.
• Maintenance of the museum's tools, hardware, and other equipment.

Qualifications

• One to two years of museum or gallery experience.
• Demonstration of organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to focus on tasks, and ability to communicate effectively.
• Maintain a positive and professional demeanor.
• Ability to follow instructions and to quickly and safely accomplish tasks.
• Embody strong initiative and work ethic, as well as work well as part of a team.
• Experience installing a wide variety of artworks, including digital media works.
• Experience with condition reports.
• Knowledge of design and construction of museum exhibits; lighting concepts and systems; safety regulations, practices, and procedures; and ADA requirements.
• Knowledge of art handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes, and weights.
• Knowledge in using the standard tools, practices and methods used in painting, rough and finish carpentry as well as cabinet work.
• Experience with the use and application of different materials such as various kinds of lumber, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Interpret working drawings.
• Participate effectively as a member of a cross‑functional team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with museum, hotel, and restaurant staff, the general public, and representatives from other museums.
• Explain and carry out methods and procedures relating to the handling of irreplaceable art objects.
• Must be able to pass DOT required physical examinations necessary to acquire a medical examiner's certificate from a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.
• Preferred experience driving a 26' truck and forklift.
• Other duties as needed and required.

21c Museum Hotels is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristic. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/poster.cfm