Exhibition Preparator & Installer (Onsite)

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Job summary

The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU in Richmond is seeking a Preparator to support art handling, installation, and de-installation across exhibitions. The role requires hands-on fabrication skills, AV knowledge, and collaboration with curatorial teams.

Reporting to the Senior Preparator, you will assist with commissions, exhibition development, and on-site execution, including heavy lifting and night/weekend availability as needed.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of professional experience as art handler, fabricator, carpenter, or A/V tech in art/museum settings.
• Ability to work independently or in a team with high attention to detail and deadlines.
• Knowledge of museum best practices for art handling, packing and movement of artworks.
• Working knowledge of different types of audio-visual equipment.
• Experience collaborating with exhibitions teams.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with artists, curators, and project stakeholders from concept to installation.
• Develop exhibition layouts, installation plans, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate with artists, fabricators, registrars, and installation teams for practical solutions.
• Perform and assist with art-handling, installation, and de-installation tasks.
• Support lighting setup and interpretive elements for exhibitions.
• Maintain records of design iterations and installation requirements.

Skills

Art handling

Audio-visual

Fabrication

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BFA in Studio Art / Architecture

Tools

Carpentry tools

A/V equipment

Job description

The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU in Richmond is seeking a Preparator to support art handling, installation, and de-installation across exhibitions. The role requires hands-on fabrication skills, AV knowledge, and collaboration with curatorial teams.

Reporting to the Senior Preparator, you will assist with commissions, exhibition development, and on-site execution, including heavy lifting and night/weekend availability as needed.