Freelance Art Handling Technician

Art Institute of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Art Institute of Chicago seeks a Freelance Art Handling Technician to assist with art movement for exhibitions, displays, and offsite storage. You will collaborate with curators, registrars, conservators, and facilities to ensure safe handling and proper presentation of artworks.

Responsibilities include packing/unpacking, coordinating with departments, and maintaining documentation. Requires 2+ years art handling experience and strong dexterity; TSA compliance knowledge is a plus.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum two years’ experience handling works of art.
• Knowledge of safe and current best practices for art handling.
• Exceptional manual dexterity with hand and power tools.
• Understanding/experience of rigging methods, AV, or mount installation.
• Expertise preparing display case work and housing for artworks.
• Effective communication and multitasking skills.
• Computer skills; knowledge of Google Suite; ability to learn museum databases.

Responsibilities

• Perform art handling and installation, including deinstallations and rotations, coordinating with other departments.
• Pack/unpack objects with appropriate materials; enter packing notes in the database.
• Work with registrars and conservators to ensure art is cared for and displayed to specifications.
• Assist with incoming/outgoing shipments and transfer to storage or exhibition spaces.
• Support movement of objects to offsite storage and monitor TSA regulations.
• Conduct weekly gallery audits under supervision and maintain vaults and storage.
• Participate in training and adopt new art handling techniques and safe practices.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Rigging methods

Art handling

AV installation

Computer skills

Google Suite

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

The Art Institute of Chicago seeks a Freelance Art Handling Technician to assist with art movement for exhibitions, displays, and offsite storage. You will collaborate with curators, registrars, conservators, and facilities to ensure safe handling and proper presentation of artworks.

Responsibilities include packing/unpacking, coordinating with departments, and maintaining documentation. Requires 2+ years art handling experience and strong dexterity; TSA compliance knowledge is a plus.