Freelance Art Handling Technician - Install Exhibitions

The Art Institute of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Art Institute of Chicago seeks a Freelance Art Handling Technician to move and install artworks for exhibitions and displays, and to assist with offsite storage. Collaboration with curators, registrars, conservators, and facilities is essential.

You will follow museum best practices, perform packing, ensure proper handling, and maintain art databases, with training provided to adopt new techniques and tools.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum two years’ experience handling works of art, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of safe and current best practices for art handling.
• Exceptional manual dexterity and competence using a wide variety of hand and power tools.
• Understanding and experience of rigging methods, AV, or mount installation.
• Expertise preparing display case work, support structures, and housing for artworks.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and multitasking skills, highly detail-oriented, and ability to follow precise instructions.
• Computer skills; knowledge of Google Suite; ability to learn museum-specific collection database systems.

Responsibilities

• Art handling and installation: safe handling for installations, deinstallations, rotations and displays; coordinate with departments.
• Packing and logistics: assist with shipments, transfer to storages or exhibition spaces; support transport to offsite storage; monitor TSA requirements.
• Collections in care: assist weekly gallery audits; maintain vaults, storage, tools; update databases.
• Training and new applications: follow guidelines; participate in training; learn new techniques; improve handling and display processes.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Rigging methods

AV mounting installation

Communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Google Suite

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Art Institute of Chicago seeks a Freelance Art Handling Technician to move and install artworks for exhibitions and displays, and to assist with offsite storage. Collaboration with curators, registrars, conservators, and facilities is essential.

You will follow museum best practices, perform packing, ensure proper handling, and maintain art databases, with training provided to adopt new techniques and tools.