Museum Art Handling Technician (Freelance, On-site)

Art Institute of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The Freelance Art Handling Technician at the Art Institute of Chicago supports art movement for exhibitions, collections displays, and offsite storage. You will collaborate with curators, collection managers, registrars, conservators, facilities, and security to ensure artworks are handled safely and accurately.

Responsibilities include packing/unpacking, documentation, and assisting with shipments, with emphasis on safe handling and adherence to museum standards.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required or 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 use of hand/power tools.
• Experience with rigging methods, AV, or mount installation.
• Experience preparing display case work and housing for artworks.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational and multitasking abilities; detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Art handling and installation across museum spaces and offsite locations.
• Packs and unpacks objects using appropriate materials and enters packing notes in the database.
• Works with registrars, curatorial staff, and conservators to ensure proper care and presentation.
• Assists with incoming/outgoing shipments and movement of crates to storage or exhibition spaces.
• Maintains art vaults, storage, tools, and supplies; supports weekly gallery audits.
• Learns and applies new handling techniques and museum-specific systems.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Computer skills (Google Suite)

Education

High school diploma or GED

2 years experience handling artworks

Tools

Rigging methods

AV systems

Mount installation

Display case hardware

Hand and power tools

Job description

The Freelance Art Handling Technician at the Art Institute of Chicago supports art movement for exhibitions, collections displays, and offsite storage. You will collaborate with curators, collection managers, registrars, conservators, facilities, and security to ensure artworks are handled safely and accurately.

Responsibilities include packing/unpacking, documentation, and assisting with shipments, with emphasis on safe handling and adherence to museum standards.