Institute for Contemporary Art Preparator

Reporting to the Senior Preparator and a member of the exhibitions and programs team, the Preparator supports and assists all aspects of art and exhibition space preparation, installation, and de-installation. The Preparator demonstrates a solid foundation of skills that are emblematic of the industry, gained from employment at other fine art museums, cultural institutions, commercial galleries, design/build firms, or through artist assistant positions. Responsibilities include experienced art-handling, audio-visual, and fabrication skills with demonstrated proficiency in at least one of those areas. Preparators help guide Art Handlers/Installers in complex installation or de-installation projects. They have excellent communication skills and the ability to listen to, comprehend, and execute tasks in a timely and effective way.

• Collaborate with artists, curators, and project stakeholders to develop new commissions, from initial concept discussions through installation.

• Contribute to the ideation and planning of artist-led projects, ensuring alignment with curatorial objectives, budgets, timelines, and spatial requirements.

• Produce exhibition layouts, installation plans, scale drawings, and technical documentation to support the realization of new commissions and temporary exhibitions.

• Coordinate with artists, fabricators, registrars, and installation teams to translate conceptual proposals into practical exhibition solutions.

• Conduct site visits, spatial assessments, and feasibility studies to inform exhibition design and artwork placement.

• Support the development of exhibition through the testing and refinement of gallery layouts, visitor flow, and interpretive elements.

• Prepare presentation materials, floor plans, and visualizations for internal review, artist consultations, and stakeholder approvals.

• Maintain accurate records of design iterations, installation requirements, and project specifications throughout the exhibition development process.

• Perform basic cutting using contractor-style table saws and/or sliding table saws.  

• Perform basic boring using drill presses, handheld drills and drivers, rotary hammer drills, specialty bits and anchors, etc.  

• Assist with framing, sheetrocking, taping/mudding, sanding, finishing and demolishing walls.  

• Independently patch small sections of walls, floors, and ceilings and paint entire surfaces to industry standards.  

• Support with the installation and de-installation of environmental elements like carpet, curtains, and glass panels, etc.  

• Perform and assist with other fabrication and de-installation tasks as needed and assigned.

• Assist in the installation and de-installation of time-based/new media-based artwork.  

• Read drawings, plans, spec sheets and help pull equipment from A/V inventory.

• Assist in the preparation, installation, and de-installations of complex, multi-channel audio-visual environments by preparing surfaces to project on, securing ceiling/wall-mounted projectors, calibrating projections via laser leveling/keystoning/lens shifting, connecting speakers and amplifiers, executing cable/cord management with an emphasis on discreet/subtle placement, fabricating custom cables/cords/adapters, etc.  

• Independently execute the preparation, installation, and deinstallation of a single-channel audio-visual artwork.  

• Perform other audio-visual tasks as needed and assigned.

• Perform and assist with the unpacking/packing, logging, preparation, and installation/de-installation of artwork.  

• Perform and assist with the cleaning, repair, or repositioning of artwork as directed by Registrars or Conservators.  

• Support the transporting of crated artwork through exhibition spaces, hallways, elevators, and loading dock (including the safe and secure loading/unloading of vehicles) in coordination with the Senior Preparator and Registrar & Digital Assets Manager.  

• Support the placement and adjustment of lights per the direction of the Curatorial Department to properly illuminate exhibitions.  

• Perform and assist with other art-handing, installation and deinstallation tasks as needed and assigned.

• Coordinate with the Senior Preparator and Registrar & Digital Assets Manager to debrief full-scope of projects.   

• Communicate to the Senior Preparator when supplies are low and in need of ordering.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least (3) years of professional experience working as an art handler, fabricator, carpenter, or A/V tech at other museums, galleries, design/build firms, academic institutions, preferably contemporary Art installations 

• Able to work independently or in a team-setting with a high level of attention to detail, sense of urgency, and ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with museum best practices for object care and handling, packing and moving of artworks, and appropriate display techniques

• Working knowledge of different types of audio-visual equipment 

• Working knowledge of gallery lighting (wiring/adapting fixtures, creating custom gels, knowledge of different styles of bulbs and their applications). 

• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills

• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills 

• Demonstrated experience working with exhibitions teams

• Good organizational and time management skills

• Ability to work in physically demanding situations, including heavy lifting up to 50 pounds and working at heights

• Flexibility to work nights and weekends

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• BFA in Studio Art, Architecture or an equivalent experience at a professional/commercial level

• Current driver’s license

• Proficiency in carpentry, fabrication and production

• Professional demeanor when interacting with staff, couriers, and visiting artists; including but not limited to safe/proper dress code 

• Ability to proactively adapt and execute changes in layout, presentation or changes in types/dimensions of display furniture, hardware, and layout to suit the ever-changing needs of the museum that are inherent to this industry is essential.

• Demonstrated experience with workshop skills and safety, including using hand and power tools 

• Demonstrated experience with/licensure in the use of: forklifts, scissor lifts, scaffolding, and rigging

• A/V installation and troubleshooting experience