Job Description

Prospect seeks qualified art handlers to install/deinstall a large exhibition and prepare works for display and return shipping at the close of the exhibition. Art handler candidates must be highly motivated, detail oriented, team players with prior experience at a museum, gallery, or other art handling company. This is an hourly position, 5 days with some weekend work required, $25-$35 per hour, based on experience. Tentative employment term August 19 - November 4, 2024.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Preparators/Site Leads with installation/deinstallation in Prospect venues and outdoor sites throughout the city
• Assist artists and studio managers with installation based projects 
• Un/Packing and preparing of artworks for installation/deinstallation
• Preparation of gallery/museum spaces including patching and painting walls 
• Assist registrarial team with condition reports of artworks
• Installing object labels 
• Assist Site Lead/Head Prep with lighting

Experience

• Experience working in major galleries, art institutions, or art handling/shipping companies
• Exemplary knowledge of best practices while handling, installing, and un/packing artworks
• Ability to follow complex instructions with an attention to detail, safety, organization and clean-up
• Have great communications skills with a positive and professional attitude

Skills

• Knowledge of best practices for un/packing and installing 2D and 3D objects
• Basic construction knowledge and use of hand and power tools
• General handling knowledge of archival and other materials depending upon the medium, surfaces, condition, and fragility of a particular work
• Know how to un/pack a slat crate, travel frame, shadow box, slipcase, cavity pack, and standard crating techniques

Requirements 

• At least 2 years experience working at a museum, gallery, or other art handling company
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for 3-4 hours 
• Comfort with heights and climbing ladders 
• Must be available for the duration of installation period 
• Must have a valid US driver's license and personal vehicle
• Must provide a personal tool kit: drills, hammer, tape measure, level, blade, etc. 
• Regularly communicate via email and text (whatsApp or Signal) throughout the day

Prospect will provide:

• Supplies and materials, hardware, building equipment 
• 1hr paid lunch break with two 15-minute breaks, drinking water, snacks
• Daily and weekly schedules for each site (printed and emailed) 

To Apply

Prospect is excited to welcome interested applicants to email their resume, a brief statement about why they are interested in the role, and two professional references to info@prospectneworleans.org. Thank you for your interest in Prospect New Orleans. 

About Prospect New Orleans

Prospect New Orleans was conceived in the tradition of international exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale and the Bienal de São Paulo to showcase practices from around the world in settings throughout the city with an emphasis on site-specificity. The Prospect exhibition is a citywide contemporary art triennial, formalized in 2008 and now at work on its sixth iteration, curated by Miranda Lash & Ebony G. Patterson and open to the public November 2, 2024 – February 2, 2025. The VIP & Press preview is October 30 - November 1, 2024. 

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply.