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ABOUT THE BUFFALO AKG ART MUSEUM
Founded in 1862 as the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum is the sixth-oldest art museum in the United States and one of the oldest anywhere dedicated to modern and contemporary art. As one of the most prominent cultural institutions in Western New York, the Buffalo AKG serves tens of thousands of students, families, tourists, and art lovers each year.
In 2019, the museum broke ground on a transformative campus development and expansion project and is set to reopen in 2023. At the same time, the museum has been engaged in a wholesale reevaluation of its institutional identity, with a particular focus on making the Buffalo AKG a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible institution.
POSITION
SUMMARY:
Part time - approximately 30 hours per week.
The Part-time Art Preparator is responsible for assisting in the handling and movement of any artwork at the Museum’s Elmwood campus, Offsite Storage Facility, and special project locations, as needed. They work closely with the Full-time Art Preparators to ensure the expedient installation of special and collection-based exhibitions. They are responsible for assisting in the receiving and installing of special exhibitions, including projects organized in-house as well as those contracted from other institutions.
Responsibilities
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Involved in all aspects of handling and movement of the artwork within the building
Learns proper processes, techniques, and materials while assisting Full-time preparators
Works with Art Preparation, Registration, and Facilities Departments when executing collection and exhibition-based projects
Responsible for keeping up to date in the ways in which to safely handle and properly display works of art in all media
Assists in the safe and organized storage of all objects in the Permanent Collection, which involves moving, packing, unpacking, installing, de-installing, receipt, and release
Maintains a proper up-to-date inventory of any movement of the art with the Registrars
Aids with the physical organization and maintenance of the Museum in partnership with the Facilities Department, including weekly gallery maintenance procedures
Assists the Full-Time Art Preparators in the transport of art objects from the Museum to the Offsite Storage Facility
Assists the Full-Time Art Preparators in the transport of non-art objects such as empty crates, tools, and materials from the Museum’s main campus to the Offsite Storage Facility
Facilitates internal communication by participating in team meetings and sharing knowledge, skills, and experience with co-workers
Assists the staff and outside researchers requiring access to works in the Permanent Collection
Assists other museum staff and outside contractors,
Maintains a consistent flow of productivity and efficiency
Participates in opportunities to advance professional growth
Performs other duties as emergent situations require
Requirements
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Education and Experience:
One year plus experience in a museum, gallery, or appropriate fine art services setting
Good art installation and art handling skills
General Knowledge of Microsoft Suite of products
Ideally, previous experience with tracking, rigging, crating, lifts, and other specialized equipment
Minimum requirements
A strong team player with a highly collaborative approach and a demonstrated ability to work with and take direction from team members
conservators, and visiting artists
Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
Solid organizational skills, demonstrating attention to detail, punctuality, and effective time management
Good judgment in decision making
Excellent communication skills
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and in emergent situations
Valid driver’s license to assist with transporting art to and from the Museum’s Offsite Storage Facility (US Passport and/or/enhanced license for Canadian travel)
Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds
Ability to use varied hand tools
Knowledge of art processes and materials
Ability to ascend and descend ladders and lifts, as well as work from them when installing, maintaining, or deinstalling artworks on loan or in the Permanent Collection
Additional requirements
- Experience with rigging, crating, framing, construction, woodworking, metalworking, lifts, and specialized equipment preferred