Collections Technician / Art Handler

Cai Studio

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The studio of contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang (Cai Studio) is seeking a full-time Collections Technician/Art Handler with a background in fine art handling, shipping, installation, and storage. An ideal candidate is self-motivated, highly organized, skilled in creative and adaptive problem-solving, and capable of prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Under the direction of the artist, Cai Studio oversees the fabrication of original artworks, the coordination of public exhibitions, and the conception and production of related publications. The Collections department presides over the artist’s full inventory of artworks (both his own and his collected works). Collections collaborates closely with the studio’s other four departments: Administration, Projects, Archives, and Technical on a regular basis. This role reports directly to the Head of Collections.

Responsibilities
  • Frequently move, pack, and install artworks of diverse media (often large-scale)

  • Re-house and modify existing housing for 2-D and 3-D artworks

  • Participate in artwork inventory projects and catalog new artworks; work closely with the artist and team to ensure artworks are titled, signed, and photographed efficiently

  • Manage studio framing services; request quotes and liaise with framer, prepare/stage artworks and assist with handling for on-site framing

  • Work closely with the Head of Collections to manage artwork shipments, prepare condition reports, assist with packing and crating, and oversee loading/offloading trucks

  • Maintain up-to-date and detailed documentation in the Collections Management System; generate reports, spreadsheets, checklists, and labels; properly archive shipping paperwork, invoices, etc.

  • Manage and maintain well-organized storage and exhibition spaces, and monitor climate conditions, cleanliness, and pest activity

  • Manage and organize collections materials, tools, and supplies; and occasionally collaborate with Technical department to fabricate simple storage furniture, carts, or similar

  • Collaborate with the Head of Collections to plan and implement appropriate collections improvement projects, in accordance with the studio’s priorities (e.g. upcoming exhibitions, long-term legacy planning, ongoing inventory analysis, etc.)

Requirements
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in an art handling role

  • Strong knowledge of industry standards for handling, packing, transporting, and storing fine art

  • Proficiency with tools and moving equipment such as power drills, ladders, pallet jacks, dollies, and J-bars

  • Experience using a Collections Management System (such as CollectiveAccess, TMS, Museum Plus, etc.)

  • Proficiency working with spreadsheets Excel, Google Sheets, or similar

  • Ability to lift 50lbs+ on a regular basis

  • Ability to work on your feet for extended periods of time, including bending and kneeling

  • Experience operating heavy machinery such as forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, etc. preferred

  • Skills in artwork services such as photography, framing, crating, mount-making, exhibition lighting, etc. preferred

  • Valid driver’s license

  • Working proficiency of English language

  • Valid proof of employment authorization in the United States

How to Apply

Please send resume and cover letter (in PDF form) to nystudio.search@gmail.com with “Collections Technician” and your last name in the subject line. Only selected applicants will be contacted.

Contact
Posted on April 25