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View Full Version : Lead Preparator- Institute for Contemporary Art, Richmond, VA



erika.katayama
05-09-2017, 10:04 AM
Scheduled to open in 2017, the new Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), designed by the renowned Steven Holl Architects, invites applications for the position of Creative Director.
The ICA will be an iconic gateway for the city of Richmond. As a non-collecting museum, the ICA will showcase a fresh slate of changing innovative exhibitions, performances, films and special programs that engage the university, students, faculty, the broader Richmond community, and beyond.
The 41,000-square-foot ICA will be an incubator for interdisciplinary experimentation for the entire university while simultaneously providing opportunities for collaboration both locally and internationally. It will be in direct dialogue with VCUarts, the #1 public art school in the country; set within a major, urban public research university with national and international rankings in sponsored research; and centrally located on the East Coast in a city with a top-10 museum and a region with few venues for the latest contemporary art. The ICA will become a conduit for global collaboration, bridging the distance to artists working in other regions internationally.
Reporting to the Director of Facilities, Installation, and Exhibition Design, the Lead Preparator is a critical member of a collaborative team charged with producing the ICA’s ambitious exhibition program within the allotted budget, space and time. The ICA Office of Facilities, Installation, and Exhibition Design works with departments and staff across the ICA to ensure successful and sustainable operations, in support of the ICA’s mission, vision, and intended impact. The department oversees the general operations of the facility, including caf? operations, exhibition, educational, and special event related programs held in the ICA auditorium, Forum, and grounds; directly liaises with VCU Police, Facilities Management, and Technology Services to maintain and improve the ICA’s physical plant.
As a key member of the ICA staff, the Lead Preparator works in conjunction with colleagues in Facilities and Exhibitions to plan and implement the ICA’s ambitious schedule of in-house and traveling exhibitions. The Lead Preparator assists with all exhibition-related design and installation planning and ensures the safe and secure installation of works on temporary loan to the ICA, installed both inside and outside of the facility. As part of this team, and the larger VCU community, the Lead Preparator assists in the creation dynamic and safe experiences for all visitors to the ICA, and engages regularly with faculty and students from across the university as a facility liaison.
The Lead Preparator is responsible for technical aspects of museum-quality art handling including receiving, shipping, packing, framing, mounting and storage, and participates in exhibition planning, working to ensure the smooth operation of installations and management during the run of an exhibition. In addition to their work in exhibitions, the Lead Preparator also assists their supervisor with the facilities and programmatic operations at the ICA, including after hours and weekend events and programs:


Working collaboratively with supervisor and departments across the ICA, produce superior quality, impactful temporary exhibitions that are physically accessible, safe, securely installed, and well designed

Assist in interpreting works of art through installation and exhibition design

Assist in supervising temporary installation staff

Properly and expertly hangs/installs works of art

Design, prepare, and fabricate exhibition furniture, platforms, displays, and other required elements under direction of the Director of Facilities, Installation, and Exhibition Design

Assist in determining and implementing the lighting of artwork

Assist in the planning and overseeing of exhibition flow

Paint galleries and exhibition furniture

Prepare signs and labels

Fabricate hanging and mounting systems for works of art

Regularly perform maintenance duties to keep exhibits and displays clean and functioning properly

Prepare artwork for shipping; receive and unpack shipments of art and other exhibition related materials, and act as a courier for ICA traveling exhibitions

Transport art in 26’ moving trucks; knowledge of proper strapping techniques

Perform related duties as assigned




Assist supervisor in overseeing and managing the day-to-day facility operations of the ICA



In partnership with supervisor, respond to facility issues and needs, trouble shoot causes and report to VCU Facilities Management

Assist in responding to after hours alarms and emergencies

Assist in the daily monitoring, recording, and reporting of facility issues across the ICA

As needed, liaise between VCU contract security, supervisor, and VCU Facilities Management including housekeeping and grounds

Manage and maintain the ICA workshop, storage, and preparation areas, including tools and other equipment



Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent and at least 3-5 years of art handling experience

Demonstrated experience with carpentry, construction, and welding techniques

Demonstrated experience with Audio/Visual installation

Experience with and understanding of best museum practices in art handling and installation

Experience with rigging techniques and processes

Ability to work in a fast paced environment, and implement creative problem-solving skills

Ability to work in a diverse environment and with a diverse range of colleagues, stakeholders, and visitors is required

Strong intrapersonal skills, and demonstrated ability to maintain composure under pressure

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Basic computer office skills-Excel, Word, Gmail and Google Calendar/Drive

Experience using CAD or similar programs

Ability to work weekends, holidays and evenings

Interest in contemporary art




About Institute for Contemporary Art (http://aam-us-jobs.careerwebsite.com/jobseeker/company/812820/Institute%20for%20Contemporary%20Art?job=34699727) A nonprofit organization, the ICA relies on a variety of funding sources for its programming, including memberships, grants, donations, admissions, and store and ticket sales.