Advertising Summary: The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU invites applicants for the position of part-time Art Handler.
Unit: Institute for Contemporary Art MBU
Department: Institute for Contemporary Art
Department Summary: Designed by Steven Holl Architects and located at the corner of Broad and Belvidere, the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU presents the art of our time and provides an open forum for dialogue and collaboration across the region and throughout the world. With free admission, the ICA is a major resource for VCU, Richmond, and beyond.
Job Overview Statement
Art Handlers/Installers assist the Chief Preparator & Exhibition Designer with delivery/receiving and installation/deinstallation of artworks and preparation and maintenance of exhibition spaces. Responsibilities may also include: construction of exhibition furniture and crates; packing and fitting crates, and assistance with inventory control and maintenance of tools and equipment.
The Art Handlers/Installers will generally work during installation and deinstallation periods between the ICA’s exhibition cycles, with other hours as required. Art Handers/Installers work closely with and provide support and assistance to the ICA’s Chief Preparator & Exhibition Designer and Registrar & Digital Assets Manger.
Job Responsibilities
- Prepare and organize tools and equipment required for installation and deinstallation
- Assist in the inventory maintenance of consumable exhibition materials
- Assist with incoming and outgoing art and equipment shipments
- Prepare gallery spaces for exhibition, including: Wall repair and Painting
- Assist in the construction and preparation of Art Installations, Exhibition furniture, Crates and packaging.
- Handles, moves, places, and prepares Art Objects under the supervision of the Chief Preparator & Exhibition Designer.
- Assist artists who are on-site for installation/deinstallation under the supervision of the Chief Preparator & Exhibition Designer
- Assist with the installation of A/V equipment, including speakers, monitors, and projectors
- Assist with Lighting of Gallery Spaces
- Install labels, signage and other didactic materials
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
●2-3 years experience with hands-on installation and deinstallation of complex and preferably contemporary Art installations
● Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with museum best practices for object care and handling, packing and moving of artworks, and appropriate display techniques
● Strong interpersonal and verbal communication 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 experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
Preferred Qualifications
● Current driver’s license
● Proficiency in carpentry, fabrication and production
● 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
Salary Range: $20 - $25/hour
Benefits : All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.
FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Hours per Week: 15-29
ORP Eligible: No
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
University Job Title: 28271N - Preparator 1
Rank: Non Faculty
Application Deadline: Application materials due February 19, 2026.
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Arts HR
Contact Email: artshr@vcu.edu
