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Advertising Summary: The ICA invites applications for the position of Preparator. The Preparator supports and assists all aspects of art and exhibition space preparation, installation, and de-installation.

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.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Senior Preparator and a member of the exhibitions and programs team, the Preparator supports and assists all aspects of art and exhibition space preparation, installation, and de-installation. The Preparator demonstrates a solid foundation of skills that are emblematic of the industry, gained from employment at other fine art museums, cultural institutions, commercial galleries, design/build firms, or through artist assistant positions. Responsibilities include experienced art-handling, audio-visual, and fabrication skills with demonstrated proficiency in at least one of those areas. Preparators help guide Art Handlers/Installers in complex installation or de-installation projects. They have excellent communication skills and the ability to listen to, comprehend, and execute tasks in a timely and effective way.

Job Responsibilities

Commissions & Exhibition Development: 

• Collaborate with artists, curators, and project stakeholders to develop new commissions, from initial concept discussions through installation.

• Contribute to the ideation and planning of artist-led projects, ensuring alignment with curatorial objectives, budgets, timelines, and spatial requirements.

• Produce exhibition layouts, installation plans, scale drawings, and technical documentation to support the realization of new commissions and temporary exhibitions.

• Coordinate with artists, fabricators, registrars, and installation teams to translate conceptual proposals into practical exhibition solutions.

• Conduct site visits, spatial assessments, and feasibility studies to inform exhibition design and artwork placement.

• Support the development of exhibition through the testing and refinement of gallery layouts, visitor flow, and interpretive elements.

• Prepare presentation materials, floor plans, and visualizations for internal review, artist consultations, and stakeholder approvals.

• Maintain accurate records of design iterations, installation requirements, and project specifications throughout the exhibition development process.

Fabrication:  

• Perform basic cutting using contractor-style table saws and/or sliding table saws.  

• Perform basic boring using drill presses, handheld drills and drivers, rotary hammer drills, specialty bits and anchors, etc.  

• Assist with framing, sheetrocking, taping/mudding, sanding, finishing and demolishing walls.  

• Independently patch small sections of walls, floors, and ceilings and paint entire surfaces to industry standards.  

• Support with the installation and de-installation of environmental elements like carpet, curtains, and glass panels, etc.  

• Perform and assist with other fabrication and de-installation tasks as needed and assigned.

Audio Visual:

• Assist in the installation and de-installation of time-based/new media-based artwork.  

• Read drawings, plans, spec sheets and help pull equipment from A/V inventory.

• Assist in the preparation, installation, and de-installations of complex, multi-channel audio-visual environments by preparing surfaces to project on, securing ceiling/wall-mounted projectors, calibrating projections via laser leveling/keystoning/lens shifting, connecting speakers and amplifiers, executing cable/cord management with an emphasis on discreet/subtle placement, fabricating custom cables/cords/adapters, etc.  

• Independently execute the preparation, installation, and deinstallation of a single-channel audio-visual artwork.  

• Perform other audio-visual tasks as needed and assigned.

Art Handling and Installation:  

• Perform and assist with the unpacking/packing, logging, preparation, and installation/de-installation of artwork.  

• Perform and assist with the cleaning, repair, or repositioning of artwork as directed by Registrars or Conservators.  

• Support the transporting of crated artwork through exhibition spaces, hallways, elevators, and loading dock (including the safe and secure loading/unloading of vehicles) in coordination with the Senior Preparator and Registrar & Digital Assets Manager.  

• Support the placement and adjustment of lights per the direction of the Curatorial Department to properly illuminate exhibitions.  

• Perform and assist with other art-handing, installation and deinstallation tasks as needed and assigned.

• Coordinate with the Senior Preparator and Registrar & Digital Assets Manager to debrief full-scope of projects.   

• Communicate to the Senior Preparator when supplies are low and in need of ordering.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• At least (3) years of professional experience working as an art handler, fabricator, carpenter, or A/V tech at other museums, galleries, design/build firms, academic institutions, preferably contemporary Art installations 

• Able to work independently or in a team-setting with a high level of attention to detail, sense of urgency, and ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with museum best practices for object care and handling, packing and moving of artworks, and appropriate display techniques

• Working knowledge of different types of audio-visual equipment 

• Working knowledge of gallery lighting (wiring/adapting fixtures, creating custom gels, knowledge of different styles of bulbs and their applications). 

• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills

• Strong critical thinking and problem solving 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 ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• BFA in Studio Art, Architecture or an equivalent experience at a professional/commercial level

• Current driver’s license

• Proficiency in carpentry, fabrication and production

• Professional demeanor when interacting with staff, couriers, and visiting artists; including but not limited to safe/proper dress code 

• Ability to proactively adapt and execute changes in layout, presentation or changes in types/dimensions of display furniture, hardware, and layout to suit the ever-changing needs of the museum that are inherent to this industry is essential.

• 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: $52,900 - $62,900

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 2827B - Preparator Base

Application Deadline: October 30, 2026

Contact Information:
Contact Name: VCUarts HR
Contact Email: artshr@vcu.edu