JOB TITLE: Art Preparator

INSTITUTION: Buffalo AKG Art Museum 

JOB LOCATION: Buffalo, New York 

INSTITUTION WEBSITE: https://buffaloakg.org/

About the Institution: 

The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is the sixth oldest public art museum in the United States, and one of the oldest anywhere dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. Incorporated in December 1862, the Buffalo AKG is an artist-centric organization, and home to a world-renowned collection of modern and contemporary art. As the only global art museum in Western New York, the Buffalo AKG is an anchor for civic, cultural, and creative energies and activities, and a destination for tourists from around the nation and the world. 

Following three and a half years of construction supported by a $230 million capital campaign, the Buffalo AKG’s long-awaited new campus opened to the public in June 2023. Over the past decade, the museum has experienced extraordinary growth, more than doubling its operating budget, operating endowment funds, and the size of its full-time staff

The Buffalo AKG is Western New York’s cultural beacon and a role model for museums across the United States. The museum’s new campus is a physical manifestation of its dedication to empowering people—staff, volunteers, and visitors—through the transformative power of art. The new campus’ design philosophy emerges from a deep and broad community-oriented commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. The Buffalo AKG’s Board of Directors, Senior Leadership, and Staff have together made a long-standing commitment to creating an art museum that not only welcomes people from all walks of life but also engenders a sense of belonging in all who work at and visit the museum. 

In the years ahead, Buffalo AKG aspires to expand its reputation as a leader in the field of modern and contemporary art museums. Dedicated to developing its collection and presenting an original suite of exhibitions and engaging and accessible programs, the museum also seeks to catalyze new partnerships with artists, patrons, and peer institutions nationally and internationally. Internally, the Buffalo AKG seeks to create a welcoming, equitable workplace where leaders, managers, and operators thrive. Good governance, pay equity, and diversity of staff across all departments will continue to be a priority for the museum in the years ahead. 

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Art Preparator is responsible for the handling and movement of any artwork at the Museum’s Elmwood campus, Offsite Storage Facility, and special project locations. They work closely with the Registration, Curatorial, Public Art, and Facilities Departments to ensure the timely installation and maintenance of the museum’s exhibition program, including projects organized in-house as well as those contracted from other institutions. The preparator also supports the Art Preparation Department in day-to-day operations including collection care, prepping works for loan, incoming acquisitions, photography, framing, transportation, and storage.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Aids in all aspects of the handling and movement of artwork in the collection and on view in exhibitions
• Serves as an integral team member, by learning proper processes, materials, and techniques
• Responsible for keeping up-to-date in the ways in which to safely handle and properly display works of art in all media
• Responsible for the safe and organized storage of all art objects in the Permanent Collection, which includes moving, packing, unpacking, receiving, installing, de-installing, and their receipt and release, as needed
• Helps maintain a proper up-to-date inventory of any movement of works of art, accessories, and empty crates with the Registrars
• Aids in the transport of works of art between the museum’s main campus and offsite storage facility
• Assists in the transport of non-art objects such as empty crates, tools, and materials between the museum’s main campus and offsite storage facility
• As appropriate, acts as courier for objects in the Collection when on loan to other institutions
• Often collaborates with the Public Art team to assists on special projects as needed
• 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 collection
• Maintains a consistent flow of productivity and efficiency
• Participates in opportunities to advance professional growth
• Performs other duties as emergent situations require

• Two years plus experience in a museum, gallery, or appropriate fine art services setting
• Excellent art installation and art handling skills
• Applicable experience in the preparation of art objects for exhibition and loan
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite of products

• A dynamic team player
• A highly collaborative approach, with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Organizational skills, demonstrating attention to detail and effective time management
• Good judgment in decision making
• Excellent communication skills
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and in emergent situations
• Ability to drive during transports to and from the Museum’s Offsite Storage Facility
• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License and US Passport
• 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
• Comfortable working from heights

• Ideally, previous experience with tracking, rigging, crating, lifts, and other specialized equipment
• Ideally, previous experience in framing, woodworking, metalworking, lighting, or construction

This Position is: In-Person

Position Type: Full-Time

Benefits: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid time off, Contribution to Retirement Plan

How to Apply: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=62a3d3a8-5c0c-4247-8ade-f863a274d7e3&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=508765&lang=en_US&source=CC2

Job Closing Date: 9/25/2024