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
