Institute for Contemporary Art Preparator

About the role

The Preparator supports and assists all aspects of art and exhibition space preparation, installation, and de‑installation at the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU. Designed by Steven Holl Architects and located at the corner of Broad and Belvidere, the ICA presents the art of our time with free admission, serving as a major resource for VCU, Richmond, and beyond. Reporting to the Senior Preparator and working as a member of the exhibitions and programs team, the Preparator demonstrates a solid foundation of industry skills gained from employment at fine art museums, cultural institutions, commercial galleries, design/build firms, or through artist assistant positions. The role requires experienced art‑handling, audio‑visual, and fabrication skills with demonstrated proficiency in at least one of those areas, plus the ability to guide Art Handlers/Installers on complex projects and communicate effectively to execute tasks in a timely manner.

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 exhibitions 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.
• 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 the installation and de‑installation of environmental elements such as carpet, curtains, and glass panels.
• 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‑installation of complex, multi‑channel audio‑visual environments: 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 placement, fabricating custom cables/cords/adapters.
• Independently execute the preparation, installation, and de‑installation 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 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‑handling, installation and de‑installation 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 three (3) years of professional experience working as an art handler, fabricator, carpenter, or A/V tech at museums, galleries, design/build firms, or academic institutions, preferably with 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 diverse population of faculty, staff, and students, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• BFA in Studio Art, Architecture, or 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 safe/proper dress code.
• Ability to proactively adapt and execute changes in layout, presentation, or types/dimensions of display furniture, hardware, and layout to suit the ever‑changing needs of the museum.
• 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.

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, and abundant opportunities for career development and advancement.

Pay

Salary range: $52,900 – $62,900 per year.

Schedule

• Full‑time, 40 hours per week.
• FLSA status: Non‑Exempt.
• Work arrangement: Fully onsite.
• Flexibility to work nights and weekends as required.

University Job Title: 2827B – Preparator. Contact: VCUarts HR, artshr@vcu.edu.