Gallery Preparator & AV Technician
Closing Date of Opportunity: October 7, 2023
Name or Organization: Contemporary Calgary
Contact Email: careers@contemporarycalgary.com
Website: https://www.contemporarycalgary.com/
Post Content: Job Title: Gallery Preparator & AV Technician
Location: Contemporary Calgary, 701 11 St SW, Calgary, AB
Full or Part Time: Full-Time
Hours of Work: 40 hours/week. Weekend and evening work may be required.
Regular/Temporary: 1-year fixed term contract with possibility of extension
Salary: 50,000/ year
Closing date: October 7, 2023
How to Apply : Please apply with a cover letter and resume by October 7, 2023 to careers@contemporarycalgary.com Subject Line: Gallery Preparator & AV Technician Not all applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Job Description: The Gallery Preparator & A/V Tech works closely and collaboratively with the Curatorial Team and the Facilities Manager in the planning and preparation of exhibitions. This includes organization of transport and insurance; registrarial duties; installation and de-installation of exhibitions.
Duties & responsibilities
Housed in what is regarded as a brutalist architectural icon, the gallery building was originally built as the Centennial Planetarium in 1967. Contemporary Calgary’s distinct architecture which includes three galleries, one auditorium, and a dome theatre, affords a range of dynamic programming that is site-specific and diverse. Each of the galleries has a unique design that accommodates exhibitions of varied scale and scope, and situates active conversations around artistic content and social changes. Contemporary Calgary hosts a programme of six to eight temporary exhibitions in a year that celebrate established figures, provide a platform for emerging artists and tendencies; new, site-specific commissions; and displays of works from important collections. The Gallery Preparator & A/V Tech will work on the delivery of several projects concurrently.
Artwork 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 the Curatorial team.
● Support the transportation of crated artwork through exhibition spaces, hallways, elevators, and loading dock (including the safe and secure loading/unloading of vehicles) in coordination with the Curatorial team.
● Support the placement and adjustment of lights per the direction of the Curatorial team to properly illuminate exhibitions.
● Perform and assist with other art-handing, installation and de- installation tasks as needed and assigned.
● Monitor and maintain budgets for specific exhibitions and exhibition catalogues meticulously and in a timely fashion. This includes obtaining estimates, processing invoices, maintaining digital and physical budget files and liaising with the Finance Department
Fabrication:
● Assist with the reading and interpretation of drawings and plans, and assist with the preparation, fabrication, and finishing of certain elements of museum-specific objects. ● Assist with the installing and de-installing of pedestals, kickbases, freestanding and wall mounted vitrines, exhibition furniture, and oneof-a-kind artist-driven constructions, among other projects.
● Perform basic cutting using contractor-style table saws and/or sliding table saws, sliding compound mitre saws and abrasion disc chop saws, light-duty routers, and angle grinders.
*Note that for more complicated, specialised fabrication needs, external contractors will be engaged.
Registrar:
● Organise condition and packing reports to museum standard, keeping records of movement and conditions of works and liaise with conservators and couriers when necessary
● Organise and oversee exhibition related transport, which includes updating shipping lists, obtaining estimates of costs, and monitoring customs documentation, liaising with shippers and the exhibition Curator
● Issue contracts to partner organisations, artists, curators and authors in consultation with the Department
● Maintain files and correspondence as well as archiving past exhibition files
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 AV inventory.
● Assist in the preparation, installation, and de-installations of multi-channel audio-visual environments by preparing surfaces to project on, securing ceiling/wall-mounted projectors, calibrating projections via laser levelling/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 de- installation of a single-channel audio-visual artwork.
● Front of house / mic tech audio experience that includes set up and operating audio and visual equipment for multimedia presentations, artist talks, and educational programs.
Requirements:
● BFA in Studio Art, Furniture Design, Product Design, Architecture, Engineering, etc., or an equivalent experience at a professional/commercial level.
● Minimum of three years of professional experience working as an art handler, fabricator, carpenter, or A/V tech at other museums, galleries, design/build firms, academic institutions, etc.
● Able to work independently or in a team-setting with a high level of attention to detail, sense of urgency, and ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
● Working knowledge of museum best practices and standards in handling artworks (during transportation, unpacking, condition reporting, and hanging) and in installing and de-installing artwork (hanging, rigging, tethering systems, anchor types and installation methods, security hardware types and installation, etc.) ● Working knowledge of manipulating different types of materials (wood, composites, plastics, metal, cement).
● 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).
● Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and auditory), as well as strong listening skills. ● Strong organisation and knolling skills applied before, during, and after execution of tasks with regard to tools, materials, and workspaces.
● Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. ● Professional demeanour 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.
● Proficiency with moving and lift equipment including but limited to staging dollies, a-frames, painting carts, push-around aerial lift platforms, and scissor lifts.