Angels Gate Cultural Center (AGCC) provides space for artists to work and engages community through arts education, exhibitions of contemporary art, and cultural events. AGCC’s Exhibitions Program focuses on investigating contemporary art through a diverse array of artistic practices, cultures, media, and innovation in our galleries.  AGCC provides opportunities for emerging and established curators to examine new ideas surrounding notions of community and the marginalized in addition to conceptual explorations of art. AGCC exhibits a diverse range of emerging, midcareer, and established artists who create locally and nationally. The AGCC Exhibitions Program contributes to the vibrancy of our shared creative culture.

The Preparator will, under the supervision/collaboration of the Dir. of Exhibitions and Public Programming, install and deinstall fine art at AGCC’s onsite galleries and pop-up galleries in San Pedro and Long Beach, work with artists and curators in executing exhibition layout and design, determine technical and hardware needs to install art, problem solve complex installation processes as needed, inspect and take detailed condition reports of incoming and outgoing art loaned to AGCC, maintain gallery supplies and storage, implement and enforce safe handling and installation techniques of fine art, and coordinate with artists in the installation of their work.

Qualifications

• Passion for supporting artists and curators, and an interest in contemporary art
• Knowledge of techniques and materials related to art gallery displays and exhibitions; including storage, packaging, shipping, and display techniques for various art works such as paintings, photography, film/video, and sculpture
• Experience processing, documenting, cataloging, and condition reporting of art work
• Ability to navigate stairways multiple times per shift and lift loads up to 50lbs unsupported
• Availability to work flexible hours during 2–3-week gallery installation periods which may include nights and weekends
• Understanding of basic concepts of drawing, painting, commercial art, and design
• Knowledge and experience in art gallery lighting principles and techniques
• Knowledge of computer systems, software, and hardware related to the operation of an art gallery
• Installing and troubleshooting AV equipment, including: electronic media files, media players, projectors, monitors, and sound equipment
• Knowledge of necessary storage, safety, and handling methods for exhibited artwork
• Knowledge and experience to safely operate woodshop tools and power equipment such as jig saws, miter saws, table saws, electric tools, hand tools, ladders, to construct and accommodate art gallery displays
• General knowledge of safety practices and procedures
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with a team of AGCC staff, artists, and curators
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• A valid CA driver’s license or state or federal issued government ID is required

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the physical operation of an art gallery and performs tasks involved in storing, condition reporting, shipping, receiving, and installing art exhibits
• Maintain records and is responsible for the condition reporting, assembling, care, and maintenance of exhibiting artwork and ensures compliance with insurance or loan agreements
• Arrange, assemble, maintain, and dismantle materials and display structures used in exhibition programs at an art gallery
• Hang and focus lights according to an exhibit design using contemporary lighting consoles; selects proper lighting equipment for artwork based on the curator’s/artist’s requests and material sensitivity
• Oversee and maintain security related to the operation and maintenance of an art gallery during installs
• Direct and assist with the packing, unpacking, and transportation of art works and collections arriving and leaving an art gallery
• Assist in the orderly maintenance of the gallery surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings), fixtures, tools and equipment, and gallery storage
• Mount, label, place, and/or hang various objects of art ensuring that aesthetic and safety standards are met
• Operate and install AV equipment necessary to exhibit artwork including but not limited to projectors, media places, monitors, and sound equipment
• Operate, maintain and properly stores equipment such as power tools, painting equipment, and other equipment used in art galleries and art collections
• Design and construct art gallery displays and support structures, which may include but are not limited to, display shelves, pedestals, hanging fixtures, etc. for exhibitions as need
• Properly store supplies, tools, and equipment related to an art gallery
• Perform related duties as assigned

Schedule: Approximately 60-100 hours per exhibition de-installation/installation transition, according to exhibitions calendar at AGCC, and intermittently as needed.

All interested candidates should submit a resume and two references to Cecelia Koger cecelia@angelsgateart.org