Job Description

Overview/ Purpose:

• The Art Handler & Shipping coordinator will be responsible for the safe, and professional handling of artworks, and must be proficient with all aspects of installation and de-installation, packing, and unpacking. Successful candidates will also have a knowledge of best practices and materials for handling, installing, and packing works of fine art.
• In the shipping capacity, the person is responsible for preparing shipping forms, and condition reports. The successful candidate must be detailed-oriented, and willing to work collaboratively within a dynamic gallery team.

Responsibilities: Art Handler duties shall include, but not be limited to:

• The Art Handler is responsible for warehouse and exhibition support including packing, collecting, delivering, and transporting artwork in a safe, secure and timely manner
• Safe handling of objects, using appropriate methods of packing, loading and securing property for safe transport and storage
• Rotating works throughout the galleries and warehouses, including loading and unloading trucks
• Assisting with storage facility and the receipt and release of property
• Executing necessary paperwork, including property release forms and bills of lading
• Labeling and tagging inventory
• Communicating with gallery staff to successfully complete daily tasks and special assignments
• Performing general maintenance duties as needed
• Movement of inventory within the gallery
• Condition reporting for work coming in and out
• Work in collaboration with the gallery team in support of sales, exhibition production and installation/breakdown and art fair preparation
• Coordinate with and manage third-party contractors
• Ensuring artworks are safely stored (ie. humidity and temperature control regulation, preventative conservation)
• Maintain general upkeep of gallery, including light bulb replacement and painting

Shipping duties shall include, but not be limited to:

• Transportation logistics and documentation
• Liaise with and draft contracts for artwork lenders and consignors
• Preparing artwork for shipment and maintaining adequate stock of packing materials
• responsibility of arranging domestic and international transport of artworks, this includes customs brokerage, import clearance, collection, packing/crating, freight, insurance, and delivery segments
• Issue customs clearance instructions for all inbound goods into the Canada
• Predetermine appropriate packing and transport methods for all lots based on property attributes, such as, size, weight, material, quantity, fragility, value etc
• Provide an exceptional pre-sale experience to our clients within tight deadlines
• Work closely with the Sales Team to deliver an integrated, consistent, and exceptional client experience
• Closely monitor the progress of shipments, working with vendors to troubleshoot and rectify problems in a timely manner and ensuring that interested parties are apprised of the status of the shipment

Requirements:

• 3-5 years' experience in shipment and art handling in a gallery, museum, or auction house
• BA, preferably in art education and/or museum studies
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and collections management databases
• Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail
• Capable of working well with others in a small work environment
• Knowledgeable about museum-standard practices in handling and displaying artworks in a variety of media
• Physical requirements include the ability to lift heavy objects, climb ladders, and manual dexterity
• Familiar with database management as Artlogic, an asset