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Associate Preparator
Los Angeles, United States
ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes in the power of illustrated stories to connect us. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.
Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art seeks a skilled art handler and fabricator at the Associate Preparator level, to join the Art Prep team within the Museum Services Division. Reporting to the Chief Preparator, the Associate Preparator will play an integral part in the inaugural installation of the Lucas Museum and in the execution of the exhibition installation and de-installation processes for the museum. Acting as a team lead, they will oversee a team of art handlers during the inaugural installation. This position will collaborate with colleagues across the division and portfolio, including Registration, Collections Management, Exhibitions and Operations on developing, engineering, and planning for installations and object handling. This position will play the key role in developing lift and rigging plans when working with large and/or heavy objects. This position will also be responsible for fabrication related to installation and object display, as well as shop and workspace needs.
This is a one-year opportunity.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Install artwork as part of a team, including 2D, 3D works of art; oversee a team of art handlers for assigned installations/deinstallations
- Apply knowledge of current best practices in conservation ethics and art handling techniques, policies and procedures to moderately complex tasks
- Assist in the development of installation scope and schedule.
- Collaborate on research and purchasing of preferred materials, tools and equipment to use in the object preparation and installation
- In collaboration with the Chief Preparator, develop the lift plan for rigging and moving objects
- In collaboration with the Chief Preparator, develop production protocols for Art Preparation related fabrication.
- Assist in building out new Art Preparation shop and workspaces, including maintaining inventory and shop equipment and equipment rentals
- Oversees and liaises with assigned vendors during both preparation and on-site visits
- Assist Chief Preparator with developing budgets for exhibitions and installations
- Apply project management and team leadership skills to complete and delegate tasks related to the care, access, handling of the collection
- Mentor and train assistant level and on-call preparations staff in the gallery, shops, and workspaces
- Assist in maintenance of gallery space.
- Other related duties as assigned by the Chief Preparator
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.
- Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.
- Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.
- Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.
- Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.
- Building Trust & Relationship Management
- Accountable Ownership and clearly shares information and the "why" behind decisions.
- Asks for and values the opinions of others. Displays empathy when listening.
- Acknowledges when trust has been broken and focuses on rebuilding.
- Relates comfortably with people across levels, functions, cultures, and geographies. Identifies interpersonal and group dynamics and reacts effectively.
- Accountable Ownership
- Takes ownership of outcomes, positive or negative, without blaming others within the team or cross-functionally.
- Recognizes when they are not approaching a situation with accountability but instead with a blame mindset.
- Takes accountability for assigned tasks and executes on deliverables in a timely manner.
- Strategic Alignment & Execution
- Contributes to the organization by understanding and aligning actions with the organization's goals, core functions, needs, and values.
- Seeks out and incorporates multiple perspectives, experiences, and industry trends to develop a holistic perspective. Operationalizes ideas within the business model.
- Displays critical thinking when faced with a challenge by asking probing questions and looking for connections.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum five years of experience in Art Handling in accordance with museum standards and best practice with advance knowledge of materials and technique, required
- Minimum five years of experience in rigging and lift equipment, required
- Understanding of best practices related to the care, conservation, and installation needs of 3D and 2D objects. Experience installing paintings, works on paper, objects of diverse media, and sculpture, required
- Thorough knowledge of tools and fabrication techniques, required
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fine arts, studio arts, conservation, design, engineering or industrial arts, preferred
- Ability to meet deadlines and communicate updates to key stakeholders effectively
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.
The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.
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The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to the art of illustrated stories. Our mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society.
VALUES
Our internal and external practices are shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.
People First: We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what they find emotional in works of art.
Inspired: We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.
Collaborative: We believe that nimble thinking and working together yield exponential results.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Narrative Art:
Amplify the social impact of storytelling and illustration.
Community:
Connect to a broad and diverse public.
Operational Excellence:
Create a healthy and durable institution.
All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.
Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).
Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new hires will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
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