Tips On Hiring Union Art Handlers

By Arthur Fisher


the following guidance is designed to offer help to galleries, museums and other art venues who regularly use fine art handling in their premises. In fact union art handlers are a go to resources for many of these institutions both large and small. You can find handlers working across the sector in locations including museums, universities, galleries and other institutions that have art collections and exhibits.

There are certainly a wide range of benefits available for an art handler who is working as part of a union. After all this job may require much manual labor and heavy lifting so having the support of a union can be very valuable if in the unfortunate event an injury occurs. As well a lot of members of art handler unions may be able to take advantage of a wide range of resources, some of which are described below.

In addition, the important issue of protecting artworks that may be extremely valuable or even priceless requires extensive training and experience to deal with appropriately. An organized institutions which allows handlers to train, to build their skills and to find jobs is of great benefit for union members and employers alike. To follow are some suggestions for how handlers are employed across the country.

There are handlers who are working in a great array of institutions from art museums and galleries to universities and banks. Any group or individual that owns an art collection may have a reason to employ a handler who is experienced and reputable. It is common to find a large population of art handlers working in cities that hold large cultural collections in museums and galleries. Some examples include Washington D. C. New York City and Tokyo.

The job responsibilities of art handlers are extremely broad. They may include safely packing artworks for shipment from one art institution to another. As a matter of fact it is common for museums and galleries as well as private collectors to loan their works for exhibitions in other venues.

The ability to pack works safely for travel and shipment is an important skill that requires much experience. It is important for protecting the museum or institution from the loss of significant revenue through damage during transport. Another area where handlers devote their time and skill is in installation.

In fact the installation of works can range from hanging framed paintings, to installing large scale sculptures safely. On that front it requires extensive knowledge of how to hang, install and display works in order that they do not risk harm to visitors. This may require bolting and securing sculptures and hanging pieces to floors, walls or ceilings.

It is easy to see why with the varied responsibilities of art handling it is not uncommon for members to belong to a union. The union is able to provide support and help with problems arise as well as training opportunities. Many members regularly take advantage of the resources that unions offer on their websites such as listings of upcoming networking and skills building opportunities. For further tips on this topic check out some of the online and print resources aimed at art handling including blogs and magazines. The former often contain reader forums which are a popular way for those working in this sector to pick up tips and advice from others in the field. Trade magazines devoted to this career also offer a variety of practical articles.




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