Exhibition Assistant at MoMA PS1
Job Title: Exhibition Assistant
Job Status: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: $27.56/hour
About MoMA PS1
MoMA PS1 champions how art and artists are at the intersection of the social, cultural, and political issues of their time. Providing audiences with the agency to ask questions, access to knowledge, and a forum for public debate, PS1 has offered insight into artists’ diverse worldviews for more than 45 years. Founded in 1976 by Alanna Heiss, the institution was a defining force in the alternative space movement in New York, transforming a 19th-century public schoolhouse in Long Island City into a site for artistic experimentation and creativity.
With an annual budget of approximately $12M, PS1 has been a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) since 1982, and an affiliate of The Museum of Modern Art since 2000.
We recognize that a successful candidate will meet many of the requirements listed on this job description, but may not meet 100% of the qualifications. If much of this job description describes you, we encourage you to apply for this role.
Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Manager of Installation, the full time Exhibition Assistant is instrumental in supporting the implementation and upkeep of MoMA PS1’s dynamic exhibition program. Working closely with the Program Production team, primary responsibilities of the Exhibition Assistant include assisting with maintenance of installed exhibitions, preparing spaces for exhibitions, supporting and assisting with exhibition installation, and tracking and ordering materials as needed. This position is scheduled Thursday, Friday, Sunday, Monday: 10:30am-6:30pm and Saturday 11:30am-8:30pm.
Responsibilities
- Operate exhibitions daily during public hours, including opening and closing procedures.
- Maintain and ensure the upkeep of all artworks on view throughout the museum.
- Address any art-related incidents that occur during museum hours promptly.
- Assist with the unpacking, packing, logging, preparation, installation, and de-installation of various artworks including flatwork, sculpture, time-based media, and installation-based pieces.
- Support Registrars with the logistics of incoming and outgoing art deliveries, including moving, loading, and unloading crated artwork and bins.
- Prepare gallery walls and floors through basic sanding, patching, cleaning, light repairs, and painting.
- Track, organize, and maintain inventory related to the Program Production Department, including tools, lighting supplies, hardware, furniture, AV equipment, consumables, packing materials, paint, and sundries. Handle ordering supplies and submitting invoices.
- Source and deliver materials, tools, and hardware to gallery spaces as needed, ensuring a tidy and efficient work environment.
- Keep Exhibitions, Art Handling, A/V, and Registration Supply Rooms and Workshops well-stocked, organized, and clean.
Qualifications
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- 1-2 years of experience in art handling, fabrication, or A/V technology within museums, galleries, design/build firms, or similar settings.
- Familiarity with museum best practices and standards for art handling, including knowledge of relevant equipment, hardware, and techniques in art handling, fabrication, and A/V technology.
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team with a high level of attention to detail, urgency, and effective task prioritization.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to listen actively and follow instructions. Capable of presenting information clearly in one-on-one and small group settings to colleagues, including installation management, registrars, curators, couriers, and artists.
- Knowledge of and interest in contemporary art, as well as familiarity with MoMA PS1 and its programming.
- Proficiency in Microsoft and Google platforms, including direct experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Gmail, and Google Docs.
This position is permanent and full-time hourly. Pay is hourly $27.56. Benefits include 20 days paid vacation leave; 10 days paid sick leave; 11 paid holidays; and 3 paid personal days; participation in a 401(k), life insurance; medical/health (including visual and dental); transit, and dependent care FSA; and pension plan.
To Apply
Please be advised that due to the high volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those candidates whose skills and background best fit the needs of the open positions.
PS1 is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.