Position Description:
The MSU Broad Art Museum seeks a motivated, industrious, and creative Exhibitions Student Assistant to assist with the design and production of exhibitions and the maintenance of work and gallery spaces. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain experience in fabrication, design, ideation, installation, and project management through working on a variety of exhibitions. The student works under the direction of the Chief Preparator and the Exhibitions Producers.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
General assistance with researching, procuring, and testing exhibition components.
Assist with moving items within and between buildings- retrieving tools, hardware, and supplies as necessary.
Assist with preparing and prefabricating display components for exhibitions.
Assist with creating maquettes, digital renderings, and other aids related to exhibitions and display components. Gather measurements and other necessary criteria as directed.
Assist with setup and troubleshooting of audio/video equipment.
Assist with the preparation of exhibition spaces- to include minor repairs, patching, painting, and cleaning of gallery walls, floors, and display components.
General assistance with the installation and strike of exhibitions as directed.
Conduct regular gallery checks to monitor touch points, shifting or alteration of exhibition components, and damage. Tend to cleaning and dusting components as directed.
General office assistance- to include data entry, copying, printing, maintenance of online platforms including shared drives, calendars, and task management applications.
Assist with ensuring workspaces are clean and organized. Collect and remove garbage, sweep/mop/dust, sort and maintain inventories.
Learning outcomes and benefits:
Experience working within a team framework as a key contributor.
Increase skills in fabrication, design, ideation, organization, and time management within large projects.
Increase knowledge of the function of an exhibition department within a contemporary art museum setting.
Develop a working knowledge of best practices and standards in handling artworks.
Knowledge and practical experience using a variety of shop/studio tools and materials.
Gain effective communication skills by working with multiple departments and varying colleagues.
Increase knowledge of museums, the arts, and non-profit organizations.
Education/Experience
The student should have an interest in hands-on production, fabrication and visual arts
Proficiency in 2D and 3D design software, e.g. Adobe Creative Suite and Sketchup
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Teams
Familiarity with shop/studio tools
High-level of attention to detail
Excellent organization skills
Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
Creative problem solver and team player
Ability to work with multiple, overlapping deadlines, and identify priorities
Work Environment
Working conditions involve environments with dust, dirt, and paint finishes, working on scaffolding, ladders and lifts.
Required Application Materials:
Please submit a cover letter, resumé. Please submit a portfolio or web portfolio if available.
Duration and Compensation:
Length of employment: Academic year with the possibility to continue.
Hours: Minimum of 9 hours/wk. Additional hours during exhibition changeover.
Operating hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Hourly wage: Starting rate $13/hour.
With prior arrangement, students may obtain course credit with permission and in-consultation with their advisors and academic units.