Arthandlers Training Program

Fine Arts/Tech Services Bureau | Arthandlers Training Program | Artisans Initiative

Program Mission:

The program seeks to provide arts institutions with a short but effective career enhancement program for their artists, as well as new hires, midlevel technical staff and administrative staff with risk management responsibilities. The program is designed as a forum, and stresses the practical application of generally accepted principles of art handling. 15 to 20 working artists and museum personnel will be trained for employment in museums, galleries, corporations and auction houses throughout New York City and the metropolitan area.

Job Description:

An Arthandler is responsible for the maintenance of fine art works and artifacts: intake & preparation, packing and shipping, and exhibition installation and dismantling.

Background:

Despite the success of this manpower initiative, developed as a result of two needs assessment surveys and consultation with art industry leaders, the demand for quality arthandlers has exceeded our supply. This new training program is designed to enhance the skills of the traditional pool of arthandlers; artists & arts institution personnel who wish to support themselves in arts and cultural institutions, while satisfying a critically important need of the industry.

Target Group:

To qualify for this training program, participants must have institutional support. Sponsor institutions may recommend full-time, part-time, and temporary employees as well as freelancers. BCADC will strive to achieve a balance in work specialties and scope, however enrollment will be weighted at the apprentice level.

Schedule:

The program is scheduled as ongoing and determined as necessary.

NEW PARTICIPANTS ARE INVITED TO APPLY!

Visit these pages regularly, call 718-401-9558, or e-mail finearts@bronxarts.org
for information on the next Arthandlers training cycle.

Career Development:

Participants will also receive a credit counseling and financial planning seminar, a workshop in legal and tax issues, and independent contracting. BCADC coordinates community-based services and functions as job developers to assist participants with careers in arts establishments. The program makes training available in Adult Education course work, including ESL, GED, computer operation classes and Commercial Driver Licensing classes for those requesting it.

Salary Range (with experience):

The yearly salary for an experienced full-time arthandler ranges from $20,000 to $60,000, or $15.00 to $35.00 per hour for temporary workers. Also, most employers offer benefit packages for full-time employees valued at $1,500 to $5,000 per year.

Selection Criteria:

The Development Corporation and a cross section of arts industry professionals have developed selection criteria for the program over a three-year period. The Corporation will conduct a review of applications, interview, and one or more orientation sessions to determine applicant eligibility and level of interest. Applicants must

Have basic verbal, mathematical, and measuring skills,
Demonstrate an appropriate degree of physical strength and agility,
Be familiar with hand tools such as hammers, saws, and screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches and their safe use.
Be familiar with elementary construction materials, such as drywall, framing materials, and lumber.
Demonstrate care and accuracy in any related field.

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