The Position
MCA Denver is looking for experienced and creative art handlers to help the museum in the execution of our exhibition installation and deinstallation periods. The ideal candidate is skilled at following best practices in art handling, and has strong problem-solving skills, an ability to think proactively and holistically installation needs, a deep dedication to the care of artworks, and a collegial and professional demeanor. The seasonal preparators at MCA enjoy working as part of a dynamic team and find inspiration in helping artists’ dreams come true.
The position is part-time seasonal and requires approximately 30 – 40 hours/week of availability for the weeks ranging from May 5, 2025, 2022 through May 22, 2025. We are headquartered, and this position is based, in the downtown Denver area.
APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE: https://mcadenver.org/about-the-mca/jobs
About You
You are a creative problem solver who likes to work in collaboration with others to realize artist vision for exhibition installation.
You are detail oriented while able to meet time-sensitive deadlines.
You bring experience in various medium art handling and mounting techniques.
You have a proven ability and eagerness to identify technology gaps and learn new skills quickly.
The desire to work with a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative team, usually during regular museum operating hours with some night and weekend availability during de/installation periods.
A Day in the Life
Exhibitions
-Responsible for exhibition preparation, design and construction on a seasonal basis.
-Provide safe and secure art handling for exhibitions during installations and deinstallation periods.
-Assist with all related exhibition needs, matting and framing, lighting, hardware, supplies, and installation fabrication.
-Receiving, shipment and movement handling, packing, unpacking, inventorying, environmental monitoring, and inspection of all artwork entering and leaving the Museum.
-Under the direction of the Exhibitions Manager, work in collaboration with the exhibition curator, and a team of other seasonal preparators on devising efficient, clear, and cost-effective solutions for installations.
-Provide installation assistance if needed to the artist, AV consultants, and other exhibition-related vendors.
-Assist with maintenance of storage areas for artwork and the exhibition preparation/fabrication workshop.
Collaboration
In coordination with the curatorial team, collaborate with the Exhibitions Manager, artists, vendors, and other preparators on execution of art production and art installation and deinstallation needs.
What You Bring to Us
-A 2 or 4‑year degree in Art or Art History preferred, or in a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
-Requires minimum of 2 years of experience in the care and handling of fine art in a museum or gallery setting.
-Experience with fabrication is strongly preferred.
-Experience operating heavy equipment such as moving and lift equipment preferred.
-Working knowledge of museum best practices and standards in handling artworks (during transportation, unpacking, condition reporting, and hanging) and in installing and de-installing artwork.
-Working knowledge of manipulating different types of materials (such as wood, composites, plastics, metal).
Physical Requirements
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to speak, understand, and communicate in English effectively, in person and in writing. Ability to hear adequately in person and by phone, in personal and group settings.
You need to be able to sit or stand for up to 8 hours per day. Ability to reach for, move and/or lift up to 75 pounds and use your hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, mobility to access a wide variety of meeting and museum settings, and to perform a variety of tasks that involve standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, and twisting, climbing stairs or using an elevator, possibly reaching chest high and overhead for materials, with reasonable accommodation.
About Us
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA Denver) is a nonprofit organization providing an innovative forum for contemporary art that inspires and challenges, creating understanding and dialog about the art of our time. MCA Denver is paving a new path for a 21st century museum that is Both/And: We are both advancing the field of contemporary art and providing a platform for creative expression, in the broadest sense of the term. We present both world-class exhibitions and quirky events, serious lectures and epic parties. We are both sophisticated and unpretentious. We welcome all audiences, celebrate all voices, and share all stories to provide one-of-a-kind experiences for our community.
Our Core Values
We are:
Adventurous – We are risk-takers. We are creative, open, curious, and sometimes weird.
Excellent – We strive to be the best in our field, we have high expectations, we believe in being resilient, creative problem-solvers, and professionals.
Human Centric – We are collaborative. We strive for emotional intelligence, and we value relationships.
Inclusive – We are welcoming to all audiences, voices, and stories. We believe in being authentic and inclusive. We actively seek and engage with diverse perspectives.
MCA Denver is committed in policy, principle, and practice to maintaining an environment that prohibits discriminatory behavior and provides equal opportunity for all persons. MCA Denver affirms its commitment to provide a welcoming and respectful work and educational environment, in which all individuals within the museum community may benefit from each other’s experiences and foster mutual respect and appreciation of divergent views. All employment decisions at MCA Denver are based on business needs, job requirements and individual applicant qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, or belief, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), family or parental status, or any other status protected by law. MCA Denver will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Our History
MCA Denver was founded in 1996 by philanthropist Sue Cannon and a group of committed volunteers and artists who responded to the community’s need for a contemporary art museum in Denver. In 2007, we opened our 27,000-square foot, environmentally sustainable facility in the Riverfront neighborhood of lodo Denver. In 2021, MCA Denver opened a satellite location at the Holiday Theater in Denver’s Northside. This 380-seat auditorium is the site of some of the museum’s programming and events.
Application Process
This is a seasonal, nonexempt, hourly position. The hourly rate of pay is $25.00.
APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE: https://mcadenver.org/about-the-mca/jobs
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
