Friday, February 9, 2018

Top Tips On Hiring Union Art Handlers

By Arthur Fisher


This article is geared towards helping professionals who work in galleries, museums and other institutions which have art collections. Union art handlers are employed often by these types of venues. Knowing more about how they operate and can help an art collector whether private or public is important.

It is not difficult to understand why this job benefits from the support of a union organization. It may involve heavy lifting of large scale works, a task that benefits insurance as well as union protection and support. As well art handlers have the opportunity to train in the safe and efficient methods for transporting artworks.

Another area where art handlers must be proficient is in protecting works of art throughout this process. Many are extremely valuable and even priceless. It is easy to see how much responsibility the handler has to protect and safely install and transport works of art.

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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