Description

NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) supports an extensive program of arts, including an MFA program, majors in multiple arts programs, as well as a museum venue, and a range of academic exhibition spaces, and a campus collection. For the visual arts, there are two main areas of activity: the formal curriculum of the MFA and BA programs, and the museum and gallery exhibition programs that connect the university to the broader public.

The Art Gallery at NYUAD presents an ambitious program of museum  exhibitions of art and culture from contemporary and historical periods in its main venue, alongside exhibitions of research and emerging artists in its Project Space. The Art Gallery department also oversees a campus collection, and a variety of art installations on and off campus. Alongside this, the Arts and Humanities Division prepares students for an MFA in art and media, and multiple BAs in the arts. Exhibitions and installation of art make up a core part of this education, in classrooms, student exhibition spaces, and in the Project Space.

As part of the arts team at NYUAD, the Art Preparator has two primary avenues of responsibility, both of which involve safe and efficient movement, housing, and installation of artwork. The first is for the preparation of museum exhibitions, and care of the collection, according to museum best-practice standards, as well as for the range of exhibitions and arts projects on campus. The second is an equally essential aspect of this position: working with and mentoring students and student assistants, both at the Graduate and Undergraduate levels, to give them practical hands-on experience in the realms of art handling, collections management, and formal exhibition presentation. Through the process of doing the work itself with the students, the Art Preparator is instructing students in the technical and conceptual issues at stake when art is prepared and exhibited.

A typical year cycle sees two month-long museum installs in the Art Gallery, and 15-20 smaller rotations of community and academic exhibitions in the Project Space and elsewhere, including off-campus, and a variety of ad-hoc exhibition projects as they arise. The Art Preparator will work independently, and where appropriate, be supported by, and manage, a team of contract art handlers to deliver these projects. The art install team will vary according to the project, and work in close collaboration with both the Art Gallery and the Arts & Humanities production teams.

The duties include highly skilled technical care, handling, and installation of art ranging from traditional 2D and 3D works to immersive multimedia and site-specific installations. The exhibition spaces include a museum venue (the Art Gallery, which will eventually mount 3 major exhibitions per year), the Project Space (10-15 smaller exhibitions per year), the Crit Room (for student class review), the Cube (a student public exhibition space), the Arts & Humanities Research Walls, and across campus as it relates to the campus collection and other projects as needed, such as the annual Christo Award, MFA and Senior Capstone exhibitions, and smaller installations of work that may occur each semester.

The Preparator is responsible for maintaining professional museum standards of care, as well as efficient and well-coordinated installation team integration. Under the direction of the Head of Arts Instructors (Division of Art and Humanities) together with the Head of Exhibitions and Collection Management ( HECM for the Art Gallery department), this work includes planning and executing projects in a range of areas such as: the preparation of gallery spaces and objects for exhibitions; fabrication, installation, and de-installation of temporary exhibitions; and supervising the contract art handlers to ensure the exhibition schedule milestones are met.

Additionally, the Preparator conducts and manages the cleaning and care of objects from the campus collection, as well as the functioning of art storage. The Preparator is also responsible for care, tracking, and upkeep of art handling inventory, supplies, and technologies.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Exhibition Production (Art Gallery Dept. and Division of Arts & Humanities):

Planning and production preparation of exhibitions across all venues (3 main gallery exhibitions, 15 /- Project Space exhibitions, Christo Award, Arts Center, and several ad hoc exhibitions)

The Preparator will play a critical role in maintaining museum best-practice standards during the handling and care of art across all projects. They will lead on the safe handling of the art, including unpacking, installing, de-installing, relocating, and repacking work. They will:



During the preparation phase:

• Plan the schedule for contract art handlers to meet big-picture deadlines and priorities, noting other schedules that impact the space, such as graphics installation, gallery and exhibition lighting, exhibition maintenance and art movements. 


• Prepare list of required tools and supplies and equipment in anticipation of coming installations; update inventories to reflect current status.


• Prepare any technology needs for the exhibition, including sourcing and testing video projectors, media players, sound design elements, etc.

During the production phase:

• Supervise contract art handlers to meet big-picture deadlines and priorities.


• Unpack/prepare and install artwork.


• Collaborate on lighting and technology install.


• De-install and prepare/pack the exhibition for return. 


• Ensure that all exhibition install/deinstall activities are compliant with requirements as laid out in regulations for health and safety.


• Ensure that vendors under Preparator supervision are compliant with Risk Assessment and Method Statements as approved during the permit process (above).

During exhibition:

• Conduct gallery maintenance, including dusting of platforms, pedestals, and vitrines, and assist with museum-wide lighting maintenance as needed.

Exhibition Preparation Instructor in the Arts & Humanities:

At the direction of the Head of Arts Instructors, this role will:

• Work with Arts production teams on exhibitions, install, and support of student projects, in addition to those already outlined in the Project Space above.


• Consult and advise students on the options for their artwork production and install.

Campus collections:

• Responsible for installation and maintenance of art throughout campus. 


• Under direction of HECM and in collaboration with the Registrar, conduct and manage any moves of work, and address any related technical needs.

Care of the Storage and Inventory for Gallery and Project Space:

• The Preparator manages aspects of art handling storage, and supports the functioning of art storage according to best practices under direction from the Registrar and HECM. 


• The Preparator is responsible for care, tracking, and upkeep of art handling supplies and technologies, in general and in anticipation of exhibition and upkeep needs.


• Responsible for functioning and up-to-date inventories of Preparator department tools, technology, and exhibition furnishings.


• Ongoing care, tracking, and upkeep of the Gallery spaces and related equipment, in collaboration with HECM.

About the NYUAD Art Gallery: https://www.nyuad-artgallery.org/en_US/about/

About NYU Abu Dhabi

https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/

NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

NYUAD is committed to building and strengthening a university-wide culture of inclusion, diversity, belonging and equity (IDBE), which is fundamental to the University s commitment to excellence. Visit our website for more information on NYUAD s commitment to IDBE and how these values are fundamental to our mission.

Students are drawn from among the world s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.|

Working for NYUAD

At NYUAD, we recognize that Abu Dhabi is more than where you work; it s your home. In order for faculty/academic staff to thrive, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. This starts with a generous relocation allowance; educational assistance for your dependents; access to health and wellness services; and more. NYUAD is committed to faculty/academic staff success throughout the academic trajectory, providing support for ambitious and world-class research projects and innovative, interactive teaching approaches. Support for dual-career families is a priority. Visit our website for more information on benefits for you and your dependents.

Qualifications

College degree in, or related to, fine art or museum practices, or equivalent.

Required Work and Related Experience

1. 3-5 years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Experience working in museums and/or academic settings is desired, experience with art exhibition projects in the Gulf will be of special relevance).


2. Experience installing sound and video equipment at an advanced level.

Preferred Work and Related Experience

1. Developing new commissions in collaboration with artists.


2. Experience with artworks across a range of periods and materials.


3. Generating schedules, and project-managing teams to deadlines.


4. Teaching at the college level.

Required Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

1. Understanding of museum industry best-practices as they pertain to fine art and material culture from contemporary and historical periods.


2. Knowledge of installation materials and techniques, knowledge of fine art packing. General knowledge of preventive conservation standards for storage and exhibitions.


3. Experience working with all relevant machinery and tools. Basic electrical and/or woodworking skills are a plus.


4. Video and sound technology install experience and competency. 


5. Strong orientation towards collaborative and often complex work assignments; ability to work effectively with mixed teams of consultants, technicians, and artists, under tight deadlines.  Demonstrated ability to interact with multiple constituencies, including internal and external to NYU and NYUAD.  


6. Lift up to 75 lbs. to waist height and up to 30 lbs. in a range of motions overhead. Must be able to work from lifts, ladders and/or scaffolding when necessary.


7. Detail-oriented and self-motivated with excellent written and verbal communication as well as  strong problem-solving. 


8. Highly organized and capable of managing multiple tasks 


9. Proficiency in basic computing, including Microsoft Office software.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

1. Experience employed in an academic setting.


2. In-depth knowledge of artists methods, materials, and techniques and general knowledge of art history.


3. Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, or weekends when projects call for it.

ROLE CAPACITY

Breadth of Responsibility

Responsible for all physical aspects of the art itself, as well as tools and supplies and inventories related to care of the art. Works on multiple projects simultaneously, working to strict deadlines, must effectively prepare, communicate, and manage department and project schedules.

This role is critical to all aspects of installing all exhibitions, both in the Art Gallery and in the Project Space, as well as the Christo Award and all other exhibitions and installs produced by the university. The high level of skill required for this position enables fine art insurance risk mitigation, for the art loans to the gallery, and the art in the campus art collection.



Autonomy/Problem Solving and Decision Making

Must be able to coordinate a team of art handlers and consultants involved in art handling preparation, and oversight of facilities as their work pertains to the install.  Must make decisions independently and work autonomously, while communicating to the affected teams including the larger department in which this role is a key part.  Must be able to present solutions to problems as they arise.  Meticulous work and attention to detail required. 



Critical challenges/unique knowledge & skills

Substantial art handling and exhibitions production training and experience with museums and university galleries.  Understanding of the Middle East region s exhibition production challenges desired.  Must be able to assess, predict, and resolve issues unique to handling and exhibiting work in the region.  A core critical challenge is the unique institutional structure of a museum within another non-museum institution. This requires a fluid and positive response to umbrella institution requirements in areas of Health & Safety, Procurement, Compliance, approvals processes, forms, and financial processes.

Working Conditions:

Must be able to work periods required to meet deadlines, including evening and weekend work as warranted. 

This role requires the ability to do physical work related to the preparation and installation of art, including working at heights when needed. 

Lift up to 75 lbs. to waist height and up to 30 lbs. in a range of motions overhead. Must be able to work from lifts, ladders and/or scaffolding when necessary.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please submit the following items:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)


• Cover Letter


• Names and contact information for three (3) references that will be contacted in the later stage of the recruitment process.

We will review applications on a rolling basis and will continue until the position is filled. We will anticipate that successful candidates can start the appointment and relocate to Abu Dhabi ideally before the spring semester, 2025.

NYUAD is committed to equality and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our university.

For questions about this position, please email nyuad.academicrecuitment@nyu.edu.

Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.



NYUAD values diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity; such principles are fundamental to the university's commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal opportunity employer.  We particularly welcome applications from members of traditionally underrepresented groups, women, and UAE nationals. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a highly diverse and inclusive campus community are hallmarks of the University s mission.

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NYU is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion.