Exhibition Coordinator

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The Shed

The Shed is a new cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manhattan’s west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organizations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent nonprofit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.

About the Position

Reporting to the Director of Exhibitions, the Exhibition Coordinator will support the Visual Arts team by working with artists and curators to develop and implement exhibitions and commissions from the proposal phase to production, including budgeting, shipping, installation, maintenance, and deinstallation. This is a temporary contract through December 31, 2022, with the possibility to extend into 2023. Notification of an extended contract would be determined in October 2022.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to

Planning, coordinating, and managing exhibitions, including commissions and events, from initial stages to de-installations and budget reconciliations
Develop and track schedules and budgets for multiple exhibitions and projects, including acquiring competitive estimates from vendors
Creating and monitoring exhibition and production schedules to ensure delivery deadlines are met
Contacting engineers, building managers, permit expediters, etc., to acquire all permits and insurance necessary to realize the exhibitions
Developing, negotiating, and executing contracts and agreements with vendors, artists, and consultants
Responsible for working with local, national, and international shippers to coordinate pick up and deliveries for exhibitions and returns, including artworks and transport equipment specific to each exhibition or commission
Working closely with artists, fabricators, and vendors to manage the production of artworks
Produce digital renderings, including SketchUp, 3D models, and mock-ups for gallery areas to aid in exhibition design
Hiring, scheduling, managing contractual art handlers, contractors, consultants, and supervising exhibition crews, for installations and deinstallations
Managing the lighting and A/V needs for each exhibition, hiring specialized companies when necessary
Perform physical tasks, if necessary, as part of the install/deinstall of artwork; strong respect for art objects, paired with knowledge of current trends and protocols in art handling, packing/crating art, art materials, construction, painting, and lighting
Conducting regular gallery maintenance and inspection of works during exhibitions
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed
Oversee and prioritize the safety of workers and art
Additional duties as needed

Qualifications and Qualities

Five or more years of professional experience in art handling, producing ambitious exhibitions and commissioned artworks/installations, arts project management, exhibition organization, or other relevant experience in the field
Exceptional understanding and ability to build budgets from micro to macro
Experience working with artists, fabricators, shippers, and art installers; knowledge of art fabrication methods and processes
Ability to take instruction from co-workers and follow through on each task
Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail is a must
Outstanding written, verbal communication, and negotiation skills; diplomatic attitude
Excellent understanding of audio-visual equipment and installation, including creating and working with various types of media files for exhibitions
Excellent knowledge of rendering and model software, including Google, Sketch-up, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office, as well as installation-specific programs such as Flexisign and various video creation/editing software
Working knowledge of mechanized equipment, including operating scissor lifts