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  San Francisco, USA
Exhibition Designer, Jobs No deadline

Head of Installation and Exhibition Design

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About CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts: Founded in 1998, CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts is a nonprofit exhibition venue and research institute dedicated to contemporary art and ideas. The Wattis is a laboratory for testing the future of contemporary art through temporary exhibitions, public events, and in-depth research. It is part of the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. For more information, visit wattis.org

Position Summary: The Head of Installation and Exhibition Design is responsible for the design, fabrication, and installation of all exhibitions at the Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts at the California College of the Arts. working closely with curators and artists, and overseeing temporary installation staff. He/she also also oversees the maintenance, condition, and security of the Wattis’ gallery and event spaces. This full-time position reports to the Director/Chief Curator.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Exhibition Design (20%)

  • Works with Wattis Director, Curator, Exhibitions Manager, and artists to design the installation of all exhibitions
  • Produces floor plans, SketchUp simulations, and other relevant renderings to assist artists and curators in designing exhibitions, including architecture, display furniture, lighting, and other element

Exhibition/Event Installation and Production (60%)

  • Works with Wattis Director, Curator, Exhibitions Manager, and artists to plan the production and installation of all exhibitions, performances, and other events
  • Works with artists to fabricate artworks, exhibition furniture, including any hiring and/or consulting with specialists and outside fabricators
  • Recruits, hires, trains, schedules, and supervises the temporary staff for all installations and de-installations
  • Processes and submits timesheets for all temporary staff for CCA Accounting
  • Develops and maintains production, installation, and de-installation schedules
  • Maintains, sources, and purchases all supplies and tools necessary for exhibition/artwork production, event production, exhibition installation, exhibition de-installation, AV, as well as for gallery maintenance and office environment
  • Works with the Exhibitions Manager to oversee the crating and uncrating of works, including the fabrication of new shipping crates for national and international shipment
  • Ensures that proper security and art-handling techniques are used by all staff at all times
  • Provide staff and gallery assistants with in-person training and written instructions on turning on/off all exhibitions and correct safety precautions
  • Acts as liaison with CCA and San Francisco Health and Safety to confirm that exhibition installation and artist works conform to Health and Safety standards, including Fire and Earthquake and ADA requirement
  • Regularly inspects the galleries to make sure all exhibitions are well maintained and in working order
  • Supports Deputy Director in the production and packing of limited edition artworks
  • Oversees technical setup for all lectures, performances, and other events

Facilities and Storage (20%)

  • Organizes, maintains, and oversees the workshop, including all tools, supplies, and equipment
  • Maintains up-to-date inventory of all equipment and contents of all storage units
  • Regularly monitors the building, including environmental controls, air vents, the alarm systems, the roof, and all other parts of the building, coordinating with CCA Facilities as needed
  • Regularly monitors and maintains the security systems, coordinating with CCA Security as needed
  • Organizes, maintains, and oversees off-site storage units
  • Acts as main Wattis liaison for CCA’s Facilities and Security departments
  • Organizes, maintains, and oversees the Wattis event space, including equipment maintenance, furniture fabrication, signage installation, and other technical needs
  • Works with Wattis Director, CCA Facilities, and outside consultants in all building-related initiatives, research, problem-solving, and projects
  • Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIRMENTS:

  • BFA or MFA in Studio Art or minimum 3 years professional experience in the field of exhibition production and installation
  • In-depth knowledge of fabrication techniques, tools, and art production
  • Ability to work with close attention to detail
  • Willingness to learn new skills
  • Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; excellent time-management, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to follow through and meet deadlines while coordinating many current and long range projects simultaneously
  • Ability to support management decisions in a positive, professional manner
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a small team
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • Must be able to lift of 50 pounds, climb ladders and operate scissor lift