Handle art

Description

Work directly with objects in museums and art galleries, in coordination with other museum professionals, to ensure that artworks are safely handled, packed, stored and cared for.

Alternative labels

handle artworks
work with pieces of art
handle art objects
handling art

Skill type

skill/competence

Skill reusability level

sector-specific

Relationships with occupations

Essential skill

Handle art is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Art handler: Art handlers are trained individuals who work directly with objects in museums and art galleries. They work in coordination with exhibition registrars, collection managers, conservator-restorers and curators, among others, to ensure that objects are safely handled and cared for. Often they are responsible for packing and unpacking art, installing and deinstalling art in exhibitions, and moving art around the museum and storage spaces.
Collection manager: Collection managers ensure the care and preservation of objects within cultural institutions, like museums, libraries, and archives. Collection managers, along with exhibition curators, and conservators, play a very important role in collections care. They can be found in most large museums.
Museum director: Museum directors oversee the management of the art collections, artefacts, and exposition facilities. They secure and sell works of art on the one hand, and strive to preserve and maintain the art collection of a museum on the other hand. Moreover, they also manage finances, employees, and marketing efforts of the museum.

Optional skill

Handle art is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Photographer: Photographers take pictures using digital or film cameras and equipment. Photographers may develop negatives or use computer software in order to produce finished images and prints.
Exhibition registrar: Exhibition registrars organise, manage and document movement of museum artefacts to and from storage, display and exhibitions. This happens in collaboration with private or public partners such as art transporters, insurers and restorers, within the museum and outside.
Archive manager: Archive managers ensure the care and preservation of a cultural institution and the archives within. Archive managers, along with curators, and conservators, play a very important role in the care of the institution and all the collections within.

 


 

References

  1. Handle art – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022