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Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3433

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.

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Rate 5 of the 7 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

supervise artefact movement

assess museum object condition

advise on art handling

consult exhibition organisers

deliver correspondence

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (7)

ensure safety of exhibitionensure safety of exhibitionEnsure safety of exhibition environment and of artefacts by applying safety devices.supervise artefact movementsupervise artefact movementOversee the transport and relocation of museum artefacts and ensure their security.assess museum object conditionassess museum object conditionWork together with the collection manager or restorer, to evaluate and document the condition of a museum object for a loan or an exhibition.advise on art handlingadvise on art handlingAdvise and instruct other museum professionals and technicians on how to manipulate, move, store and present artifacts, according to their physical characteristics.consult exhibition organisersconsult exhibition organisersLiaise with exhibition organisers to discuss themes, ideas and products.deliver correspondencedeliver correspondenceDistribute mail correspondence, newspapers, packages and private messages to customers.handle artworkshandle artworksWork 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.
Optional (8) — show
art collectionsart collectionsThe variety of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and other works that form collections in a museum and prospective new collections which are of interest for a museum or art gallery.fine artsfine artsThe theory and techniques required to compose, produce and perform works of visual arts as drawing, painting, sculpture and other art forms.conservation techniquesconservation techniquesThe procedures, instruments, techniques, materials and chemicals used in conservation and archiving.art historyart historyThe history of art and artists, the artistic trends throughout centuries and their contemporary evolutions.compose condition reportscompose condition reportsDocument the condition of artworks prior to and after movement and manipulation.manage loan administrationmanage loan administrationOversee the loan administration for exhibitions.advise on loans of art work for exhibitionsadvise on loans of art work for exhibitionsEvaluate the condition of art objects for exhibition or loan purposes and decide whether an artwork is able to withstand the stresses of travel or exposition.present exhibitionpresent exhibitionPresent an exhibition and give educational lectures in a comprehensible way that is attractive to the public.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

exhibition registrar6 shared essential skillscollection manager3 shared essential skillsmuseum director3 shared essential skillsconservator2 shared essential skillsexhibition curator2 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does an art handler do?

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.

What skills does an art handler need?

An art handler needs 7 essential skills, including ensure safety of exhibition, supervise artefact movement, assess museum object condition, advise on art handling, consult exhibition organisers.

Will AI replace art handler jobs?

The AI disruption score for art handler is 15/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: manage loan administration, compose condition reports, deliver correspondence. Most resilient: handle artworks, present exhibition, supervise artefact movement.

Quick Facts

SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills7

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