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Some Pointers For Hiring Union Art Handlers

By Arthur Fisher


This guide is aimed at helping museums, galleries and other art industry professionals who need to find handling services. Union art handlers are professionals who are trained in the field of moving and handling artworks. They are commonly employed across the gallery and museum sector and may also be hired by private art collectors.

There are certainly a wide range of benefits available for an art handler who is working as part of a union. After all this job may require much manual labor and heavy lifting so having the support of a union can be very valuable if in the unfortunate event an injury occurs. As well a lot of members of art handler unions may be able to take advantage of a wide range of resources, some of which are described below.

One area where many art handlers are very experienced and skilled in is in protecting artworks as they undergo travel and transport. Some of these works of art are an extremely valued asset to the institution. Thus it is easy to understand why the handler must be experienced and proficient in safe handling and transport to prevent damage.

In large cities which are known as art capitals there are ample jobs for handlers. Examples are New York City, Los Angeles and other locations where major museums and galleries find homes. It is not uncommon for art handlers to network through a community of like minded professionals in these cities.

The tasks that these professionals undertake are wide and varied. They may spend time packing and unpacking artwork when it has been shipped from one museum to another. In fact many museums regularly loan works to others for touring exhibitions.

The ability to pack works safely for travel and shipment is an important skill that requires much experience. It is important for protecting the museum or institution from the loss of significant revenue through damage during transport. Another area where handlers devote their time and skill is in installation.

In fact the installation of works can range from hanging framed paintings, to installing large scale sculptures safely. On that front it requires extensive knowledge of how to hang, install and display works in order that they do not risk harm to visitors. This may require bolting and securing sculptures and hanging pieces to floors, walls or ceilings.

From the article above it is clear that there are a great number of ways that handlers employ their skills in their sector. The back up of a union is thus very valuable. In addition to providing support in the event of dispute or other issues with an employer, the union also provides help with training opportunities. In fact lots of members regularly visit the website of unions to get information on education and career development.




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