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Position Title: Gallery Assistant
Organization: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Department/Office: The Galleries at Herron School of Art + Design
Hourly Wage: $10.15
Number of openings: 1
Average Hours/Week: up to 5 hours per week, dependent upon availability
Reports to: Gallery Manager whose concentrations are on safe and efficient operations of three galleries in Eskenazi Hall. Students may also report to the Director & Curator of Herron Galleries.

About Herron Galleries: Since opening in its current location in 2005, the Galleries have served as a vibrant site of exploration, participation, and learning. Through dynamic curatorial projects and public programming, Herron's galleries continue to be an innovative educational forum for diverse audiences by providing direct and meaningful encounters with contemporary art and artists. All exhibitions and talks are free and open to the public, and the buildings and galleries are wheelchair accessible.

General Purpose: The Gallery Assistant position is an opportunity for a current IUPUI student to represent Herron Galleries and Herron School of Art + Design. Gallery Assistants will primarily provide front desk support, welcoming visitors to the gallery and sharing information about the artists and artwork. The position is also involved in providing support during installation and deinstallation periods. This job is both “hands on” and administrative in nature. Students will learn about the policies, procedures, and processes involved with installing major and minor exhibitions within a contemporary gallery. Students will also build skills in customer service, speaking about artwork and artists, and artwork installation methods. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Broken down by percentage
70% - Open and/or close three gallery spaces within Eskenazi Hall. You will be asked to welcome visitors and monitor the main gallery space, answer their inquiries in person or by phone, become familiar with the exhibitions and artists on display, and perform light data entry; miscellaneous tasks may be asked of you.
30% - Work closely with Gallery Director, staff, and visiting artists to assist with installation, de-installation, and packing of a variety of traditional artworks and technologies, including mini Mac’s, TV’s, and projectors. Minor wall repair in between exhibitions (patching and sanding holes, painting walls and pedestals). Assisting before, during, and after gallery receptions, including with placing signs, tables, table cloths, etc. General maintenance tasks such as organizing supplies, sweeping, and maintaining a clean work environment.

Desired Minimum Qualifications
Availability:
  • Requires work for every other Saturday from 11:50am - 5:00pm.
Education and Experience:
  • Enrollment as a student at IUPUI
  • Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior by academic standing preferred (but not required)
  • Candidates with experience in a customer service-related setting are encouraged to apply.
  • Candidates whose academic or career goals can be supported or enhanced by gallery work are encouraged to apply.
 
This position is limited to candidates with a Federal Work-Study Program award. To verify you have a work-study award, please go to your One.IU.edu account (look under Student Center and Financial Aid Summary). If you have an award, it will be listed with the rest of your financial aid (e.g. loans, grants, scholarships). You may also email the Office of Student Financial Services to inquire about eligibility.
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated skill in communicating individually and in small group formats
  • Comfortable answering the phone and ability to communicate formally with staff and visitors
  • Reliable, punctual, self motivated, team player
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including students, faculty, staff, and visiting artists
  • Working knowledge of Google workplace and/or Microsoft Office
  • Ability to use Mac OS
  • A/V or technology knowledge is not required, but desired
  • Willingness to learn new techniques and skills with attention to detail
 




 

Profiles of Learning for Undergraduate Success: IUPUI+

Communicator
Students work directly with visiting artists and gallery staff to install periodic exhibitions throughout the year. Because art exhibitions can look vastly different, active listening is required to understand the necessary installation procedures unique to each exhibition. Students have the opportunity to ask questions and understand artists’ methodologies; they will be able to formulate opinions and converse with the galleries’ visitors and other immediate audiences.
Problem Solver
During installation periods, students are required to work both independently and collaboratively with each other and gallery staff. Critical thinking is used to determine the most effective ways of performing tasks and anticipate potential problems. Strategy and time management are required to meet daily objectives in order to ensure that exhibitions open on time.
Innovator
Students understand how general audiences are directed throughout an exhibition through curatorial decision making: the sequence and placement of artwork, the layout of the space, informational text, lighting and sound design, etc.
Community Contributor
The Galleries at Herron invite local, regional, and international professional artists, lecturers, and instructors to engage with IUPUI students and the broader communities. Along with their art, artists share their own perspectives and stories with those of greater Indianapolis. As a contemporary gallery, the artists we exhibit are a contribution to the current cultural zeitgeist.
 
Desired Skills
Dependability
Communication
Hands-on Learner
Punctuality 
Problem solving 
Motivated, hard worker, goal orientated