At David Zwirner, we look to be an industry leader in our field, with our artists at the center of what we do. Our global exhibition program expands beyond our locations in New York, London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Paris, representing more than seventy artists and estates. Home to innovative, singular, and pioneering exhibitions across a variety of media and genres and active in both the primary and secondary market, David Zwirner has helped foster the careers of some of the most influential artists working today. 

Who will work well with us:

  • The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate and interested in the arts/larger creative arena or is eager to learn. Previous experience and a background within the commercial art world is required.
  • We welcome all individuals entering the workforce, those moving into a new stage of their career or vocation, making a change, returning to work, those wanting to learn and grow within the industry, to apply. 

About the Opportunity: 

Title: Head Art Handler, Los Angeles 

Salary: $90,000 to $105,000 annually; paid hourly (OT eligible)

What you’ll do:

  • Recruit, hire, lead and manage a team of freelance art handlers
    • With Gallery Director and Head Art Handler of US galleries, oversee art handling staffing for the Los Angeles gallery, including hiring and scheduling both freelance support and full time support staff, as required/needed
    • Ensure all art handlers—full time, part time, and freelancers—are adequately trained and are aware of daily schedule, exhibition, viewing needs, and gallery protocols
    • Ensure all art handlers partake in regular safety training and are aware of best practices and necessary safety measures
  • Oversee and plan, in close coordination with the gallery’s registrar, installation and deinstallation plans for all gallery exhibitions, viewings, and similar installations
  • Work closely with gallery Sales Directors and gallery management to institute and maintain viewings and installation protocols
  • Oversee the planning and ongoing operation of the gallery’s art handling shop, including but not limited to: stocking of appropriate supplies, proper organization, and associated projects related to proper artwork storage
  • Install artworks for gallery viewings and exhibitions, upon request from the gallery’s Directors and/or Registrar; ensure proper handling and hanging hardware are utilized, as required
  • Pack artworks for shipment and storage safely and according to the gallery’s standards
  • Coordinate with and assist Registrar with condition checks of artworks
  • Work with Registrar to assist with framing specifications for select artworks
  • Manage packing and installation of artworks for regional art fairs
  • Perform local deliveries and off-site installations for clients
  • Work on fabrication and production-related projects in collaboration and coordination with local and NY gallery teams
  • Assist with special requests as needed
  • Travel to art fairs or other special projects as reasonably requested

What we would like you to have:

  • Minimum of 10 years of art handling in a gallery or comparable institution
  • At least 3-5 years of experience managing a team or teams of people
  • Knowledge of and experience in proper handling, packing, and storage procedures for a variety of artistic media
  • Ability to schedule teams of freelance art handlers in the Los Angeles area
  • Must be detail-oriented, communicative, and extremely organized
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Working knowledge of Macintosh OS, as well as familiarity with art database systems
  • Working knowledge of power tools
  • Experience with and/or certification in the use of forklifts, scissor lifts, hydraulic lifts – experience with rigging equipment and work with gantries is helpful, though not required

Position hours are 9:45am to 6pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Candidates will occasionally need to work additional hours. 

What you will love about David Zwirner (benefits) 

  • David Zwirner has pioneered initiatives dedicated to the gallery’s long-standing commitment to kaleidoscopic storytelling, including: David Zwirner Online, David Zwirner Books, Dialogues, Platform, Utopia Editions, Consignments, Program.
  • Premier Access - to private on-site and off-site events, such as exhibition previews, book signings, talks, and walkthroughs with gallery artists and estate members, and external curators and scholars.
  • Staff-driven projects and fundraising initiatives. This includes David Zwirner's ongoing commitment to sustainability. Benefits! Flexible workplace and commuter benefits, corporate memberships to museums, including LACMA, MoCA, and others. Summer Fridays, generous PTO and leave, Family Medical/Dental/Vision benefits. 401K savings plan with automatic employer contributions.

David Zwirner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Gallery is firmly committed to equal employment opportunities in all facets of its operations. The Gallery makes decisions concerning hiring and terms and conditions of employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.We are an equal opportunity employer, if you need assistance in applying to a role you may reach out to recruiting@davidzwirner.com.

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