2023 Art Supply Co. Art Handler Collaborative Apprenticeship Call & Application
Before applying to the AHC Apprenticeship program, please review the program requirements listed on the website to ensure you can fully commit to the program. Apprentices will be required to sign a contract and commit to all program requirements. TASC is not able to review full applications before they are due, but if you have any questions about completing the application or about the program, please contact Dave Zak at davidfzak@gmail.com
We are going to select TWO Apprentices and will keep the rest on file for future programs.
Deadline: Monday, August 7
What is the Art Handler Collaborative?
The AHC is a paid art handling training program and an extension of The Art Supply Co., the art consulting branch of Casey Droege Cultural Productions. Over a period of six months, two art handler apprentices will engage our projects, clients, and select VACE partner organizations through a series of professional development sessions, site visits, and on-the-job training. Apprentices will explore art handling standards, connect with local creatives, and develop skills that they may apply to future endeavors. Apprentices will be guided by two experienced art handlers through hands-on work for local arts organization partners and independent clients.
What is the Art Supply Co.?
The Art Supply Co. is the art consulting arm at Casey Droege Cultural Productions. We’ve always focused on building the arts economy, and within our TASC work we make it our priority to continue to do this by creating opportunities for artists, arts workers, arts organizations, and everyone involved in the arts ecosystem. By shifting our art consultancy services under this new brand, we’ve saved you from trying to pronounce Casey’s last name and given ourselves the opportunity to streamline our services. We are officially certified as a woman- and disability-owned entity but, unofficially, TASC is also a queer-, gender nonconforming-, artist-, cancer sun and virgo rising-, cat lover-, and parent-owned business. Casey built CDCP from her own cultural production practice in her hometown of Pittsburgh, and has pushed it from a scrappy artist-run startup to a full-blown business with employees who love art as much as she does.
What is required of an Art Handling Collaborative Apprentice?
AHC Apprentices are required to complete an unpaid orientation training and then a minimum of 50 hours of paid art installation training and services within a 6-month period to be granted official certification from the program. At completion of the program, Apprentices would earn a bonus stipend and receive recommendation for future opportunities. The basic breakdown of the hours are as follows:
Attend one 3-hour long orientation for initial training (unpaid)
Spend 3 hours with program leads visiting VACE galleries (unpaid)
Work with our supervision on varied job sites to complete 50 hours of art installation (paid at $20/hr)
What does an Art Handling Apprentice receive?
On-the-job experience at a rate of $20 per hour
Access to art installation practices at various local cultural organizations and private clients
Network of dedicated visual arts professionals
Information on tools, best practices, big picture thinking, and issues in our field
What are we looking for in an Art Handling Collaborative Apprentice?
While anyone can apply to become an AHC Apprentice, we are looking for two emerging professionals with a passion for the arts, a desire to develop technical skills, and an interest in connecting with local creatives. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in working in the arts and show an eagerness to learn and work as part of a team. We are seeking potential apprentices from all backgrounds, and we strongly encourage individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Neurodiverse, or Disabled to apply. Potential fellows can be emerging artists, arts administrators, cultural workers who are early in their arts, culture, and/or community organizing career. AHC Apprentices should be available for all scheduled orientation events, have a flexible schedule, and be based in the Pittsburgh region.
Due to the physical nature of the job, AHC Apprentices may be required to stand for long periods, stoop, work with hands above shoulder level, lift a minimum of 25 pounds, and climb and work on a ladder.
Highly competitive applicants will show:
Evidence of a commitment to cultivating personal and professional skills
A demonstrated interest in cultivating a healthier, more sustainable, more inclusive arts ecosystem for Pittsburgh.
TIMELINE:
The group will meet for one orientation and one site visit, and will work as a team on installation jobs for the Art Supply Co. AHC Apprentices must participate in both the orientation and the site visit. Up to 60 hours of paid work will be offered, and program participants must participate in 50 hours to complete the program and receive the bonus stipend.
Orientation and workshop week of August 21st at Radiant Hall
Early Sept: Gallery site visits
Oct. 2023 - February 2024: multiple on-the-job install experience
To view the application and to apply, click the button below.