Art Preparator

The Art Experience Department at MD Anderson Cancer Center enriches healing by integrating art into patient care, creating multisensory environments that foster comfort, inspiration, and well-being. This Department plays a vital role in supporting patients, families, and staff through the transformative power of the arts. Recognizing that healing extends beyond medicine, the program curates a wide range of art installations, exhibitions, and creative experiences throughout clinical and public spaces. These initiatives are designed to reduce stress, uplift mood, and provide moments of reflection during what can be an overwhelming journey. Art Experience is a healing partner, ensuring that every patient’s journey is supported not only by world-class medical care but also by the restorative power of creativity

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, self‑motivated art professional with experience in art handling, installation, and collections care. This individual demonstrates sound judgment, technical expertise, and discretion when working independently with artworks in a healthcare environment. The successful candidate collaborates effectively with curatorial staff, facilities teams, designers, and project managers; assesses installation sites; and applies appropriate mounting and safety solutions. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience with inventory management, condition reporting, and preventive maintenance are required. Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends is essential, along with a commitment to supporting MD Anderson’s mission and healing environment. Additionally, experience with Art installations in healthcare of corporate public spaces is also preferred. 

This role requires on‑site work at various locations as needed, with the possibility of hybrid work when appropriate.

At MD Anderson, we offer careers built on care, growth, and balance. Our employees enjoy a benefits package designed to support every stage of life, starting on day one.

• Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
• Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals
• Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
• Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
• Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups
   

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Art Experience, the Art Preparator is a highly skilled professional responsible for the safe handling, installation, transportation, and maintenance of artwork across the institution. Unlike traditional museum or gallery preparators who work as part of a larger installation team, this role operates with a high degree of autonomy and requires exceptional judgment, technical expertise, and discretion.

The position involves coordinating installations and de‑installations with multiple departments and stakeholders, managing valuable state assets, and ensuring that all work meets the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

Because most installation activities occur outside of clinic operating hours, the role requires flexibility for early mornings, evenings, and periodic weekend work.

Additional responsibilities include conducting regular inventory, completing condition reports, performing cleaning and preventive maintenance, and managing packing, unpacking, and crating tasks.

The Art Preparator collaborates closely with the AVP, Curator, Collections Manager, and the broader Art Experience team, while also coordinating with departments such as Facilities and Interior Design to ensure safe, efficient, and timely installations that support the healing environment of MD Anderson.

Key Responsibilities:

Art Handling & Installation

• Independently install, de‑install, move, and condition‑check artwork, including framed works, sculptures, large‑scale pieces, and site‑specific commissions.
• Safely transport, pack, unpack, and handle high‑value and sensitive artworks throughout the hospital system.
• Assess installation sites and determine appropriate mounting methods, hardware, anchoring, and safety requirements.
• Complete most installations outside of clinic operating hours, requiring early‑morning, evening, and periodic weekend work.
• Operate lifts, ladders, and specialized tools safely and competently.

Project Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate installation logistics with Facilities, Construction Project Managers, Environmental Health & Safety, Interior Design, Curatorial staff, Asset Management, architects, planners, and departmental leadership.
• Communicate installation needs, scheduling constraints, and technical considerations clearly and proactively.
• Provide expert recommendations on installation approaches, sequencing, risk mitigation, and timeline planning.

Site & Technical Expertise

• Review and interpret construction documents, architectural drawings, and floor plans to plan and execute installations.
• Work within active construction sites while ensuring compliance with all institutional and OSHA safety protocols.
• Identify site‑specific challenges (e.g., wall conditions, lighting, electrical needs, environmental risks) and propose practical solutions.
• Adjust gallery and overhead lighting to optimize display and meet curatorial standards.

Maintenance & Collections Support

• Conduct routine inspections of installed artwork and monitor environmental conditions.
• Address maintenance needs, including minor repairs, preventive care, and regular cleaning.
• Create and maintain a structured cleaning schedule, particularly for complex or site‑specific commissions.
• Support ongoing collection care through condition reporting, incident documentation, and inventory maintenance.

Inventory, Documentation & Record Keeping

• Conduct regular inventory and annual barcode scanning of artwork for Asset Management.
• Maintain accurate installation records, placement notes, maintenance logs, and condition documentation.
• Ensure all records meet institutional standards for accuracy and compliance.

Storage Management

• Organize, maintain, and optimize artwork storage areas to ensure safe, orderly, and accessible storage.
• Manage packing, unpacking, crating, and preparation of works moving into or out of storage.

Artwork Transportation

• Transport artwork between storage and MD Anderson facilities using a dedicated institutional vehicle or rented vehicle when required.
• Follow institutional guidelines for transporting valuable artwork safely and securely.

Other duties as assigned   

Why Join MD Anderson

• Purpose‑driven work: Support one of the world’s leading cancer centers, where art plays a meaningful role in patient healing and well‑being.
• Unique professional setting: Apply museum‑level art handling and installation skills in a dynamic healthcare environment.
• Autonomy and trust: Work independently with a high level of responsibility, judgment, and technical expertise.
• Collaborative culture: Partner with curators, facilities, designers, and leadership on impactful, institution‑wide projects.
• Strong benefits and stability: Enjoy zero‑premium medical coverage from day one, retirement plans, paid time off, and career development support.