Exhibition and collections technician

Exhibition and collections technicians prepare, install and maintain exhibitions and displays in art galleries and museums.

Also known as

Exhibition preparator, museum and collections technician, gallery technician

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work overtime
  • Usually work in galleries, museums and workshops, and may travel locally
  • Need to be organised, practical and safety conscious

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$50K-$115K 50000

Typical tasks

  • Unpack and arrange items for exhibitions
  • Take down and pack displays safely
  • Check and maintain items on display
  • Help artists and curators
  • Build models, furniture and fittings
  • Set up sound and visual effects
  • Work with staff to install items

Outlook

Museums, galleries and cultural heritage organisations are increasing their use of digital collections, online exhibitions and interactive visitor experiences. There is also growing attention to protecting collections from climate risks and caring for taonga in culturally appropriate ways. Opportunities can be limited because the sector is relatively small, but technical expertise remains valuable as organisations renew exhibitions and improve collection access.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Handle objects carefully and follow collection-care procedures
  • Use practical installation, packing and equipment skills
  • Pay close attention to detail and accurate records
  • Follow health, safety and security requirements
  • Work respectfully with cultural knowledge and taonga
  • Collaborate well with curators, designers and other technicians

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.