Museum Production Assistant

**Introduction**

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a public not-for-profit institution that exhibits, collects, preserves, and research contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora; conceives and hosts international exhibitions; develops supporting educational, discursive, and enrichment programmes; encourages intercultural understanding; and strives for access for all. The museum’s galleries feature rotating, temporary exhibitions with dedicated spaces for the permanent collection. The institution also includes the Centre for Art Education (CFAE), and the Atelier, a project space for emerging Cape Town-based artists.

**Our Mission**

At Zeitz MOCAA, we are committed to promoting artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and social dialogue. Through our exhibitions, programs, and initiatives, we aim to inspire creativity, foster critical thinking, and contribute to the cultural landscape of Africa and the world.

**Job Summary**

Reporting to the Exhibition Manager, the Production Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the Exhibitions Management Department in the planning, development, and execution of exhibitions. This role also includes the daily maintenance of exhibitions in conjunction with the Collections Management Department. This role primarily oversees the installation and de-installation of exhibitions and displays at the museum. Other responsibilities will include administrative tasks relating to the procurement process, project management and the inventory of Departmental assets. They will also be providing fabrication support for other Museum programs and departments.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Exhibition Production Processes**
- Supports exhibition production, including drafting plans, elevations, and timelines.
- Prepares gallery spaces pre
- and post-exhibition (painting, refurbishing, and building exhibition furniture).
- Assists with artwork, exhibition graphics, artefact handling, and installation.
- Aids in documenting, packaging, loading, and offloading artworks and materials.
- Helps position and maintain exhibition lighting, collaborating with Facilities.
- Coordinates with vendors/contractors for materials, services, and installation troubleshooting.
- Manages inventory of exhibition elements, materials, and samples, including tracking loans.
- Performs light administrative tasks, including procurement-related duties.
- Organises weekend call-out schedules for artwork and AV issue responses.

***Maintenance and Storage**
- Assists with maintenance of the production work area and storage areas.
- Keep workspaces well organized and well supplied.
- Inform Exhibition Manager of any equipment that needs to be procured.
- Assists with production-related tasks in art storage when requested and supervised by the Registrar or Collections Management Department.
- Assists with the repair and maintenance of exhibit related objects and collateral or signage in collaboration with the Collections Management Department.
- Assists with the ongoing maintenance of exhibitions.

**Equipment supplies procurement**
- Purchases the suitable equipment, materials and devices required for an exhibition installation. This includes both the planning and execution of such duties.
- Keep clean and store equipment in a safe area.

**Health and Safety**
- Undertaking the tasks in section 8.2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHAct) No 85 of 1993
- Ensure all work done in the building is done safely in accordance with the OHSAct No 85 of 1993 to maintain general compliance
- Adhere to the Zeitz MOCAA Health and Safety policy
- Attend annual training for applicable qualifications as specified by the museum
- Need to keep an asset registry and do monthly equipment inspections
- Need to ensure that best -practice and safety protocols are followed by the Exhibition Management Department and external contractors elected by the department
- Need to immediately report and escalate any risks, or incidents
- Must be willing to undergo an annual medical to ensure that they can carry out the physical demands of the job

**Requirements to be successful in this role**

**Qualifications and Experience**
- Bachelor's degree, in art or a design-related field preferred, and two years relevant work experience;
- Three years relevant work experience and at least 2 years of experience working in a gallery or museum setting;
- Experience with refurbishment, painting and building of exhibition furniture;
- Good understanding of audio-visual equipment, in the sense that the employee will need to troubleshoot technical errors, occasionally edit and load media.

**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**
- Knowledge of Contemporary Art is essential
- Art handling, care and installations
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), and other standard office procedures and equipment
- Proficient with written communication
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Sketch-up and or Autodesk Revit, Adobe Creative Suit