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An art handler is an individual who is specially trained to handle objects of cultural value. Art handlers often work for museums, auction house, art galleries, private collections, and other various cultural institutions. Art handlers work closely with art dealers, museum curators, museum registrars, and conservator-restorer s.

Responsibilities and Duties
The duties of an art handler vary greatly at cultural institutions, but the most important aspect is always the safety of the object. According to Orlando Reade, “It is not the art handler’s job to care about the art but to care for it.” Art handlers need to be knowledgeable with a variety of object and material types, in order to ensure the safety of a work. They must also have an understanding of art, history, and science, in general, and how the objects relate to these topics.

Art handlers must know how to inspect objects for damage or flaws and how to fill out condition reports and other conservation paperwork. In some cases, the handler helps determine whether or not an object is in a condition to safely travel. Art handlers are often tasked with packing objects for transportation, as well as the transportation itself. To successfully pack an object, the handler needs to understand the object and its materials, as well as the packing materials available. Art handlers often build custom shipping crates, which they are responsible for packing and unpacking.

Required Skills
An art handler needs a wide range of skills in order to successfully fulfill their job requirements and ensure the safety of cultural objects. These skills include:
 * Carpentry skills: Needed to build crates for shipping, pedestals for display, and object mounts. Art handlers often have to prepare exhibition spaces for uses, through painting, dry walling, and electrical work.
 * Cultural knowledge: Having a basic knowledge of the history or cultural significance related to the objects they are working with helps an art handler better understand the objects themselves.
 * Engineering skills: Art Handlers must be able to read floor plans for exhibitions, designs for new crates or pedestals, and architectural blueprints.
 * Mechanical skills: Needed to run power tools for construction, forklifts and hydraulic lifts to move objects and crates, while complying to workplace safety guidelines.
 * Personal skills: Art handlers need to be able to communicate verbally and through writing.  They need to work in partnership with curators, registrars, and conservation specialists in museums and with art dealers and collectors in private collections, galleries, and auction houses.
 * Technology skills: These skills are needed to run design software and collections management software, as well as other computer based programs and applications.

Education
Since the duties of an art handler require many specific skills, previous experience in the field is often needed to secure a job. A Bachelor's degree in an art related field, including fine arts and art history, or in a construction field is preferred, in addition to previous experience. Having an artistic background gives an art handler a better understanding of the different materials they may be working with. Knowledge of conservation techniques is a plus in the art handling field. Art handlers being considered for a job in a museum usually have to undergo a background check, since they will be working with priceless cultural objects.