Learn Art Preparation Skills Via SAIC’s RE-TOOL 21 Program

The Art Institute of Chicago’s Warhol exhibit came to a close last week. Walking away from the retrospective, with its massive painted silkscreen works and comprehensive showing, one relishes in the pleasant paradox of the extraordinary yet typical workings of the museum. How in the world do they get a nearly 15-foot high “Mao” piece installed? Who handles these priceless works? It turns out, it could be somebody like you. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is offering training in art preparation and handling with its RE-TOOL 21 initiative.

Photo by Evan La Ruffa.

The paid opportunity is part-time and offers workshops providing instruction on art and object installation, rigging, matting, and framing, and other skills while providing hands-on exhibition experience. Not only will applicants receive a behind-the-scenes look at a world-renowned art institution, but they will gain valuable networking opportunities, as well as ongoing support from RE-TOOL 21 upon completion.  

The program is funded by the Joyce Foundation, which is an organization committed to the advancement of racial equity and economic mobility for young people of color. Therefore, it is explicitly RE-TOOL 21’s mission to provide training to–and be a developmental pathway for–groups that are historically underrepresented in the art preparation space. Similar to the AIC’s “Andy Warhol– From A To B And Back Again,” which was the first Warhol exhibition in the U.S. in 30 years, RE-TOOL 21 is an occasion to celebrate, and underprivileged Chicagoans can take advantage. Being a resident of Chicago is an eligibility requirement!

Here you can find all of the program details, requirements, FAQ’s, and application information, as well as contact information if you have additional questions. 

You also can learn more by registering for the RE-TOOL 21 webinar taking place on February 4. Applications are due Monday, March 2, 2020.