Job Posting

Curator of Exhibitions and Education

Application Deadline: 07 July 2017
Start Date:   August or September 2017
Salary: $45,000 – $52,000
Term: Full time Continuing 
 
Position Description
 
Reporting to the Executive Director of the VAC, the Curator of Exhibitions and Education will be responsible for setting the overall curatorial direction of the gallery and ancillary venues (the Municipal Administrative Centre, the Bowmanville branch of the Clarington Public Library, etc.), planning and realizing exhibitions from concept to installation and beyond, and overseeing successful design and implementation of all educational and public programming.
 
The successful candidate will be responsible for:

  • Researching potential exhibition proposals and creating multi-year exhibition plans and communicating these plans to staff, the Board of Directors, funders, and other stakeholders;
  • Implementing exhibition plans from concept through to realization, including planning, working and corresponding with artists and any guest writers / guest curators, interpretation, and overseeing installation and striking;
  • Creating (with the Executive Director) exhibition- and education-related budgets, monitoring and controlling related expenses, and producing regular reports;
  • Writing catalogue essays, and facilitating exhibition catalogue production (in conjunction with other gallery and contract staff);
  • Speaking at gallery openings, curator talks, etc.;
  • Planning and supervising interpretive and public programming related to exhibitions;
  • Planning and supervising ongoing educational programs for children and adults (classes, workshops, children’s camps, uninstructed studio sessions, etc.);
  • Supervising and scheduling educational staff, studio technicians, and life models;
  • Maintaining safety protocols for the gallery and studio programs;
  • Producing or overseeing documentation and promotional materials for the exhibitions and educational / public programming including catalogue essays, press releases, media talks, web content, etc.; 
  • Collaborating with the Executive Director to develop funding requests (grant applications, sponsorship proposals, etc.); and
  • Overall: Working together with all VAC staff to contribute to the implementation of programs aimed at engaging existing as well as new and diverse audiences.

The Curator of Exhibitions and Education is expected to work a standard work week, but will also be expected to work some evenings, weekends, and overtime hours to accommodate activities such as Board and committee meetings and representing the organization at exhibition openings, fundraisers, and other public events. A majority of the work is expected to take place at the VAC site, though some off-site work will also be necessary for studio visits, committee meetings, and attendance at other gallery openings, for example.
 
Qualifications:
 
The ideal candidate for this position will have:
 
Education: A university degree in a related field (Fine Art / Studio, Art History, Curatorial Studies, etc.). An advanced (Masters-level) degree would be an asset.  
 
Experience: A minimum of three (3) years professional curatorial experience, preferably in a public gallery setting. 
 
Knowledge: A sophisticated understanding of the theoretical, historical, and intellectual contexts of, and current issues within, contemporary art and curatorial practices, and a familiarity with local, provincial, and national visual arts communities.
 
Interpretive / Communication Skills: Exceptional written and oral communication skills necessary to communicate knowledge to both specialized and general audiences.
 
Interpersonal Skills:

  • Working cooperatively and effectively with multiple stakeholders (staff, board, artists, members, community groups, government, media, etc.) to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that are beneficial to the organization
  • Thriving in a small, team-oriented environment, while still able to work independently as required
  • Respecting a diversity of perspectives
  • Managing one’s own work well within changing priorities of an evolving organization 

Financial Skills:

  • Producing and analyzing project budgets that correspond to larger operational budgets and strategic plans
  • Monitoring and controlling exhibition- and education-related expenses 

Project Management Skills:

  • Assessing organizational needs, resources, and risks
  • Setting priorities and deadlines
  • Monitoring progress toward goals
  • Evaluating processes and results
  • Managing time and multiple priorities

Computer Skills – intermediate-level proficiency in the use of:

  • Standard Office software (such as Word, Excel, and Access)
  • Communications / document sharing software (such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive) 

How to Apply:  
 
Applications must include:

  • a cover letter (no longer than two pages) which addresses the listed qualifications for this position
  • a current resume (no longer than three pages)
  • a statement which explains your overall curatorial vision / approach to curatorial work (no longer than 500 words)
  • three relevant writing samples (such as catalogue essays, exhibition reviews, etc.)

submitted as attachments to an email message that has “VAC Curator Position” in the subject line, before the end of day 07 July 2017, to:
 
Sherri Helwig
President and Principal Consultant
S.L. Helwig & Associates
sherri@SLHelwig.com
 
The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for all aspects of the selection process.
 
Contact:
 
Any questions about this process or position can be directed to: 
 
Sherri Helwig
S.L. Helwig & Associates
sherri@SLHelwig.com
 

Application Deadline: 
Friday, July 7, 2017
Type of Work: 
Full Time
City: 
Bowmanville
Province: 
Ontario
Education Level: 
University (Undergraduate)
Languages: 
English
Travel: 
No
Prefered Method(s) of Application: 
By E-Mail

Employer Details

Visual Arts Centre of Clarington

Sherri Helwig
143 Simpson Avenue
Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K8
Canada

The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington is a public, non-collecting gallery exhibiting local, regional, and national contemporary visual art and offering arts education in the Durham Region. Its mission is to nurture the cultural development of the community by encouraging the creative impulse through arts education, exhibition and promotion.