Employment

Current Open Positions:

Job Title: Curator

Organization: Vernon Public Art Gallery

Start date of employment: September 1st 2024

Salary: This is a full-time position, 35 hrs/week, with a pay range of $55,000 – $65,000

Job closing date of June 7 or until a suitable candidate is found.

Job Title and Reporting Relationships

The Curator reports directly to the Executive Director while working as a key member of the management team and collaboratively with all members of the VPAG team. The Curator oversees members of the Curatorial team

Purpose of the Job

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide a standard of excellence in VPAG exhibitions, publications, programming and collections activities.

Exhibitions & Programming

• Curates gallery exhibitions, establishes the schedule, and develops planning of long-term exhibition programming. The exhibition and programming reflect the mandate, vision, values, and strategic plan of the VPAG. Plans, prepares and arranges for delivery of effective and innovative interpretive programs.
• Organizes exhibitions by researching, determining themes, designs the presentation of installation
• Provides direction to the Preparator for the exhibition installation
• Prepares curatorial statements for exhibitions, based on research and conceptual and contextual significance of the artwork considered for exhibition
• Develops catalogues, publications and exhibition information
• Responsible for all gallery exhibition spaces, production of publications, signage etc
• Supervises staff and volunteers involved with exhibition preparation
• The curator is responsible for exhibition contracts, loan agreements, insurance coverage and their approval by the Executive Director
• Maintains accurate and relevant records of exhibitions and artists
• Arranges, in conjunction with the preparator, shipping and receiving of exhibitions
• In conjunction with the gallery staff, communicates to staff, media, and a diverse range of the public about art, the gallery and the gallery’s programs
• Actively networks with other cultural organizations and agencies locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally
• Maintains a broad and current professional knowledge of activity in contemporary art and related disciplines

Administrative

• In conjunction with the Executive Director, undertakes funding applications for research, production and publication, and sponsorship initiatives when appropriate and applicable
• In conjunction with the Executive Director, assists with applications to Government programs, Foundations, individuals and businesses that will fund and expand gallery’s exhibition potential and educational programming
• Provides, establishes and implements curatorial budgets within the resources available. Operates within budget allotted
• Monitors budget for publications, all exhibition related expenses, and gallery installations
• Reports to the Board information regarding exhibition schedules, programming and other curatorial duties
• Manages curatorial staff, specifically the Preparator, Learning & Engagement Curator, other staff as assigned by Executive Director

Collections

• Initiates and together with the Board of Directors supervises collections development
• Conducts or supervises acquisitions program in conjunction with Collections Committee
• Provides for storage of artwork and ensures that acceptable environmental conditions are maintained
• Undertakes and together with the Executive Director supervises all necessary arrangements and procedures for Charitable Tax and Cultural Properties Certification donations (provenance, practitioner and object history research, and fair market value), and ensure that legal and ethical standards are maintained in accordance with standard museum practice
• When possible organizes a touring exhibition and/or oversees the loans of items from the permanent collection to other cultural organizations
• Oversees maintenance of the permanent collection database

Other Duties

• Maintains working knowledge of current critical theories and their application to interpretation of meaning in artwork
• Maintains working knowledge and awareness of ethnic, historic, and artistic practices of First Nations in Canada
• Maintains familiarity with government cultural policies as it effects gallery funding
• Maintains knowledge of exhibition and cultural issues on a national and international basis
• Addresses requests for information from the public and professionals in the cultural sector
• Upholds a professional practice and provide a profession presence for the gallery
• Acts as an advocate for the gallery, community and the cultural sector
• Consults with and provides information to the appropriate gallery personnel regarding publicity for exhibitions and other gallery events and programs

Working Conditions:

This is a full-time position, 35 hrs/week, with a pay range of $55,000 – $65,000

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Master’s Degree in Visual Arts, Art History or Critical Cultural Studies
• 10 years of experience in a curatorial role with significant knowledge around modern & contemporary art practices.
• Writing and publication background.
• Proven ability to lead teams in accomplishing the goals and vision of the gallery.
• Ability to maximize budget to achieve excellence in curatorial outcomes.