Are you looking for an opportunity to work in one of the Okanagan’s most recognized visual arts institutions?
You would be working with curators, exhibition technicians, educators, marketing specialists, accounting staff, and development personnel, to mention a few – all of whom are committed to achieving the Gallery’s programmes and mandates. We provide a stimulating and creative work environment.
Current Openings:
Curator
Application Deadline: Open until filled
The Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) is hiring a new lead Curator, starting as soon as possible. This exciting role provides the opportunity to work at the oldest and largest art gallery in the North Okanagan. The Gallery is looking for leaders in the field to usher the VPAG into a new era. As they transition to a new facility at the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre, your leadership will be key for curating their presence in the new space.
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.
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Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
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, and designing the presentation of installation.
- Provides direction to the Preparator for the exhibition installation. Supervises staff and volunteers involved with exhibition preparation.
- 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.
- 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 the 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, and other staff as assigned by Executive Director.
Collections:
- Initiates and supervises collections development together with the Board of Directors.
- Conducts or supervises acquisitions program in conjunction with Collections Committee.
- Provides storage of artwork and ensures that acceptable environmental conditions are maintained.
- Together with the Executive Director, undertakes and 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 ensures 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 affects 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 provides a professional 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.
Skills and Experience:
- Master’s degree in visual arts, Art History or Critical Cultural Studies
- 10 years of experience in a curatorial role with significant knowledge of 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.
Compensation:
This is a full-time position, 35 hrs/week, with a pay range of $55,000 – $65,000.
Equity and Access:
The Vernon Public Art Gallery respectfully acknowledges that we are located on the traditional and unceded territory of sqilxʷ/syilx (Okanagan) peoples. We seek to work in collaboration with this community whenever possible. The VPAG believes visual culture should be accessible to all, and in our mandate as a public gallery, all admission is by donation.
The curator should have a background in the cultural sector and awareness of accessibility and equity concerns within the field. The curator should seek to work with marginalized communities through programming and exhibitions whenever possible. Any specific programming will be created in collaboration with the Learning and Community Engagement Curator.
How To Apply:
Please apply by filling out the form below:
Application form
For additional information or questions, please contact:
Dauna Kennedy
[email protected] / 250-545-3173
Marketing and Events Coordinator
Start date of employment: As soon as possible
End date of employment: December 2025 (Temporary position to cover maternity leave)
Salary: Part time, 21 hours/week. $21.00-$24.00/hour, with the potential for additional hours to cover events
Job description: The primary responsibility of this position is to provide a standard of excellence in VPAG communications, branding and events.
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Organization Description:
Mandate: The Vernon Public Art Gallery’s mandate if five-fold: to exhibit, collect and preserve local, regional, national and international art of the highest possible standards; to promote visual arts in the broader community; to provide information, education, challenge and inspiration in the visual arts; to encourage appreciation of, and participation in, the visual arts; to provide a meeting place, facility and institution for the benefit of the citizens of Greater Vernon.
Mission: The Vernon Public Art Gallery exists to connect our community to the creative presence and possibilities within the visual arts through its exhibitions and activities.
Responsibilities:
- Create all graphic design pertaining to the Gallery and its services, as well as the design and distribution of all promotional materials for Gallery exhibitions, events and public programming including print, video, and digital media
- Create marketing plan including budget; manage, execute approved plan within budget
- Create and adhere to an approved design book/branding for the VPAG
- Manage the execution of marketing campaigns from concept to delivery
- Manage marketing for all Gallery events, programs and services
- Provide detailed monthly reports tracking that analyze performance metrics and measurements
- Website management and updates – CMS/WordPress
- Build awareness of the Gallery through social media
- Design and distribute Gallery newsletter and E-news
- Send out events and programming information to media through online listings, emails and press releases
- Promote Gallery Shop and Art Rental Program
- Support the Gallery Shop/Art Rental through marketing and vetting new artists
- Maintain archive of exhibition materials/per exhibition
- Plan details and activities for exhibitions, related programming and Gallery
events
- Arrange/prepare bar & food service as required
- Audience development – Create engaging events that invite the community to
experience the gallery in a new way – i.e. Art After Dark
- Assist in the planning and implementation of VPAG’s signature events – i.e.
Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts, Art After Dark and Riot on the Roof
- Create all marketing material for these events and promote to the public and
media through various channels
- Plan, promote and implement current public programs
- Maintain up-to-date certification on Food Safe and Serving it Right
- Ensure VPAG kitchen is maintained according to required regulatory guidelines
- Support overall operations of the VPAG
- Other duties as assigned by the Curator & Executive Director
This position must maintain exemplary relations with current and prospective sponsors
and media to foster ongoing relationships in support of the Gallery. Working cohesively
with Gallery staff and volunteers is also key to the success of this position.
Knowledge & Skills Required:
- Degree or Diploma in Marketing & Communications, Graphic Design, Event
Management or a related field
- 2-5 years’ experience related to development in the arts
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Excellent research skills
- Ability to determine priorities, be self-directed and work with minimal supervision
- Demonstrate understanding of not-for-profit organizations
- Self-motivated, productive and cooperative team player
- Proven ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to develop and sustain appropriate
relationships
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite
- Proficient in website management systems, basic HTML programming skills,
MailChimp and Survey Monkey
- Proficient in the use of social media
- Creative writing skills
- Valid Driver’s License – Serving It Right Certification – Food Safe Certification
Please fill out the form below to be considered for the Marketing and Events Coordinator
position at the Vernon Public Art Gallery.
Application Form
This job will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found.
Art Educator
Start date of employment: As soon as possible
Salary: Full Time, $21.00-$24.00/hour plus benefits. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Job Description: The Art Educator reports directly to the Curator while working collaboratively with all members of the VPAG team. The AE is responsible for implementing existing and new educational art programs, providing tours and workshops for children and adults, and increasing visitor attendance through art education.
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Job Purpose:
The primary responsibility is to increase visitor attendance through the development and implementation of current and new art education programs for all ages.
- Utilize strategies designed to meet curriculum requirements set forth by the BC Ministry of Education and SD #22
- Increase participant knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art through positive experiences
- Maintain accurate records for statistics, engagement and budgets.
- Works as a member of the VPAG team to achieve the objectives outlined in the mandate of our organization.
Programming
- Create lesson plans based off B.C.’s curriculum outcomes, workshops and special events that complement the exhibition schedule and connect with diverse community groups
- Communicate with public and private schools in the region, promoting the Gallery through
regular correspondence and visitation
- Increase participant knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art through positive
experiences
- Liaising with community groups to promote the gallery and its special programs
- Create and maintain connections with various community groups
- Develop art-based programming in response to the needs of the community
- Prepares written educational materials including Teacher’s Guides
Admin & Sponsorship Responsibilities
- Provide, book, invoice and schedule exhibition tours and hands-on activities for groups of all ages
and sizes
- Coordinates, in conjunction with the Marketing Coordinator, the effective promotion of all art
education programs, ensuring sponsorship recognition is implemented.
- Develops criteria and means to evaluate effectiveness of programs and evaluates these on a
regular basis.
- Maintains inventory of materials and supplies for all art education programs
Other Duties
- Maintain up-to-date criminal record check
- Assist staff with annual alternative youth event; Riot on the Roof
- Maintain a clean and tidy studio space, provide set-up and take down of equipment for art
activities
- Ensure the safety of all participants, and make guests feel welcome and included
- Participate with national network CAGE to keep skills and knowledge current.
- Adhere to NAEA international standards
- Support overall operations of the VPAG
- Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director
- Working cohesively with Gallery staff and volunteers is also key to the success of this position.
Knowledge & Skills Required
- Degree in Fine Arts or Education
- Have a passion for art education for all demographics
- 2-5 years’ experience related to development in the arts
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Excellent research skills
- Ability to determine priorities, be self-directed and work with minimal supervision
- Demonstrate understanding of not-for-profit organizations
- Self-motivated, productive and cooperative team player
- Proven ability to manage a broad workload and multi-task in a fast pace environment
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to develop and sustain appropriate relationships
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite
- Valid Driver’s License
Vision
The Vernon Public Art Gallery will broaden its connections within the community and become a critically
acclaimed regional art gallery.
Mission
The VPAG exists to connect our community to the creative presence and possibilities within the visual
arts through its exhibitions and activities.
Mandate
The mandate is five-fold:
- to exhibit, collect and preserve local, regional, national and international art of the highest
possible standards
- to promote visual arts in the broader community
- to provide information, education, challenge and inspiration in the visual arts
- to encourage appreciation of and participation in the visual arts; and
- to provide a meeting place, facility and institution for the benefit of the citizens of Greater
Vernon.
Please access and fill out the application form with the link below:
Application Form