Employment

Current Open Positions:

Curator

Looking for an opportunity to be a lead curator at a professional art gallery? You’ve come to the right place.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

The Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) is looking for a new lead curator to start in late 2024. This engaging position allows you to work at the North Okanagan’s oldest and largest art gallery. The Gallery is searching for field leaders to help guide the VPAG into a new age. As they move to a new location at the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre, your leadership will be critical in establishing their presence.
The Curator reports directly to the Executive Director, serves as a key component of the management team, supervises members of the Curatorial team, and collaborates with all VPAG staff members.

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 information to the Board regarding exhibition schedules, programming, and other
  curatorial duties.
• Manages curatorial staff, specifically the Preparator, Learning & Community 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 ancestral 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 here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/1d22f0744606fd23aa8c022a72a782fb?r=use1

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Dauna Kennedy
[email protected] / 250-545-3173