The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery at Harbourfront Centre is Canada’s leading public gallery devoted exclusively to the art of our time and is recognized as an important centre for contemporary art in North America and in the world. Over the past 34 years, its reputation for presenting thought-provoking exhibitions, superior catalogues and editions, and challenging special events has remained unparalleled. Presenting contemporary art by living artists of local, national, and international stature, The Power Plant’s mission is to present and disseminate the best contemporary art in all and any media within Harbourfront Centre and offsite through partnerships in Toronto, Canada and abroad.

We are currently looking to bring on board a motivated and passionate Curatorial Fellow to assist with, and contribute to all phases of exhibition development. This is an opportunity for a recent graduate or emerging curator to be integrated fully into all areas of a major Canadian public gallery that has a national and international resonance.

Position Title: Nancy McCain & Bill Morneau Curatorial Fellow, The Power Plant
Reporting to: Curator of Exhibitions
Type of Employment: 24-month contract, 28 June, 2021 to 30 June 2023
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week, 5 days per week
Salary: $40,000 per year

SUMMARY OF FUNCTION

This two-year fellowship supports The Power Plant’s goal to contribute to, nurture, and foster the careers of up-and-coming Canadian art curators. This is an opportunity for a recent graduate or emerging curator to be integrated fully into all areas of a major Canadian public gallery that has a national and international resonance. Coaching, research, documentation, professional development and mentoring are at the heart of this program! The program helps build the Fellow’s career in Toronto, in Canada, and abroad!

The Fellow will have the opportunity to work closely with curators, artists, educators, and administrators. The Fellow will gain valuable and tangible hands-on experience in exhibitions, including ongoing administrative tasks, and many related areas of operations (development, programs, publications). This broad range of experience is quite difficult to gain in the sector these days and will contribute positively to the Fellow’s professional development.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Curatorial

• Participate in all phases of exhibition development, including being named Assistant Curator on one (or more) major exhibition(s) per year. This includes research; checklist development; lender and artist relations; publication rights and reproductions; writing text for catalogues, didactics, and development and promotional purposes; liaising with artists, curators, gallerists, and collectors/lenders; floor plan development; installation; documentation; and development of public programs related to exhibitions.
• Assist with other departmental needs, including: preparation for board, committee and Gallery Attendant presentations; leading tours for board, donors and other arts professionals.
• Manage relationships with Education & Public Programs team, Gallery Attendants, Installation technicians, and interns.
• The end of this two-year tenure will see the Curatorial Fellow present an exhibition with an accompanying publication.

Administration

• Upon completion of each year of the internship, provide a presentation to The Power Plant staff, reporting on the outcomes of each year. (This will inform a summary included in the Annual Report).
• Attend Programs Committee meetings of TPP Board of Directors and shares responsibility of taking minutes with the TD Curator of Education & Outreach Fellow.
• Leading projects including overseeing budget reconciliation and invoicing.
• Perform special projects and other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned by the Director from time to time.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Successfully assist Curator of Exhibitions with curatorial program including logistical support;
• Promptly deliver research and develop presentations and/or writing
• Contribute ideas for Education & Public Programs related directly to exhibitions, and participate in select programs.
• Successfully manage the budget of the project(s) that they are responsible for overseeing.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

• M.A. degree in art history, art criticism, museum studies, curatorial practice or a related field.
• Deep knowledge of contemporary art in Canada and globally.
• Effective communication skills (written and oral).
• Excellent research skills with high level of critical/logical and creative/innovative thinking, coupled with demonstrated experience writing, copy-editing, proof-reading.
• Experience tracking budgets.
• Proficiency in French (reading, written and oral) or other language is an asset.
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft and Apple) required; knowledge of web CMS, basic audio/photo/video editing is desirable.
• An energetic, self-motivated, results-oriented attitude.
• A strong work ethic and the ability to perform in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects on the go and with varying deadlines.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Non-Canadian applicants must have a valid employment Visa and proper documentation authorizing their ability to work in Canada for the full duration of the contract.
• Remote work from home is currently in place, however the candidate must be able to work on site at our downtown lakeside gallery as needed, and when return to work directive is in place.

HOW TO APPLY

Acceptable applications must include all of the following:

• A letter (maximum 2 pages) describing the applicant’s interest in the Fellowship program and curating exhibitions, and what they hope to learn;
• A résumé (maximum 2 pages);
• Three references (with contact information);
• Writing samples (maximum 8 pages each), specifically an excerpt from a thesis or other academic writing and another art-related sample.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by contacting jobs@harbourfrontcentre.com by no later than May 31, 2021. Please quote Curatorial Fellow – The Power Plant in the subject line of your application. We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

The Power Plant is committed to diversity and inclusiveness. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply and we welcome applicants from individuals who identify as belonging to equity priority groups. Suitable accommodations will be available upon request during the hiring process.