This is My Mother’s Vision, by Joane Cardinal-Schubert (1987), The City of Calgary Public Art Collection

Overview

The City of Calgary’s Public Art Program is seeking an Associate Indigenous Curator to play a supporting role to the Indigenous Curator. The Associate Indigenous Curator will focus on implementing opportunities for artists and helping the Indigenous Curator build relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in and around Calgary. This position will work in close collaboration with the Indigenous Curator, the Moh’kinsstis Public Art Guiding Circle and Public Art Program staff.

Those with connection to the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, specifically the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Piikani and Kainai); Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations (Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations); the Tsuut’ina First Nation; historic Northwest Métis and Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3; and/or Indigenous urban Calgarians, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis who have made Calgary their home are encouraged to apply.

All work to be performed in Calgary and area.

The contract is for 5 months at 35 hours per week for a consultant fee of $21,000 (not including GST), all inclusive.

The deadline for submissions is 4:30:59 pm MST on Monday, May 31, 2021.

The anticipated start date is July 15, 2021.

Please review the call for submissions for full details.

How to submit package

Email submission package to publicart@calgary.ca and attach all the required documents in a single email.

Notes:

• Late submissions will not be considered. Please do not wait until the last minute to apply, as there are absolutely no exceptions to late submissions not being considered.
• Documents should be in Word or PDF format.
• Email subject line should include: Associate Indigenous Curator Call
• Note that the maximum file size for an email is 10 MB.
• All emailed files must be compatible with a PC.
• Links to posted media or content will not be viewed. All content must be contained within the email.

Submission package

Eligible submissions will contain:

• Letter of interest (maximum of 1000 words);
• Current resume / Curriculum Vitae with applicable examples of work in related areas, educational experience and contact information.

Evaluation criteria

A: Letter of interest: 40 points

• Why this opportunity interests the curator and how the curator’s Indigenous background and practice will contribute to this project: 15 points
• Understanding of local Indigenous history and Indigenous art history; demonstrated ability to build/maintain relationships with Treaty 7, Métis and urban Indigenous communities: 15 points
• Experience with Social Media feeds (in particular feeds curated by the applicant): 5 points
• Interest in public art: 5 points
• Applicants with the ability to build relationships within Treaty 7 Nations will score higher.
• Applicants with knowledge of Treaty 7 history and the relationship with the city of Calgary will score higher.

B: Applicable examples of work in related area and educational experience (resume/Curriculum Vitae): 60 points

• Relevant communications experience: 10 points
  ◦  Writing / blog samples / social media guest curator feed (social media takeover)
• Relevant curatorial experience: 20 points
  ◦  Demonstrated ability to implement art programs and projects;
  ◦  Demonstrated ability to conduct research, write, and organize programs and/or events through an Indigenous world view;
  ◦  A minimum two years of related experience is preferred.
  ◦  Applicants with experience in curating Indigenous art programs and/or methodology will score higher
• Educational qualifications: 10 points
  ◦  Bachelor’s Degree in fine art, art history or arts management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered;
• Ability to meet project goals and objectives: 20 points
  ◦  Demonstrated ability to prepare, monitor and manage budgets;
  ◦  Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
  ◦  Demonstrated organizational and planning skills;
  ◦  Proven ability to prioritize, manage and complete concurrent projects;
  ◦  Ability to manage various stakeholder relationships;
  ◦  Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
  ◦  Strong working knowledge of MS Office.

Selection process

All eligible submissions are reviewed by a selection panel consisting of members of the Moh’kinsstis Public Art Guiding Circle and a representative from the Public Art Program.

The selection panel will shortlist applicants based on how their submissions meet the application criteria listed above.

Three references will be requested for short-listed curators. References should include at least two work-related contacts, preferably a supervisor, but can also include a community leader, such as an Elder. References should include company name, current contact name, including current telephone number, address and email address. The City reserves the right to contact references without prior notification. References from City of Calgary staff members will not be counted as part of the required references.

Shortlisted curators will be invited to an in-person / online interview with the selection panel. The same evaluation criteria will be used as in the shortlisting stage.

Key dates

Date of issue: April 19, 2021
Deadline for questions to publicart@calgary.ca: 4:30 pm MST on Wednesday: May 26, 2021
Submission deadline: 4:30:59 pm MST on Monday May 31, 2021
Shortlist: June 7, 2021
Finalist interviews: June 11, 2021
Anticipated project start: July 15, 2021
Project completion: December 15, 2021
Dates are subject to change.

For more information