Curator (Full-Time Permanent)
Cambridge Art Galleries/Idea Exchange

Cambridge Art Galleries’ operates within a public library setting which contributes significantly to high attendance and results in many community-based collaborative projects and events. The gallery has the unique opportunity of engaging with many families, youth, Canadian newcomers, seniors, and the broader community on a daily basis and we are looking for a Curator who is enthusiastic about capitalizing on this relationship in order to make art accessible to broad and diverse audiences.

Cambridge Art Galleries’ mandate is to serve our regional and broader communities through the delivery of contemporary art programs which foster critical cultural dialogue. Our artistic activities engage, embrace, and empower people of all ages and abilities from diverse ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds. We promote and support emerging and professional artists, advocate for the advancement of the creative sector, and we actively acquire, conserve, exhibit, and evolve the context of our permanent collection of contemporary Canadian fibre art.

We are seeking a dynamic Curator who is experienced in exhibition and collection development, contemporary art, community engagement, and grant writing, to fulfill a key leadership position on our team. We are searching for someone who is passionate about our mandate and who has a proven track record for advancing contemporary art through accessible formats.

Reporting to the Gallery Director, the Curator position is responsible for the development and implementation of exhibitions that support our strategic plan, priority groups, and Mandate/Vison/Mission. The Curator prepares detailed budgets and descriptive narratives and monitors and controls budgets for assigned projects. The position works with artists to support exhibition production and development, secure agreements with artists and/or lending institutions, coordinate exhibition contracts/ loan agreements, design and prepare the overall installation and de-installation plan for each exhibition, and manage the development of exhibition publications, contributing curatorial essays where appropriate. The Curator also researches and writes interpretive material to engage the public with exhibitions and coordinates the production of this material with graphic designers, printers, and other contributors. The position collaborates with the Community Engagement Specialist, Education Officer, and promotions team, to develop and implement strategies, programs, and promotions, that strive for deeper public engagement. The Curator will continuously seek to understand the needs of the communities we serve and to work with those communities to cultivate positive relationships and meaningful, enriching, creative collaborations.

The position researches and presents lectures, talks, tours, and other oral presentations related to programs and responds to questions from the public regarding Gallery programs and exhibitions. The Curator performs ongoing curatorial research through studio and gallery visits and builds relationships with collectors, donors, curators, academics, publishers, educators and relevant colleagues and represents the Gallery at annual conferences and other types of professional meetings.

The successful candidate will be committed to working with Indigenous artists, leaders, and Traditional Knowledge Keepers towards the advancement of Truth & Reconciliation. They will also be committed to working with artists and persons of varying backgrounds including deaf/blind and disability, visible minorities, seniors, LGBTQ2+, and new generation and/or emerging artists.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Curator is responsible for overseeing the care, documentation, exhibition, and conservation of the contemporary fibre art collection. The position supports the development and delivery of collection-based educational and community engagement programs as well as promotional opportunities. Working with the Art Collection Committee, the Curator supports the development of policy, mandate, strategy, and long-range planning. The Curator also researches and creates formal proposals for the acquisition of art objects for the collection as well as conducts research on the works in the collection and coordinates the loan of collection art works to other museums, institutions, or traveling exhibitions.

The Curator seeks out grant opportunities and writes grant applications in support of exhibitions and projects. The position is also responsible for developing grant narratives for applications to the Canada for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council and for continuously striving to align their curatorial directions with funder priorities and established organizational directives.

To be qualified for this role you should have:

• University degree in fine art or art history
• Minimum of 5 years of curatorial and collection experience working in a public art gallery setting
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to drive to locations
• Knowledge of health and safety in accordance with the Employment Act and Occupational Health & Safety Regulations
• Demonstrated skill in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, collection management software, and dexterity with diverse media used in exhibitions
• Thorough knowledge of current practices in the handling of art
• Demonstrated ability to design inventive projects and exhibitions
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, artists, partners, and funders
• Ability to express ideas and concepts effectively, orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality related to Gallery exhibitions, collections, partners, funders, and operations
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to guide and support staff to achieve identified goals

This is a full-time, permanent position where you will work 70 hours in a bi-weekly period. We offer a competitive salary with health and dental benefits as well as participation in OMERS pension.

Please apply by February 7, 2020 to:

Megan Lynn, HR Manager
Idea Exchange
1 North Square, Cambridge, Ontario, N1S 2K6
hr@ideaexchange.org

Please quote “20-01x Curator” in your subject line

We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Please note that this position is open to both internal and external candidates.