Curator

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Position title: Curator
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Contract term: one-year
Start date: June 4, 2019
Compensation: $21.00/hour, 21 hours/week

Centre A was founded in 1999 and is Canada’s only public gallery devoted to contemporary Asian and Asian diasporic art. Our mission is to build an inclusive community for contemporary Asian art and foster a greater understanding of evolving cultural experiences and identities. We are committed to creating mentorship opportunities for emerging artists and cultural workers, while facilitating collaborations across local, national, and international contexts. Our Reading Room houses an extensive collection of books and research materials, including the Finlayson Collection of Rare Asian Art Books.

Reporting to the Executive Director, and working with the Centre A team, the Curator will develop and oversee the artistic programming of the organization. This is an ideal opportunity for an early career curator to build a network and craft their voice. The role will include research, grant writing, program development, as well as day-to-day gallery operations. This is an exciting opportunity to engage in meaningful collaboration with diverse communities and promote progressive cultural conversations across a wide range of Asian artistic practices.

The successful candidate will be creative, resourceful, and passionate about the artistic and community engagement opportunities offered by Centre A’s location in the Sun Wah Centre, a former retail mall.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work collaboratively with the Centre A team to plan, budget and execute exhibition programming
Develop and implement exhibition-related public programs
Develop meaningful partnerships related to exhibitions and public programs
Oversee and support the installation of exhibitions
Develop curatorial statements and public-facing exhibition materials including didactics, press releases, and marketing copy
Lead efforts to secure financial resources for the execution of exhibitions through a combination of grants, sponsorships, and donations
Provide guidance and mentorship to interns and volunteers
Work with the fundraising committee on development initiatives
Develop and maintain positive relationships with artists, collectors, donors, and other stakeholders
Collaborate with key stakeholders to advance Centre A’s mission, values, and strategic plan

QUALIFICATIONS

MA, MFA or equivalent in art history, cultural studies, arts management, arts administration or related degree preferred
2-3 years of curatorial experience or equivalent combination of training and experience within the arts
Demonstrated commitment to contemporary Asian art and its concerns
Understanding of working in progressive and grassroots cultural spaces with members of different communities
Demonstrated aptitude or success in grant writing
Superior organizational and administrative skills, detail-oriented focus and the ability to manage multiple priorities
Proven ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills to represent the organization
Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively at all levels of operation in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of one or more Asian languages is a strong asset
Flexibility to work occasional weekends and evenings
A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is an asset

To apply, please send materials in a single PDF with your name and the position in the title, in the following order to hr@centrea.org: a cover letter, CV, two reference contacts, and two writing samples.

Review of applications will begin on May 8, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled. We thank you in advance for your interest, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Centre A is located in Vancouver’s Chinatown on the unceded and ancestral territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. We are committed to equity and inclusion and encourage applications from members of underrepresented and marginalized groups, including but not limited to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, and/or disability.