Associate Curator

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Contemporary Calgary’s vision is to align our mission, to develop a wide variety of world-class programming from our own neighbourhoods to around the globe, with our values of being welcoming, inclusive, engaging and relevant.

Our vision embraces a plurality of styles, genres, themes, and discourse to generate meaningful encounters with diverse communities. We employ a range of tools and strategies that make our programming accessible and engaging from a multitude of perspectives and learning styles.

Welcoming: Our organization develops its spaces, operations and programming with deep consideration of guests, audiences and communities. Content, which includes the work, didactic material, interpretation and associated public programming, is delivered in a polite, respectful manner that is neither condescending and elitist nor pandering and oversimplified.

Inclusive: At Contemporary Calgary, inclusion means accommodating (operationally, architecturally, programmatically) all people regardless of gender, disabilities, age, class, size, race, ethnicity or religious beliefs. Exhibitions, Public Programs and Publications are developed with careful consideration of diversity with respect to artists, curators, writers, educators, attendants, audiences and communities. The interests, needs, motivations, and contexts of these groups and individuals are unique and complex.

Inclusion in the context of our own network of communities warrants work for, and with, Indigenous populations, and in particular, an effort to support the positions set forth in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).

Engaging: Contemporary Calgary aims to foster engagement for staff, board, artists, audience and communities through diverse strategies including architectural design, innovative operational policy and procedures, and artistic programming. We intend to cultivate interest, participation, satisfaction, commitment, curiosity, and pleasure in all our work

Relevant: As a world class arts organization it is imperative that we assess, understand, and participate in relevant discourse around contemporary issues. This ensures more success with engagement (and ultimately advocacy) but also builds resiliency in our organization.

Exhibitions and Public Programming will be developed with careful consideration of the issues and dialogues driving artist practice today with particular attention to the complex and varied contexts it draws upon. This includes being mindful of local, national and international history, geography, current events, new technologies, and notably, of art history which also includes curatorial, exhibition and installation practices.

ROLE

Contemporary Calgary is embarking on a major renovation and expansion with long term plans for a significant curatorial team. Hiring an Associate Curator is a vital early step in this process and will play an important role in the shaping of our vision along with the Chief Curator, Public Programming Coordinator and all staff at Contemporary Calgary.

The Associate Curator position is responsible for supporting the Chief Curator in the development and execution of exhibitions, and in particular, providing leadership in structuring Public Programs at Contemporary Calgary. The Associate Curator is a passionate advocate for the visual arts, is able to provoke and engage a diverse public and helps to ensure Contemporary Calgary’s next generation of support. The vision, dynamism and leadership of the Associate Curator is essential to the aspirations and to the future of Contemporary Calgary.

Major Responsibilities

Support the development and delivery of a multi-year program of exhibitions, publications, public programs and activities that support Contemporary Calgary’s mandate.
Lead the development of diverse, engaging, and relevant Public Programs including lectures, panels, workshops, film screenings, studio activities and School Programs
Lead the coordination of exhibition installations, including shipping, loans, contracting and supervising installers, artist travel/accommodation, graphics and didactics and other associated tasks.
Organize and curate exhibitions, write catalogue essays and other texts as required to   support the program.
Oversee, manage and mentor the Public Programming Coordinator to ensure the successful delivery of the annual Public Program.
Oversee and manage the Collider Open Studio Artist Residency program, serving as liaison between residents and Contemporary Calgary
Attend weekly staff meetings to review and discuss various topics.
With the curatorial team, participate in the development and monitoring of the annual programming budget and ensure that costs are contained and efficiencies realized throughout the annual fiscal cycle.
Support the hiring, training and supervision of all programming staff and contractors.
Develop, nurture and maintain relationships with artists, curators, visual arts professionals and organizations in Alberta, Canada and abroad.
Develop and deliver keynote addresses, lectures and presentations to a wide public.
Participate in and represent Contemporary Calgary in curatorial forums, symposia and other activities.
Participate in the cultural and visual arts environment in Alberta and in Canada.
Collaborate with the CEO, Board of Directors and staff to ensure that Contemporary
Calgary’s policies and procedures reflect and support best practice in the field.

Reporting Relationship
The Associate Curator reports to the Chief Curator and Chief Executive Officer.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in art history, curatorial practice and museology or equivalent.
Minimum of 5 years of related experience, with leadership-level experience in an art gallery or museum being preferred.
Substantial record of achievement and delivery of extensive exhibition programs in the   context of a public art gallery or exhibition space.
Experience with the care and handling of art works, including condition reporting and packing procedures
Understanding of Canadian art practice with a focus on Western Canadian experience.
Ability to work effectively in a small team in the context of a growing organization with   demonstrated experience driving ambitious programming.
Knowledge of museum standards and curatorial best practices, and reputation in the field as a nurturer of new talent.
Superior presentation and writing skills with an ability to communicate effectively with a   variety of audiences.
Ability to work as part of team and individually while under pressure with tight and varying deadlines and to adapt a work plan accordingly.
Flexibility, creativity and imagination are important characteristics for this role