UBC Okanagan Gallery
Job Title: Curatorial Assistant
Department: UBCO | Curator | Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
Compensation Range: $4,545.00 – $5,215.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date: October 16, 2022
Job Summary
This position is responsible for assisting UBC Okanagan Gallery’s Curator with curatorial projects including exhibitions, research, publications, public programming, grant writing and fundraising. The Curatorial Assistant assists in the day to day management of the university’s Public Art Collection as it relates to registration, documentation, acquisitions, loans, deaccessions, storage, archives, database management, public access to the collection, and develops long term plans, policies and procedures concerning collections management. The Curatorial Assistant utilizes their knowledge of exhibition, development, art production, collections management and gallery operations to assist the Curator with exhibitions, projects and collection management.
Organizational Status
UBC Okanagan Gallery’s mandate is to research, exhibit, collect, publish, educate and develop programs in the field of contemporary art. The Gallery promotes understanding and discussion of contemporary art and contemporary issues in art history, criticism and curating. The Gallery is currently developing a Category A professional gallery space in downtown Kelowna, and manages the University’s evolving art collection of approximately 850 works of art – one of the largest public collections of art in the Interior of BC. Works from the collection and archives are in active use. Artworks from the collection are displayed on campus, and in exhibitions both on campus and off-site and are loaned to other arts institutions. The collection is used by researchers, scholars and students, as well as other museums and galleries, who reproduce images in print and online publications. The Gallery oversees the development, installation and maintenance of the University’s outdoor art collection on the Okanagan campus. Through a regular program of exhibitions, publications, loans, travelling exhibits, and special projects, UBCO Gallery participates in the national and international community of institutions concerned with contemporary art. Operating as an academic unit of the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, the Gallery is closely tied to the Department and participates in the training of student curators through the Work Study program.
The position of Curatorial Assistant reports to the Curator, works closely with the Technical Director and Communications and Marketing Specialist, facilities, development and campus planning. The position works collaboratively with all university faculty and staff, as well as students, alumni and volunteers. Communicates directly with artists, donors, curators, appraisers, conservators, technicians, IT services, finance and other institutions. Works with a variety of UBC departments and units, faculty, staff, students, and various internal stakeholders across campus. Develops short and long-term plans for growth, direction, and dissemination of the gallery in collaboration with supervisor, and any other bodies directly related to the organization.
Work Performed
- Assists with the care and management of the collection while observing standards and best practices for exhibitions, cataloguing, database management and storage.
- Trains and supervises Work Study gallery assistants and contract staff.
- Assists in exhibition curation, including research, selection, shipping, installation and de-installation, processing contracts and payments, correspondence with lenders and artists, and arts institutions, public programming, assistance with publications, catalogues, press release, website and social media promotion of exhibition.
- Manages full cycle of outgoing loan requests, advising Curator as to condition of artwork, costs, and time frame to determine Gallery’s ability to accommodate loan; negotiates conditions and any associated fees and prepares loan agreements.
- Manages the unpacking/packing of artworks and prepares condition reports for all outgoing and incoming works on loan.
- Developing information for promotional materials, exhibition catalogues, public engagement talks, course materials, workshops, website and social media content production.
- Assists with the development, implementation and provision of outreach and instructional activities/materials; including educational materials, tours, writing and research services, online exhibitions and hands-on projects.
- Develops and drafts letters of agreement, contracts, acquisitions, shipping agreements, copyright waivers, condition reports, insurance reports and payment processing.
- Maintains the Public Art Collection’s database on PastPerfect Museum Software. Develops and implements data standards, provides training to staff and student employees, and ensures accuracy and quality standards are met.
- Performs general collections duties, assistance with collection acquisitions and loans, recommendation of artworks for restoration and public display, scheduled maintenance of artworks, and participation in day-to-day operational decision making.
- Manages the list of works for all exhibitions and displays, creates didactic panels and labels for public display; assists with installations as needed.
- Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The decisions and recommendations of the Curatorial Assistant may have legal, financial, contractual and operational implications for the University, both in the short and long term. Failure to accurately exercise appropriate judgement and foresight may impact on the ability of the University, and employees in achieving their objectives or goals.
Supervision Received
Reports to the Curator at UBC Okanagan Gallery. Works under direction within broad objectives from the Curator at UBC Okanagan Gallery.
Supervision Given
Co-supervises two (2) Work/Study students and graduate research assistants, under the guidance of the Curator. Supervises contract staff.
Minimum Qualifications
- University Degree in art history, museum studies or other relevant field
- Minimum two years of experience directly to the duties and responsibilities.
- Previous experience working in a public museum or gallery environment
- Demonstrated professional experience working with archives, artifacts, exhibitions, curatorial projects, and art collections.
- Database maintenance skills, experience with PastPerfect museum software is required
- Thorough knowledge of current art handling practices.
- Knowledge of the methods, practices and regulations for local, national and international shipment of works of art, and insurance requirements relevant to lending works of art.
- Knowledge of the policies and procedures regarding professional standards for registration and collections management.
- Knowledge of fine art appraisal procedures and practices.
- Working knowledge of the techniques of handling works of art, and the standards and practices for preventative conservation and condition reporting works of art to judge its condition, determine special handling, the need for conservation and the identification of treatment processes for damaged works.
- Knowledge of the UBC community, Workday software and experience working in a university art gallery/museum an asset.
- Skill in the appropriate handling, installation, and storage of museum-quality artwork and/or artifacts.
- Demonstrated organizational skills to administer numerous projects and a multitude of arrangements simultaneously and under tight scheduling constraints.
- Proven ability to work in a team and collaborate with others.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of external and internal contacts.
- Ability to work on a ladder, and be comfortable moving artworks in a variety of gallery and collections environments.
- Ability to draft grant applications, and project reports.
- Ability to train and supervise project staff and students.
- Ability to function effectively within a changing environment
