Location: 701 11 St SW, Calgary, AB
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Hours: 40 hours/week. May involve weekend and evening work.
Contract: 1-year fixed term with potential extension
Salary: $55,000/year
Closing Date: October 7, 2023
About Contemporary Calgary
Contemporary Calgary is a prominent hub for modern and contemporary art in Calgary, AB. Our mission is to create a vibrant visual arts destination that sparks conversations, fosters new ideas, and transforms both our community and our lives. With groundbreaking exhibitions featuring renowned artists like Yoko Ono, Robert Houle, Chitra Ganesh, Diane Arbus, and Marman and Borins, we play a pivotal role in Canada’s cultural landscape. Situated in Calgary’s burgeoning contemporary art district, we are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
The Curatorial Department
The Curatorial Department at Contemporary Calgary is responsible for curating temporary exhibitions, commissions, publications, and public programs. We’re looking for a dynamic Assistant Curator to join our team.
How to Apply
If you’re passionate about contemporary art and ready to contribute your skills, please apply with a cover letter and resume to careers@contemporarycalgary.com by October 7, 2023. Use “Curatorial Assistant” as the subject line. While we appreciate all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Description
As an Assistant Curator at Contemporary Calgary, you will be a crucial part of our team, working on various projects with artists, lenders, and arts institutions. Your responsibilities will encompass delivering modern and contemporary exhibitions and commissions, managing transport and insurance logistics, performing registrarial duties, organizing public programs, and contributing to catalog production.
You will collaborate closely with the curatorial team, suggesting ideas for our gallery’s program. Additionally, you will liaise with other internal departments and art professionals.
Duties & Responsibilities
General
- Provide comprehensive support to the Curatorial Department, from project research to realization.
- Establish communication with artists, arts institutions, and lenders.
- Develop and expand our public programs.
- Collaborate with other Contemporary Calgary departments, including Marketing & Design, Education, Events, Development, and Operations.
- Monitor and manage exhibition and catalogue budgets, including estimates, invoices, digital and physical budget files, and coordination with the Finance Department.
Registrar (in collaboration with the Gallery Preparator)
- Prepare condition and packing reports according to museum standards.
- Maintain records of work movement and conditions, coordinating with conservators and couriers as needed.
- Organize and supervise exhibition-related transport, including shipping lists, cost estimates, customs documentation, and liaison with shippers and exhibition Curator.
- Issue contracts to partner organizations, artists, curators, and authors.
- Maintain files, correspondence, and archives of past exhibitions.
Exhibitions Organization and Public Programs
- Arrange accommodations, travel, and per-diems for visiting artists, curators, panelists, etc.
- Assist in catalogue production as required.
- Compile and edit texts, conduct research, request, store, and return images, and obtain copyright permissions for publications and communication materials.
- Compile information for labels, text panels, interpretative material, and website content.
- Assist in training gallery attendants and volunteers.
- Collaborate with the Education team to develop meaningful programming for members, visitors, and children.
- Assist with private tours and other Contemporary Calgary events.
- Represent Contemporary Calgary at public events, meetings, and networking opportunities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, Theory or Practice, Museum Studies, or equivalent experience. A Master’s degree is a plus.
- Minimum of three years’ arts administration experience in a gallery, museum, or foundation.
- Strong research and writing skills with attention to detail.
- Good knowledge of contemporary artistic practices and curatorial best practices.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Proficiency in museum database software, Microsoft Office, and Adobe suite.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, even under pressure.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
