Public Art Project Specialists

Organisation: Calgary Arts Development
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Opportunity type: Standing offer for consultants and contractors
Compensation: CAD $40–$50 per hour, depending on the project and the specialist’s experience
Standing offer period: 30 September 2026–31 December 2028
Application deadline: 29 September 2026
Number of positions: Multiple
Renewal: Option to renew for three additional one-year periods

About the Opportunity

Calgary Arts Development is seeking multiple Public Art Project Specialists to join its roster of qualified consultants and contractors supporting public art projects and programmes across Calgary.

Project Specialists will help manage and deliver projects through a framework of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and reconciliation. They will collaborate with artists, curators, community groups, project partners and members of the public throughout the research, development, implementation and completion of public art projects.

Applicants with experience coordinating or facilitating public art projects will receive particular consideration.

Several projects are ready to begin immediately following the selection of successful applicants.

Standing Offer Arrangement

The standing offer will allow Calgary Arts Development to engage prequalified suppliers for public art projects on an as-needed basis.

The standing offer itself does not constitute a contract or guarantee work. Each assignment will be issued as a separate contract, or “call-up,” based on the needs of a specific project and developed in coordination with the selected specialist.

Project Specialists may work on multiple contracts simultaneously. The length and scope of each contract will depend on the individual project.

The standing offer will begin as early as 30 September 2026 and continue until 31 December 2028, with the possibility of three additional one-year renewals.

Responsibilities

Public Art Project Specialists will report to Project Supervisors and may coordinate multiple small or large projects.

Responsibilities may include:

• Developing project charters.
• Supporting the development and publication of calls for artists.
• Providing application assistance.
• Leading project and programme information sessions.
• Facilitating assessment committees and artist-selection processes.
• Developing and managing budgets and schedules.
• Working with artists, conservators, curators, fabricators and installation teams.
• Reviewing construction documents and facilitating design-development reviews.
• Coordinating permits and site schedules with project partners.
• Preparing outreach and educational materials.
• Coordinating community engagement.
• Gathering materials for project communications.
• Administering contracts.
• Developing relationships with community members.
• Leading teams through project delivery.
• Ensuring alignment with Calgary’s public art vision and relevant procurement processes.
• Maintaining project documentation and reporting.
• Supporting project completion through archiving, reporting and stewardship planning.

Applicant Profile

Calgary Arts Development is looking for specialists who are passionate about bringing public art projects to life and creating meaningful connections between artworks, communities and audiences.

Successful applicants may demonstrate:

• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to bring groups together and create shared ownership of a project.
• Experience working independently and collaboratively across multiple projects.
• Adaptability and a willingness to learn from challenges.
• An interest in contributing to Calgary Arts Development’s reconciliation work.
• Knowledge of materials used in public art.
• Strong administrative skills.
• Confidence, humility and professionalism.
• A commitment to supporting artists and public art production in Calgary.
• Experience or accreditation in project management.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed according to factors including:

• Project management or coordination experience.
• Experience working in public art.
• Education and professional experience.
• References.
• Interviews.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• A résumé.
• A cover letter answering the following question: How do you support an artist’s creative vision while balancing practical considerations such as budget, materials and long-term maintenance?

Application assistance is available to eligible applicants who experience disability-related, geographic or cultural barriers. Support may include transcription or editing assistance, ASL interpretation, interview parking and childcare expenses.