Curatorial Coordinator–Interpretation

Reporting to the Chief Curator/Associate Director, the incumbent will utilize knowledge and experience of the visual arts and culture, art history and museum pedagogy in order to conceive, develop and produce all aspects of in-gallery interpretation for broad audiences as it relates to the exhibition program.

Principal activities include the following:
– conceiving and producing extended learning opportunities for visitors before, during and after visiting exhibitions both in the museum and beyond such as in the digital realm;
– coordinating, writing and editing interpretive exhibition texts.

This position is part of the Curatorial department and has a close working relationship with curators, Public Programs and Education staff, Museum Services staff, as well as external colleagues, consultants, writers, artists and interns/volunteers. This work occurs in a context of building innovative and progressive interpretive materials and projects around the Gallery’s exhibition program.

DUTIES: In order to make the Gallery’s exhibitions and collections more accessible to a wider audience, duties include the initiation, development and production of learning opportunities for exhibition visitors. This includes:
– Conceiving and creating in-gallery opportunities such as video interviews, texts, visual displays, activities, films, digital apps and other forms of engagement to expand and activate the ideas of exhibitions and the art they feature. This may require developing working relationships with artists and other creative individuals who can contribute to interpretative content and activities.
– Expanding the possibilities for learning beyond exhibitions, both before and after a visit, by conceiving and organizing courses, workshops, on-line engagement and other related activities intended primarily for adults.
– Researching, writing and /or editing interpretive texts and extended labels for exhibitions, working closely with exhibition curators and Museum Services graphics staff to coordinate the production and installation of these in a timely fashion.
– Soliciting and analysing visitor feedback on interpretive strategies and implementing changes where needed in keeping with institutional goals.
– Sharing up-to-date exhibition texts with Education and Public Programs staff.
– Recruiting and supervising interns for special research projects.
– Maintaining a network of colleagues in the museum education field in order to develop innovative collaborations and projects with local and international galleries, educational institutions and other organizations in order to feature best practices at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
– Participating in departmental and gallery-wide strategic planning as necessary.
– Other related work as required.

Qualifications and Skills: 
University graduate with at least a Bachelor’s degree in art history or related field from a recognized university plus 5 years of experience working in a museum, gallery or related context as an educator or curator.

The ideal candidate has:
– experience of working at the interface of art and audiences and possesses a passion to enrich the gallery-goer’s experience;
– skills in originating interpretive activities with the ability to innovate in this field using a variety of formats from text to interactive digital activities;
– comprehensive knowledge of historic, modern and contemporary art, visual culture and their social context;
– comprehensive knowledge of museological and educational theories and practices and an interest to expand these;
– excellent research and writing skills with special ability to quickly synthesize complex ideas (especially as they pertain to specific artworks and their relevance today);
– excellent editing skills with the ability to create texts for multiple purposes and diverse audiences;
– experience of working with different types of audiences and communities;
– knowledge of local resources, as well as a well-developed local, national and international network in gallery, museum and academic communities;
– highly developed verbal skills in order to deliver content on exhibitions;
– knowledge of how to survey and analyze visitor experiences;
– strong organizational skills with great attention to detail;
– strong budgeting, timeline development and tracking skills in order to administer projects according to agreed-upon plans;
– high degree of computer proficiency and accuracy;
– ability to work as part of a team as well as on one’s own initiative;
– ability to prioritize and manage several projects simultaneously;
– interest in and proven ability to advance digital engagement with visitors.

SALARY: Pay Grade 23, $26.16 per hour, plus benefits
HOURS: Flexible work schedule, 63 hours bi-weekly

Please mail your letter of application and resume to the Director of Human Resources by Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2H7, Fax: (604) 682-1086, email hr@vanartgallery.bc.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those short-listed will be contacted.