Curator

JOB OPPORTUNITY – CURATOR

Terms: Full-time permanent
Start date: Spring 2015
Salary level: Commensurate with experience
Language of work: English (bilingualism an asset)

Oakville Galleries is one of Canada’s leading contemporary art museums, engaging people with the questions that shape us as individuals, communities and cultures. Located thirty minutes from Toronto, Oakville Galleries reaches communities in Oakville, the Greater Toronto Area and wider audiences nationally and internationally. Oakville Galleries is currently seeking a motivated, forward-thinking and organized Curator with expertise in contemporary art to add to our vibrant team.

Nature and scope of position
Together with the Director, the Curator is responsible for the development and delivery of Oakville Galleries’ artistic program, initiating exhibition, collection and research projects that reflect, promote and embody our commitment to knowledge production and audience engagement. The ideal candidate should be prepared to articulate and implement a vision for an ongoing program of contemporary art activities, including exhibitions, public programs, publications, and other projects that advance Oakville Galleries’ mission. Past work should demonstrate curatorial innovation, including developing and presenting a diverse program of exhibitions as well as dynamic approaches to working with a collection. A proven talent for developing relationships is paramount—with audiences, artists, art world colleagues, and other stakeholders.

General responsibilities and functions 

The Curator will:

• work closely with the Director and other members of staff to research, develop and implement the Galleries’ annual curatorial program, including in-house and travelling exhibitions, public programs and other special projects;

• be responsible for the development and management of the permanent collection, including overseeing research, acquisition, presentation, and deaccessioning projects, along with related policies and procedures;

• propose and contribute to the Galleries’ publication projects and research initiatives, including the preparation of catalogue texts, as well as other printed, interpretive and online materials;

• foster and maintain excellent working relationships with artists, donors, collectors, dealers, local community members, and other stakeholders;

• interact with potential sponsors and assist with fundraising as appropriate.

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate has:

• a Master’s degree in Art History or a related discipline;

• a minimum of five years of relevant experience;

• an established commitment to contemporary art;

• demonstrated scholarly achievement including evidence of original research;

• a proven ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;

• excellent interpersonal and independent analytical skills;

• superior organizational skills, detail-oriented focus and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment;

• the ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with other staff/colleagues at all levels of operation.

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is a significant asset.

To apply, please submit a CV and letter of intent in Word or PDF format to jobs@oakvillegalleries.com. We welcome applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of our visitors.

Application deadline: 1 March 2015