Curatorial Fellow

Organisation: Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Contract: Two-year, full-time term position
Salary: CAD $1,924.95–$2,360.46 biweekly
Application deadline: 8 September 2026 at 11:59 pm Atlantic Time
Eligibility: Designated for applicants who are members of an employee equity group
Union status: NSGEU–NSPG

About the Opportunity

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is seeking a TD Curatorial Fellow to support its exhibitions programme.

Reporting to the Manager of Exhibitions, the Fellow will assist with developing and delivering exhibitions of contemporary and Canadian art, with a particular focus on artists historically underrepresented within the museum sector.

Drawing upon lived experience and an understanding of the histories and values of diverse communities, the Fellow will undertake original research into artists and works in the Gallery’s collection while developing relationships with artists, community groups and audiences.

The role supports projects that demonstrate originality, rigour, cultural competency and a strong understanding of critical issues, presenting historically underrepresented artistic practices within a contemporary context.

Responsibilities

The TD Curatorial Fellow will:

• Support the planning, logistics and public presentation of approved exhibitions.
• Liaise with artists, lenders and institutional partners.
• Track project requirements and assist with exhibition floor plans and overall design.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify interpretive needs and prepare related materials.
• Provide exhibition information to Education and Programming, Marketing and Visitor Experience, and Development teams.
• Support public programmes, events, media releases and sponsorship proposals.
• Contribute to discussions about reconciliation, narrative authority and alternative models for creating a more inclusive museum.
• Promote cultural sensitivity and encourage new approaches to working, looking and exhibiting.
• Research potential acquisitions and prepare materials for the Curatorial Committee.
• Research and write texts for publications, interpretation panels, grant proposals, reports and online projects.
• Document processes and findings connected to exhibitions and collections.
• Develop relationships with historically underrepresented communities.
• Represent the Gallery at exhibition openings, talks and public events.
• Participate in juries, panels and seminars when required.
• Provide administrative support to the Manager of Exhibitions.
• Assist with loan requests, exhibition proposals, touring projects and contracts for artists and other arts professionals.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree and one year of relevant professional experience.
• Knowledge of fine-art processes, art history, art education and curatorial practices.
• An understanding of current developments and trends within the field.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, the methods and materials used in exhibition design, production, administration and evaluation.
• Excellent written, verbal, listening and public-speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, tact, diplomacy and cultural sensitivity.
• The ability to communicate with audiences of different ages and backgrounds and work with a diverse community of artists and curators.

Familiarity with the Atlantic Canadian, national and international arts sectors would be beneficial. Bilingualism is considered an asset.

Applicants using a combination of education and experience as an equivalent qualification must clearly demonstrate this in their application.

This opportunity is specifically designated for individuals who are members of an employee equity group.

Benefits

Depending on employment status and the applicable union agreement, benefits may include:

• A defined-benefit pension plan.
• Health and dental insurance.
• Life insurance.
• General illness coverage.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Annual leave.
• Employee and Family Assistance Programmes.

About the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is a provincial agency and one of Canada’s leading visual arts institutions.

Its permanent collection comprises nearly 20,000 works, including Canadian and Indigenous art, contemporary installations and an extensive folk-art collection. It holds the largest public collection of work by Maud Lewis, including her iconic painted house.

Through exhibitions, research and public engagement, the Gallery encourages dialogue around historical and contemporary narratives and supports work towards a more equitable and just world.