Seeking applications for position of Director/Curator

The Or Gallery is now accepting applications for the position of Director/Curator.

Deadline April 4, 2017

The Director/Curator is responsible for all aspects of the gallery administration as well as its exhibition programming. The position functions independently of a Board of Directors but is accountable to them. Working with the Director/Curator is a part time Program Manager and full time Gallery and Publications Assistant. The position will be offered on a 2 or 3 year limited contract basis, and will begin early May.

The salary is $50,000 CAD per annum plus extended health benefits.

The Or Gallery is a leading nonprofit organization and one of Canada’s foremost artist run centres. The Or Gallery was established in 1983 and operated for many years much like a curatorial residency for artists, providing limited appointments as director and curator of the gallery and developing a track-record of innovative idea-driven exhibitions. This mandate has been adjusted in recent years to allow for longer terms for the staff director, but the organization remains committed to curatorial innovation and diversity; hosting guest curated exhibitions and curatorial residencies. The Or Gallery has placed historic emphasis on milieu as a cultural driver and continues to emphasize short-term curatorial opportunities for artists as a means of emphasizing the role communities and discourse play in art production. The gallery develops local practice by interspersing exhibitions by local, national, and international artists, and by exhibiting artists at varying stages of their careers. Over the course of its history, the Or has produced exhibitions, performances, off-site projects, and books with what are now some of the most recognized names in contemporary art: Francis Alÿs, Raymond Boisjoly, Dana Claxton, Tacita Dean, Stan Douglas, Geoffrey Farmer, Rodney Graham, David Hartt, Matthew Higgs, Brian Jungen, Garry Neill Kennedy, Roy Kiyooka, Barbara Kruger, Tim Lee, Ken Lum, Duane Linklater, Lynne Marsh, Myfanwy MacLeod, Luanne Martineau, Kristina Lee Podesva, Martha Rosler, Marina Roy, Jeremy Shaw, Jeff Wall, Ian Wallace and Krzysztof Wodiczko.

Responsibilities:

• Shaping the curatorial vision for gallery programming; communicating with artists and guest curators in the development of exhibitions, talks and publications
• The tenure of the successful applicant will span the gallery’s acquisition of a new capital purchase, the Programming and Residency Space
• Development of fundraising efforts and preparation of successful grant applications for municipal, provincial and federal funding bodies
• Budget management including creating and administering the annual budget; keeping accurate books; and cyclically working with accountant and auditor
• Working with the Board of Directors in reviewing policy, operational planning, organizational development, and fundraising campaigns
• Managing staff, interns, and volunteers, including hiring and training

The applicant need not have prior curatorial experience but must demonstrate a passion for and an extensive knowledge of contemporary art practice. They must show strong discursive and fiscal management skills as well as familiarity with nonprofit organizations. Some familiarity with Vancouver city planning and arts capital organizations will be considered an asset. Knowledge of artist run centres alongside critical and grant writing experience would also be regarded as considerable assets. Artists are encouraged to apply. The Or Gallery is committed to selecting staff without discriminating on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, orientation, religion, creed, or disability.

Interested individuals are asked to submit a current CV (max. 3 pages), a list of two references and their email addresses/phone numbers, and letter of interest to the email address below by April 4. The letter of interest should be no more than one page in length, and should make mention of the applicant’s exhibition experience, curatorial vision and knowledge of contemporary art and artist run centres.

Please submit all documents in PDF format only.

We apologize that we cannot reply to all applicants, and only those asked for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Attn: Hiring Committee
hiring2017@orgallery.org

Or Gallery
555 Hamilton St.
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6B 2R1
www.orgallery.org