Assistant Curator

Closing Date of Opportunity: October 7, 2023

Name or Organization: Contemporary Calgary

Contact Email: careers@contemporarycalgary.com

Website: https://www.contemporarycalgary.com/

Post Content: Full or Part Time: Full-Time

Hours of Work: 40 hours/week. Weekend and evening work may be required.

Regular/Temporary: 1-year fixed term contract with possibility of extension

Salary: $55,000/year

Closing date: October 7, 2023

Job Description:

The Assistant Curator works with a small and busy team on the realisation of projects with artists, lenders and arts institutions; delivering modern and contemporary exhibitions and commissions, including the organisation of transport and insurance; registrarial duties; public programming; and the production of catalogues. As a member of the curatorial team, the Assistant Curator contributes ideas to the Galleryโ€™s programme, is essential to the department's collegiate work environment and liaises with other internal departments and with the professional art world.

Duties & responsibilities:

Housed in what is regarded as a brutalist architectural icon, the gallery building was originally built as the Centennial Planetarium in 1967. Contemporary Calgaryโ€™s distinct architecture that includes three galleries, one auditorium, and a dome theatre, affords a range of dynamic programming that is site-specific and diverse. Each of the galleries has a unique design that accommodates exhibitions of varied scale and scope, and situates active conversations around artistic content and social changes. Contemporary Calgary hosts a programme of six to eight temporary exhibitions in a year that celebrate established figures, provide a platform for emerging artists and tendencies; new, site-specific commissions; and displays of works from important collections. The gallery strives to be a space for relevant and engaging content, raising voices from the Calgary community, across Canada and beyond. Exhibitions are accompanied by a dedicated public programme and occasional artist publications. The Assistant Curator will work on the delivery of several projects concurrently.

How to Apply:

Please apply with a cover letter and resume by October 7, 2023 to careers@contemporarycalgary.com Subject Line: Curatorial Assistant Not all applicants will be contacted for an interview.

General:

โ— Provide support to the Curatorial Department, from the research and development stage of a project through to its realisation

โ— Liaise with artists and their representatives, arts institutions and lenders

โ— Develop and further grow a robust roster of public programs

โ— Work closely with all Contemporary Calgary departments including Marketing & Design, Education, Events, Development and Operations to secure a smooth flow of information

โ— Monitor and maintain budgets for specific exhibitions and exhibition catalogues meticulously and in a timely fashion. This includes obtaining estimates, processing invoices, maintaining digital and physical budget files and liaising with the Finance Department

Registrar (in tandem with the Gallery Preparator)

โ— Organise condition and packing reports to museum standard, keeping records of movement and conditions of works and liaise with conservators and couriers when necessary

โ— Organise and oversee exhibition related transport, which includes updating shipping lists, obtaining estimates of costs, and monitoring customs documentation, liaising with shippers and the exhibition Curator

โ— Issue contracts to partner organisations, artists, curators and authors in consultation with the Department

โ— Maintain files and correspondence as well as archiving past exhibition files

Exhibitions organisation and public programs:

โ— Arrange accommodation, travel and per-diems for visiting artists, curatorsโ€™, panelists, etc.

โ— Assist the production of catalogues where required

โ— Collate and copy-edit texts; research, request, store and return images and obtain copyright permissions for use in publications and communication materials, including website

โ— Compile information for labels and text panels, write interpretative material for the season guide, website and exhibition where applicable

โ— Assist in the training of gallery attendants and volunteers and work closely with the Education team to develop meaningful programming for members, visitors and children.

โ— Assist with private tours and other Contemporary Calgary events including speaking at events where appropriate

โ— Represent the Contemporary Calgary at public events, meetings and networking on behalf of the organisation

Requirements:

โ— Bachelor's Degree in Art History, Theory or Practice, Museum Studies, or extensive equivalent experience. A Master's degree is a plus

โ— Minimum of three yearsโ€™ experience of arts administration at a gallery, museum or foundation

โ— Strong research and writing skills, with a keen eye for detail

โ— A good knowledge of contemporary artistic practices and conversation, including curatorial best practices โ— Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously

โ— Proficiency in using museum database software and Microsoft Office and Adobe suite โ— Ability to work as part of a team and independently, remaining calm under pressure, and to quickly find your feet in a fast-paced work environment

โ— A team player with effective communication and interpersonal skills

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