Oakville Galleries
JOB POSTING – CURATOR
Terms: Full-time permanent
Start date: Fall 2015
Compensation: $55,296.50 - $66,550.26
Benefits: Extended health and dental benefits; pension benefits; life insurance benefits
Work location: 1306 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
Language of work: English
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 audiences. 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, acquisitions, 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 successful candidate will possess:
- a Master’s degree in Art History or a related discipline;
- a minimum of five years of relevant experience;
- a proven expertise in Canadian and international contemporary art;
- a thorough understanding of the frameworks in which contemporary art circulates, including commercial, museum and event contexts;
- a demonstrated commitment to scholarly excellence, including evidence of original research;
- significant experience dealing with artists, donors, collectors, dealers, industry experts, and other external partners, especially internationally;
- 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.
To apply, please submit a CV and letter of intent in Word or PDF format to jobs@oakvillegalleries.com. Applications can also be sent by post to:
Matthew Hyland
Oakville Galleries
1306 Lakeshore Road East
Oakville, ON L6J 1L6
We welcome applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of our visitors. This position will be posted until filled.