Call for Applicants | Curator of Exhibitions
Permanent, In-Person Position, 4 days per week, $45,000 annually
Benefits include: Health and Dental, Flex Time, 2 weeks vacation to start, plus additional paid vacation days during closure periods (3 set weeks).
CLOSING DATE: Applications close on Thursday, May 9 2024 at 11:59 PM. The successful applicant will begin working with the Gallery in Summer 2024.
Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography is a long-standing, dynamic artist-run centre that has operated exhibition, education, and production facilities in Toronto for over 44 years. We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable arts worker to lead exhibitions in our Main Gallery and Vitrines and associated public programs. The role requires a unique blend of curatorial vision, collaboration, community engagement, and knowledge of contemporary photography and related image-based practices.
Gallery 44 supports a thriving community of contributors. The Curator of Exhibitions will work closely with artists, guest curators, writers, designers and installation technicians to present thoughtful and rigorous exhibitions by diverse artists, which is a key pillar of our mission and multifaceted organization.
Collaboration is an important aspect of this role—with colleagues, peer organizations, Gallery 44 members and the broader community—both in building an exhibitions program and a culture of philanthropy and mutual support. Gallery 44 encourages its staff to develop and maintain independent artistic, writing, and curatorial practices and fosters ongoing artistic growth alongside professional development.
Position Summary:
The Curator of Exhibitions develops and administers Main Gallery and Vitrines exhibitions and their associated programs, in consultation with the Exhibition Programming Committee (EPC) and the Executive Director (ED).
Reports to: the ED and works with the Board Representative of the EPC.
Responsibilities: Exhibitions and Associated Programs
- Initiate curatorial projects, select exhibitions from open call submissions, collaborate with guest curators and organizational partners.
- Administer EPC work plans, prepare and publish calls for submissions, coordinate submission reviews and ensure fair process.
- Support artist production and exhibition development through studio visits and regular communication; monitor workflow, obtain promotional images and credits, establish equipment needs, space requirements, floor plans.
- Contract installation technicians, book and supervise installation periods, coordinate shipping and deliveries, source materials and supplies.
- Collaborate with the ED and Head of Communications and Development on the production of exhibition catalogues, including researching and recommending writers, commissioning and editing essays, liaising with designers according to pre-set work back timelines.
- Lead the organization and delivery of accompanying public programs like artist talks, panel discussions and reading groups, at Gallery 44 and offsite with organizational/community partners.
- Contribute to budget planning with the ED, and monitor expenditures.
- Contribute to grant-writing, including project and operational funding proposals.
Responsibilities: Residencies and Special Programs
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop and administer the Artist-In-Residence and Writer-In-Residence programs, and provide studio visits and editorial support to residents.
- Initiate stand alone public programs (talks, screenings, discussion groups, events) in collaboration with various contributors, including the Curator of Education, Gallery 44 Members, peer organizations, visiting artists, scholars and community partners.
- Contribute to Gallery 44’s Access and Inclusive Action Committee and collaborate with committee members on special projects, policies, programming events.
Responsibilities: General
- Assist in day-to-day office duties such as answering telephone and walk-in inquiries
- Present to student groups and give exhibition tours
- Assist with member inquiries and transactions
- Attend staff meetings, and other general office tasks as needed
Qualifications and Skills:
The ideal candidate will have experience working with artists to develop solo and group exhibitions from concept/ideation to presentation; knowledge and interest in artist-run centres, their history and unique position within the greater arts ecosystem; understanding and application of equity initiatives in practice; and a collaborative spirit that matches the energy of our organizational ethos.
The ideal candidate will also possess a combination of the following skills, attributes and experience:
- University graduate with a BA/BFA in studio arts, art history, visual culture, curatorial practice or equivalent experience. MA/MFA is considered an asset but not required.
- Practical experience with curatorial research, concept development and art writing
- Interest in community development and reciprocal mentorship. Knowledge of non-profit organizational structures is considered an asset.
- Excellent writing and editing skills, and comfort and enthusiasm for public speaking and engagements.
- Ability to work collectively and independently.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with a strong work ethic and initiative.
How to Apply:
Upload the following documents in pdf format, via the submt button:
- Resume (indicate related education and career experience)
- Cover letter specific to this role at Gallery 44, highlighting recent or current artistic community collaborations (one page maximum)
- List of two references (one artist, one current or recent supervisor)
- One writing sample (up to 1,500 words)
Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Access and Equity
G44 welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and strongly encourages applications from members of equity-seeking communities, such as Black and Indigenous people, people of colour, women, people who are d/Deaf or have a disability, racial minorities, the socio-economically disadvantaged, and 2SLGBTQIAP+ individuals. We will invite all those contacted for an interview to advise us of accommodations needed to ensure they have access to a fair and equitable process.
For more information:
Accessibility Policy https://tinyurl.com/G44-Accessibility
Equity Policy https://tinyurl.com/G44-Equity
