Seeking Curator
Application deadline: Friday May 29, 2015
The Power Plant Contemporary (TPP) Art Gallery at Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, is Canada’s leading public gallery devoted to the art of our time. Over the past years, its reputation for presenting exhibitions, commissions, catalogues, artists’ editions, and a wide range of engaging education and public programs, as well as challenging special events, has remained unparalleled. Presenting contemporary art by practitioners of local, national and international stature, The Power Plant’s mission is to present and disseminate thought-provoking contemporary art in any and all media. For more information about the TPP, please visit www.thepowerplant.org.
Currently an employment opportunity exists in TPP for a Curator. The Curator oversees all aspects of exhibition coordination, installation planning and monitors budgets. The Curator develops and implements selected gallery exhibitions, off-site projects and publications with the Director, and represents TPP in the community to enhance the profile and reputation of the gallery.
Reporting to the Director and Artistic Director, the Curator’s major responsibilities include:
–Working closely with the Director to research, develop and implement TPP’s curatorial program
–Participating as directed in the development, preparation and production of temporary exhibitions of Canadian and international contemporary art
–Undertaking scholarly research in all areas of contemporary arts for exhibitions in order to propose and recommend exhibition projects and publications aligned with the current artistic vision of TPP
–Negotiating with artists and lending institutions and supervising all aspects of installations
–Establishing, fostering and maintaining contacts with artists, collectors, donors, sponsors, galleries, universities, as well as various organizations on the local and international scenes in the development of TPP’s exhibition program
–Preparing and monitoring exhibition budgets and expenses, and managing and directing the work of subordinate staff
–Reviewing and responding to exhibition proposals received on behalf of TPP
–Working with the Curator of Education and Public Programs to plan and support outreach and education programs aimed at engaging new and diverse audiences
–Contributing to exhibition texts used for media releases, newsletter, web and other sources
–Preparing materials in support of applications for funding from consulates, foreign affairs departments, foundations, trusts, individuals, and private agencies in consultation with the Head of Development
–As part of the management team, participating in business and strategic planning for TPP
Profile
The ideal candidate will be a pragmatic organizer and team worker with an excellent knowledge of contemporary art and its milieu. His/her interests should be broad but grounded in a vision of contemporary art as practice in active dialogue with the contemporary world and its concerns. He/she must be a skilled advocate for TPP and its mandate, be able to support fundraising initiatives, have extensive networks in the field, and be committed to working in the public realm.
Minimum of an MA degree—PhD an asset—in art history with a specialization in contemporary international art.
–Minimum of six years’ experience in programming and management in a museum or public gallery
–The candidate must be able to engage and contribute to the current artistic vision of the institution
–Interest in emerging and established contemporary scenes (other continents and world cultures)
–Demonstrated ability to develop and execute a sustainable multi-year program
–He/she must have exceptional interpersonal and relationship management skills with the ability to develop effective partnerships
–He/she must be able to express ideas and concepts effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to prepare and present oral, written and audio-visual reports of a specialized nature and the ability to create a persuasive case to garner support for key programs and projects
–He/she must have superior organizational skills, detail-oriented focus and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a very fast-paced environment; Good ability to conceptualize, analyze, prioritize and make decisions aligned to exhibition coordination
–Very good knowledge of the international cultural milieu placing artists’ work in the context of other initiatives in the greater Toronto area and Canada on the whole
–Demonstrated ability to direct, manage and support staff in achieving desired results
–Aptitude for research and writing, fluency in English, spoken and written (French and other languages are an asset)
–Proven experience in budget management
–Strong computer skills MS Office, Outlook, spreadsheets, etc.
–Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality
–Must be able to work flexible hours during events with evenings and weekends as needed to oversee programs and participate in other gallery activities
Deadline for application: Friday May 29, 2015
Qualified applicants please send your letter of intent, resume and the names of three references
Quoting Job Ref.#15F05-ET to:
Human Resources, 235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
F +(416) 973 1003 / jobs [at] harbourfrontcentre.com
