The Power Plant seeks
Curator of Exhibitions
Application deadline: August 5, 2012
The Power Plant
231 Queens Quay West
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2G8 Canada
T +1 416 973 4949
Curator of Exhibitions
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto is seeking a Curator of Exhibitions. Applications (résumé and letter of interest) must be received by August 5, 2012.
The Power Plant at Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, is Canada’s leading public gallery devoted exclusively to the art of our time and is recognized as an important centre for contemporary art in North America. Over the past 25 years, its reputation for presenting cutting edge exhibitions, superior catalogues and editions, and 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 the best contemporary art in any and all media.
Currently an employment opportunity exists in The Power Plant for a Curator of Exhibitions. Reporting to the Director, this position is responsible for developing an overarching concept and the programme of contemporary exhibitions and events including exhibitions, publications, travelling shows, off-site projects, and cultural excursions. As part of the management team, the incumbent will also participate in business and strategic planning for The Power Plant.
Major responsibilities include
Contribute to the research, development, and presentation of new exhibitions and projects that interpret the response of artists to developments in contemporary culture and that respond to the global flow of information, emerging discourses, new artists, new geographies, new media, and changing contexts that underpin developments in contemporary art.
- Develop and implement a cohesive vision and strategy for the exhibition of contemporary art
- Develop and curate rigorous exhibitions, both large and small, of Canadian and international contemporary art
- Contribute to the implementation of programmes aimed at engaging new and diverse audiences for The Power Plant through a dynamic mix of exhibition, education, interpretation, and visitor support that develop audience understanding of contemporary art and awareness of its significance.
- Collaborate with the Director and other staff in the creation of interpretive materials, publicity materials, and public programmes for a variety of audiences
- Prepare and monitor exhibition budgets and expenses
- Conduct original research, negotiate with artists and lending institutions, and supervise installations
- Manage and direct the work of subordinate staff
The ideal candidate will be a pragmatic organizer and team worker with a proven intellectual track record, excellent knowledge of contemporary art and the contemporary art world, and a commitment to work in the public realm. 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 will hold a post graduate degree in Art History or related studies as well as in-depth knowledge of contemporary art. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in programming and management in a contemporary art organization, museum, or public gallery is preferred. The candidate must be able to demonstrate a clear vision of their own curatorial practice. An appreciation of the history of curating in its political context is crucial, as are a critical understanding of contemporary art and a methodology that would enable the candidate to place their work into the context of other initiatives in the greater Toronto area and Canada on the whole. Proven experience in the organization of contemporary art projects and interpretive programmes and exceptional knowledge of the international contexts for contemporary art is a must, as is proven fundraising and budget management experience. He/she must have exceptional interpersonal and relationship management skills with the ability to develop effective partnerships and to persuade and negotiate. He/she must be computer literate and able to work flexible hours during events with evenings and weekends as needed to oversee programmes and participate in other gallery activities.
Qualified applicants must apply by August 5, 2012.
Qualified applicants please send your resume and (3) writing samples
quoting job Ref.#12F17-ET to:
Human Resources, Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
F 416 973 1003
jobs@harbourfrontcentre.com
Harbourfront Centre is committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
