Call for Applications: Director/Curator

application deadline: May 5, 2017, by 5:00 PM PST

anticipated start date: July 2017

The Board of Directors at Access Gallery invites applications for the position of Director/Curator. Founded in 1991, Access is an artist-run centre with a mission to create conditions of emergence for provocative ideas and work in the visual arts. We enable critical conversations and risk taking through new configurations of artists, audience, and community. The organization searches out opportunities to experiment through collaborations (both local and international) that encourage innovation. We aim to bring visibility and critical reception to artists and cultural practitioners when they need it most, often at moments early in their practices, and have offered important exhibition opportunities to many of Canada’s most recognized contemporary artists. Access Gallery is a long-standing member of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres.

Access is currently celebrating a number of accomplishments in connection with our 2013-2016 strategic plan, which identified a need to build capacity in order to ensure long term sustainability. In the past three years, we have steadily and cautiously implemented organizational growth in human resources, administrative systems, strategic partnerships and collaborations, and income through grants, fundraising efforts, and foundation and donor support. This remarkable capacity building is an ongoing project, with much work still to do over the coming years.  Alongside these organizational improvements, Access has experienced substantial expansion in our local, national and international reach as a result of a rigorous programme of publications, exhibitions and public programming.  We are looking forward to working alongside a new Director/Curator whose skills and vision will enable Access’ continued success.

Job Description

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Director/Curator establishes the artistic vision for the organization and builds upon Access’ strong engagements with communities in Vancouver and beyond. The Director/Curator conceives and executes curatorial and public programming, produces publications, and develops and oversees all special initiatives (such as PLOT, launching Fall 2017). With the support of a Projects Coordinator and Curatorial Assistant, the Director/Curator manages all aspects of centre operations, and is responsible for maintaining the fiscal health of the organization. The Director/Curator works closely with the Board of Directors to fulfill Access’ 2016-2019 strategic plan, which emphasizes the diversification of revenue streams, continued capacity building, alongside a continued commitment to innovative programming.

Main Responsibilities of the Role

* Articulating and leading the organization’s artistic vision

* Curating Access’ exhibitions and developing robust and engaging programming (events such as talks, performances, readings, etc)

* Overseeing development and production of publications

* Developing key programming partnerships and collaborations

* Researching and writing grants to secure funding through arts councils, foundations, consular offices, and other cultural organizations

* Overseeing all fiscal matters of the organization, including budget forecasting and managing operational and programming budgets

* Recruiting, training and managing Access Gallery staff, interns, and volunteers

* Stewarding and growing the organization’s donor base

* Overseeing all communications and public relations and coordinating with staff on all outreach

* Working closely with Board of Directors to fulfill Access Gallery’s 2016-19 Strategic Plan

* Working alongside Board of Directors to fulfill all fundraising initiatives and campaigns

* Collaborating with Board of Directors on any special task forces (such as programming committees)

The Successful Candidate Should Possess

* An advanced degree or equivalent experience in fine arts, curatorial studies, art history, or visual culture.

* Demonstrated leadership qualities

* Minimum 2 years experience working in an art gallery or curating in a cultural institution

* Experience developing and realizing curatorial and publication projects

* Excellent writing and editing abilities

* Strong commitment to support emerging cultural practitioners (artists, curators and administrative staff)

* Exemplary knowledge of contemporary art practices and an understanding of the core concerns and history of artist run culture in Canada

* Proven track record of successful grant writing

* The ability to work independently, solve problems and exhibit resourcefulness

* Excellent administrative, organizational and management skills

* Excellent interpersonal skills

* Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator,  InDesign, and Acrobat), WordPress, database management, social media platforms

* Ability to work evenings and weekends when programming and board/committee meetings warrant

Compensation

The Director/Curator receives an annual salary of $47,320 based on a 35 hour work week (with 3 weeks paid vacation), and extended health and dental benefits upon successful completion of probationary period. This full-time position is for a minimum term of 2 years, with possibility of extension.

How to apply

Formatted together as a single PDF document, send a max 2 page letter describing your qualifications and interest in the position, along with your CV  to submissions@accessgallery.ca. Please use subject line "Director/Curator Call."

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.