Contemporary Art Curator

The Vernon Public Art Gallery respectfully acknowledges that we are located on the ancestral and unceded territory of sqilxʷ/syilx (Okanagan) peoples. The VPAG is in the process of working with the Regional District to construct a new facility to house both the Museum and Art Gallery. Construction is set to begin in the fall of 2025.

A part of the community for 60+ years, the Vernon Public Art Gallery has successfully evolved from an amateur to a professional gallery. The VPAG is the oldest art gallery in the North Okanagan Region of British Columbia. The Vernon Public Art Gallery is an important part of cultural tourism in the region and is a centre for educational and cultural activities in the Okanagan. VPAG hosts exhibits by emerging, mid-career, and established artists working in a wide range of mediums, including paintings, sculpture, video, and installation art. VPAG is the North Okanagan’s largest public gallery, hosting approximately 20 exhibitions per year for public viewing.

Looking for an opportunity to be a lead curator at a professional art gallery? You’ve come to the right place.

The Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) is looking for a new lead curator to start in late 2024. This engaging position allows you to work at the North Okanagan’s oldest and largest art gallery. The Gallery is searching for field leaders to help guide the VPAG into a new age. As they move to a new location at the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre, your leadership will be critical in establishing their presence. The Curator reports directly to the Executive Director, serves as a key component of the management team, supervises members of the Curatorial team, and collaborates with all VPAG staff members.

Exhibitions & Programming

1. Curates gallery exhibitions, establishes the schedule, and develops planning of long-term exhibition programming.
2. The exhibition and programming reflect the mandate, vision, values, and strategic plan of the VPAG.
3. Plans, prepares, and arranges for delivery of effective and innovative interpretive programs.
4. Organizes exhibitions by researching, determining themes, and designing the presentation of installation.
5. Provides direction to the Preparator for the exhibition installation.
6. Supervises staff and volunteers involved with exhibition preparation.
7. Prepares curatorial statements for exhibitions, based on research and conceptual and contextual significance of the artwork considered for exhibition.
8. Develops catalogues, publications, and exhibition information.
9. Responsible for all gallery exhibition spaces, production of publications, signage, etc.
10. Responsible for exhibition contracts, loan agreements, insurance coverage and their approval by the Executive Director.
11. Maintains accurate and relevant records of exhibitions and artists.
12. Arranges, in conjunction with the preparator, shipping and receiving of exhibitions.
13. In conjunction with the gallery staff, communicates to staff, media, and a diverse range of the public about art, the gallery, and the gallery’s programs.
14. Actively networks with other cultural organizations and agencies locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
15. Maintains a broad and current professional knowledge of activity in contemporary art and related disciplines.

Administrative

1. In conjunction with the Executive Director, undertakes funding applications for research, production and publication, and sponsorship initiatives when appropriate and applicable.
2. In conjunction with the Executive Director, assists with applications to Government programs, Foundations, individuals, and businesses that will fund and expand the gallery’s exhibition potential and educational programming.
3. Provides, establishes, and implements curatorial budgets within the resources available.
4. Operates within budget allotted.
5. Monitors budget for publications, all exhibition related expenses, and gallery installations.
6. Reports information to the Board regarding exhibition schedules, programming, and other curatorial duties.
7. Manages curatorial staff, specifically the Preparator, Learning & Community Engagement Curator, and other staff as assigned by Executive Director.

Collections

1. Initiates and supervises collections development together with the Board of Directors.
2. Conducts or supervises acquisitions program in conjunction with Collections Committee.
3. Provides storage of artwork and ensures that acceptable environmental conditions are maintained.
4. Together with the Executive Director, undertakes and supervises all necessary arrangements and procedures for Charitable Tax and Cultural Properties Certification donations, ensuring that legal and ethical standards are maintained in accordance with standard museum practice.
5. When possible, organizes a touring exhibition and/or oversees the loans of items from the permanent collection to other cultural organizations.
6. Oversees maintenance of the permanent collection database.

Other Duties

1. Maintains working knowledge of current critical theories and their application to interpretation of meaning in artwork.
2. Maintains working knowledge and awareness of ethnic, historic, and artistic practices of First Nations in Canada.
3. Maintains familiarity with government cultural policies as it affects gallery funding.
4. Maintains knowledge of exhibition and cultural issues on a national and international basis.
5. Addresses requests for information from the public and professionals in the cultural sector.
6. Upholds a professional practice and provides a professional presence for the gallery.
7. Acts as an advocate for the gallery, community, and the cultural sector.
8. Consults with and provides information to the appropriate gallery personnel regarding publicity for exhibitions and other gallery events and programs.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Visual Arts, Art History or Critical Cultural Studies
10 years of experience in a curatorial role with significant knowledge of modern & contemporary art practices.
Writing and publication background.
Proven ability to lead teams in accomplishing the goals and vision of the gallery.
Ability to maximize budget to achieve excellence in curatorial outcomes.

Salary: $60-65,000 with benefits and 3 weeks vacation to start.

Organization: Vernon Public Art Gallery
Deadline: Dec. 20, 2024