Public Art Director

Public Art Director – Calgary Arts Development Authority

Calgary Arts Development Authority (CADA) is Calgary’s designated arts development authority, providing grant investments to hundreds of arts organizations, individual artists, and groups while facilitating the public art program. Through the arts development strategy, Living a Creative Life, the organization’s vision is a creative, connected, prosperous Calgary where every resident has the opportunity to live a creative life.

Position Summary

The role of the Public Art Director (Director) is to provide creative and executive leadership of the commissioning, programming, and community engagement practices of the public art program. Reporting to the President and CEO, the Director provides oversight for all financial and operational functions of the program. Leading a full-time staff and contracted project leads and curators, it is essential that the Director effectively communicates the value of public art to the public, and parties of interest, serving as a respected thought leader in building a vibrant, energetic community.

Roles and Responsibilities

Program Vision and Leadership

• Inspire the CADA team in the development and delivery of the program vision and strategy.
• Assure that the implementation of the public art program responds to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the White Goose Flying Report.
• Advance strategies in collaboration with the CADA leadership team across all operational and programmatic areas.
• Mentor, motivate, and lead the public art team, nurturing their personal and professional development and growth.
• Orchestrate program goals and priorities as per the contractual agreement between CADA and The City and in alignment with CADA’s vision, mission, and values.
• Collaborate with The City’s Public Art team to deliver new artworks that will become part of The City’s public art collection.
• Develop strategic opportunities for integrated public art initiatives.
• Apply sensitivity to the diverse needs and lived experiences of artists, parties of interest, and the CADA team.
• Negotiate with other relevant parties on project development and realization.
• Support communications and marketing of projects to ensure a strategic approach to disseminating program content.
• Act as media spokesperson for the public art program as requested.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Animate the community through an open, transparent, and welcoming public art process that inspires community input and support for public art.
• Develop, establish, and maintain partnerships, as needed, to ensure that projects are realized under the best possible conditions.
• Lead the development of effective partnerships with local, national, and international visual arts communities.
• Cultivate partnerships with Indigenous communities and leadership in the Treaty 7 territory.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain strong relationship with The City as partners in delivering the program, including regular reporting on key accountabilities and project updates.
• Direct the content and planning of programming decisions, partnerships, co-productions, and commissions.
• Create and manage large, multi-year budgets and work plans for the operations of the Public Art department and all related Capital Projects.

Qualifications

Executive leadership experience and proven success in a complex public art program with excellent financial acumen is required. Demonstrated success in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility strategies, and for understanding the principles of reconciliation with Indigenous communities, is necessary. Familiarity in leading participatory community engagement practices and processes is needed. Strong expertise and passion for working with artists and in communicating the value of public art to diverse parties of interest and the public is expected. Excellent written and communication skills, in English, are required.

Compensation and Benefits

CADA offers a competitive salary estimated in the range of $120,000 to $140,000 with a contribution to relocation, if needed. CADA further provides an extended health benefits package which includes dental, life insurance, and health spending account. There is an annual professional development allowance. Staff work in a hybrid environment and are encouraged to be in the office a minimum of two days per week. The position includes 20 days’ vacation in the first year, plus time off during the December holiday season.

Applications and Inquiries

To submit a cover letter and resume highlighting relevant and demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit CADA's application page.