Curator, Indigenous & Contemporary Art

Submit by: October 16, 2023
Start date: Anticipated - November 1, 2023
Salary and Term: $45,000, Full-time, ongoing (32-hours/week)

To Apply:

• Please submit an email to director@openspace.ca

• Subject line “Curator, Indigenous & Contemporary Art - Opportunities Application.”

• Download a .pdf copy of Call: 2023_Open-Space_CALL_Curator-Indigenous-Contemporary-Art_Download-Copy

Open Space Arts Society is seeking a full-time Curator, Indigenous & Contemporary Art to join our team of artist-workers.

Open Space respectfully acknowledges that we are located on lək̓ʷəŋən land and are working to build ethical relationships with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

Established in 1972 as a not-for-profit multidisciplinary artist-run centre, Open Space’s reputation has long been one of innovation as a leader in the arts community on Vancouver Island and beyond. Over the years Open Space has presented the work of Indigenous artists and engaged with Indigenous communities locally, nationally, and internationally.

Open Space has previously participated in the Aboriginal Curator-in-Residence program offered by the Canada Council for the Arts from 2011 to 2016. In 2017, Open Space transitioned this term-position into the Indigenous Curator permanent part-time position, and in 2019 changed the role to the full-time Curator, Indigenous and Contemporary Art.

The incoming Curator, Indigenous & Contemporary Art will continue the work previously undertaken by activating curatorial methods based on Indigenous worldviews, concepts, and values. The Curator, Indigenous & Contemporary Art will create multiple entry points by which Indigenous communities can experience contemporary art on their own terms by upholding the principles and protocols related to Indigenous cultural self-determination. This includes the option of working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous content, artists, arts practitioners, and audiences in a variety of ways that best supports the incoming Curator’s programming objectives and goals.

The Curator, Indigenous & Contemporary Art will:

• Research and produce exhibitions with a particular focus on contemporary Indigenous art

• Develop programs that will engage Indigenous communities through a combination of lectures, public presentations, publications, as well as special events and projects

• Engage with artists operating at various points along their career

• Participate in all aspects of an active artist-run centre, including administration, scheduling, grant writing, publishing, fund development, and marketing of programs

• Nurture lasting cultural relationships in Indigenous communities and strengthen connections across cultures

• Mobilize the capacity of the contemporary arts to stimulate discussion, reflection, insight, and new ideas.

The successful candidate will possess:

• extensive knowledge of Indigenous artistic practices in Canada

• a minimum of 3 years relevant experience

• experience curating–development, installation, and programming– exhibitions of Indigenous and contemporary art

• evidence of effective written and oral communication skills

• experience with grant writing

• ability to collaborate openly and respectfully with a flexible and collegial team

The Curator, Indigenous & Contemporary Art will work closely with the Open Space artistic staff - the Curator, Guest Curators and Programmers, and the Executive Director - to implement engaging programming in relation to the mandate of Open Space.

Major responsibilities:

• Programming: Researches, develops, facilitates and evaluates contemporary Indigenous art programming and contributes to the work of the interdisciplinary programming committee at Open Space. This may include exhibitions, installations, residencies, off-site events, readings, performances, artist talks, screenings, interventions, symposiums, workshops, and other forms of public programming.

• Planning: Plans all aspects of programming. This includes: grant writing, scheduling, writing contracts, organizing events and travel, and other administrative curatorial labour.

• Community Development: Works respectfully and effectively with artists, volunteers, collegial organizations and professionals, members, volunteers, and staff. Work closely with Indigenous artists, elders, and youth in the community and beyond and helps build Indigenous audiences at Open Space. Advises on matters of Indigenous protocols and methodologies. Be an active participant in artist-run culture in the region.

• Financial: Works with the Executive Director and other Curatorial and Programming roles to prepare budgets and grants. Participates in Open Space fundraising ventures (all staff and board members share this responsibility).

• Administration: Is responsible for all curatorial administration relating to programs. Works with the Executive Director on administrative tasks beyond curatorial work, including grant writing and financial planning, and marketing and communications.

• Marketing and promotion: Drafts and proofreads promotional copy, prepares press releases, oversees design or carries out design of promotional material within budget and time limitations. Updates social media and website with current information concerning all programs.

• Publishing: Writes, researches, budgets, oversees design, editing, essays, and production.

• Policy and Procedures: Participates with staff and board in updates to policy and strategic planning. Assists and advises the Open Space team in matters pertaining to Indigenous art practice..

Appointment and Remuneration:

This is a full-time position, 32 hours per week, with a starting salary of $45,000.00 per annum. Due to the nature of the programs, some evening and weekend work will be required. Two weeks paid vacation, plus two weeks gallery holiday, and group benefits.

Equity Statement:

In accordance with, and pursuant to, section 42(3) of the BC Human Rights Code, this posting is open to Indigenous applicants only. Candidates from Indigenous communities are encouraged to self-identify. We encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who contribute to furthering artist-run culture. Within the parameters of this hire, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Please send your Letter of Interest by October 16, 2023 and include the following:

• Cover Letter that includes a Curatorial Statement with respect to Indigenous art practices

• CV outlining previous professional experience, including work on exhibitions, public engagement, publications, and any relevant activities and experiences

• Writing sample

By email: director@openspace.ca

Or by mail to:
Executive Director
Open Space Arts Society
510 Fort Street, 2nd Floor
Victoria, BC V8W 1E6