Curating.info

Position: Curator of Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of Hamilton
Supervisor: Chief Curator
Schedule: Full Time

The Art Gallery of Hamilton is seeking a dynamic individual to join its talented programming staff as Curator of Contemporary Art.

Reporting to the Chief Curator, this curatorial position is responsible for the production of contemporary exhibitions at the Gallery from concept to realization including research, planning, organization, set-up coordination and interpretation.

The successful candidate holds an M.A. in Art History or related qualification and has two to five years experience in a public art gallery, preferably in contemporary curatorial work. A history of insightful exhibitions and publications will be an asset.

The Curator of Contemporary Art must demonstrate excellent communications skills -- both written and oral -- and possess excellent research, administrative, supervisory and organizational skills. The successful candidate must be able to take initiative, work well both independently and in a team-oriented environment. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills. The position will require travel and does involve overtime.

Job summary:
To research, interpret and disseminate visual art practices since 1980 in accordance with the AGH policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
- Produce and project manage exhibitions and publications, including research, planning, organization, installation and interpretation
- Conduct scholarly research related to the collection towards the production of exhibitions and publications
- Develop the collection of contemporary art by recommending works of art for purchase and donation
- Facilitate communication and build relationships with local, regional and national visual art communities
- Maintain, enhance and initiate contact with artists, art dealers, collectors and colleagues
- Communicate the cultural value of the collection to the public
- Maintain knowledge of local, national and international practices in contemporary art
- Articulate relationships between regional, national and international art practices
- Understand and implement current museum practices and standards
- Maintain knowledge of current scholarly resources and information technology
- Collaborate/coordinate with staff in the production of exhibitions (collections management, conservation, technical services) touring exhibitions, and community gallery projects and meet the needs of other departments in the promotion and dissemination of contemporary art practices (marketing, communications, education)
- Supervise contract designers, editors, guest curators and writers
- Prepare budgets for exhibitions and ensure adherence to approved budgets
- Provide materials as required for sponsorship and grant applications
- Review and present exhibition proposals to the Curatorial department
- Manage correspondence relating to exhibition proposals from artists and galleries
- Coordinate logistics related to exhibitions with AGH staff (Collections and Exhibitions Manager, Preparators, Security) and outside organizations (signage companies, shipping, etc.)
- Manage AGH publications’ ISBN assignation and distribution in Canada

Job Requirements:
- M.A.; (art history or related discipline)
- 2-5 years experience in a public art gallery or in contemporary curatorial work.
- Advanced communications skills (oral and written)
- Demonstrated experience writing about contemporary art
- Basic knowledge of budgeting and funding requirements and agencies
- Must be well organized and teamwork oriented with an ability to work independently and with others (artists, colleagues, volunteers, stakeholders, and the public)
- Must be willing and available to travel internationally
- Written and oral fluency in a second language an asset.

Kindly apply in writing before Monday, June 1, 2009:
Margaret Hayes
Director, Finance & Administration
Art Gallery of Hamilton
123 King Street West
Hamilton, ON L8P 4S8
Fax: 905-577-6940
E-mail: margaret -at- artgalleryofhamilton.com

*The AGH thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those granted interviews will be contacted.