Curating.info

Position Type: Full-time contract, 35 hours/week
Date of Posting: April 20, 2010
Application Deadline: May 17, 2010
Years Experience: 2+
Salary: $31,000/year

DESCRIPTION

The Western Front Society seeks an outstanding, highly motivated arts professional to step into the role of Media Arts Curator.

The Western Front was founded in 1973 by a small group of interdisciplinary artists, and has developed into an exemplary multi-disciplinary environment for experimental art practice and research. With a staff of ten plus interns and volunteers, the Society collectively produces over fifty events a year.

The Media Arts Program has a mandate to support production, research, experimentation and critical discourse by Canadian artists and arts professionals in media arts practices. The two major components of Western Front Media Arts are the Artist-in-Residence program and the archive of video art and performance documentation. In keeping with the Western Front’s historical emphasis on creative exchange and interdisciplinary practice, this program supports the creation and dissemination of new work in mediums including, but not limited to, video, internet art and sound art.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Media Arts Curator reports directly to the Executive Director and will assume the leadership and responsibility for:
•Curating artist production residencies
•Facilitating access to the Western Front’s archival holdings
•Curating screenings and public presentations of work generated through both the residency program and the archive
•Ensuring the effective development, operation and sustainability of the Media Arts program
•Overseeing the implementation of programs, policies and operations on a day-to-day basis
•Editing publications
• Assuming responsibility for the media production studio/space

QUALIFICATIONS
As our ideal candidate, you possess:

•Knowledge of audio/video systems, new media and new technologies
•Exemplary knowledge and understanding of contemporary art practices
•Knowledge and understanding of moving image archive practices
•A clear understanding of the philosophy and history of the Canadian artist-run centre movement
•Excellent written and verbal communications skills
•Proven financial management experience
•Ability to effectively delegate and supervise staff, volunteers, interns and external contractors
•Forward-thinking project management and organizational skills
• Knowledge of the principle funding agencies and prior grant writing experience
• Knowledge of managing publications and print projects
•Mac OS, Microsoft Office and Filemaker Pro

BENEFITS

A competitive benefits package is available after the three months probation period is complete. After eight months of employment, four weeks paid vacation may be taken during the period when programs are recessed. An additional ten days paid holiday time may be taken during the December/January holiday period.

HOW TO APPLY

The Western Front Society is committed to the principles of Employment Equity and encourages applications from Aboriginal persons, members of a visible minority group or persons with a disability.

Applications containing a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three references, and writing samples, must be received by 4:00 p.m. on May 17, 2010

Please send applications by email only:

Media Arts Curator Hiring Committee
Email:admin -at- front.bc.ca

We apologize that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.