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Assistant Curator, Art Gallery of Mississauga
Deadline: April 15, 2013

The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is a public, not-for-profit, art gallery generously sponsored by the City of Mississauga, the Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, private citizens and its members. Visitors to the AGM enjoy a diverse programme of changing exhibitions, ranging from historic to cutting-edge contemporary art, photography, design, crafts and community friendly exhibitions. As a public gallery with a strong community connection, the AGM is interested in assisting visitors as they learn about art. The gallery therefore offers a wide range of tours, discussion, and workshops for adult learners, as well as innovative youth programmes for schools, universities and community groups.

The gallery is envisioned as a centre for community building which aims to energize the cultural producers of Mississauga and beyond. The AGM is committed to presenting stimulating exhibitions which are aesthetically strong and intellectually challenging alongside multi-platform ancillary events. A particular interest is in projects that engage our community and reflect our awareness of contemporary and relevant cultural topics and issues. Crossing of social boundaries in terms of artistic discipline is vital by linking elements, concepts and notions that are at the core of universal artistic expression, and traversing social and class lines in valuing multiple audiences is paramount to visual art experiences at the AGM.

Job Description

Terms: Part-time | (25 hours/week)
Start date: May 1, 2012
Language of work: English (bilingualism an asset)

The Art Gallery of Mississauga is a leading contemporary art space that engages people with the questions that shape us as individuals, communities and cultures. The AGM serves communities in Mississauga, Oakville, Toronto as well as the Burlington region, and reaches both national and international audiences. The AGM is currently looking for an Assistant Curator to add to our dynamic curatorial team with a one year contract. Candidates of diverse background and aboriginal identity are encouraged to apply. The position is dependent upon the applicant working with the gallery to pursue a Canada Council Emerging Curatorial Grant for the year position. Candidates that are representative of the social fabric of Mississauga are encouraged to apply.

Nature and scope of position:
Reporting to the Director | Curator as well as working closely with the Engagement Officer and the Operations Manager - the Assistant Curator oversees the coordination of the Gallery’s curatorial program, education, and engagement coordination, collections management and conservation activities for the Galleries' permanent collection. S/he provides research, technical and administrative support for all exhibitions and manages, maintains, and provides access to the permanent collection. S/he will conduct tours, as well as facilitate the docent programmes and outreach platforms for each exhibition.

An ideal entry level position - the candidate should possess a strong interest in arts administration in a not for profit gallery dealing with contemporary art and community accessibility. The candidate must be friendly, have a sense of humour and enjoy working with people from all walks of life, as well as being open and fluid. Research and sharing of ideas is paramount in curatorial work – this multitasking position is based upon an articulate candidate’s ability and a keen interest in art history, contemporary art or art business. They should have the ability to problem solve, work independently, set priorities, perform as a leader and self starter as well as follow directions, seek and accept feedback. They need to have strong verbal and graphic communication skills and welcome the challenge of working in a fast paced open office that is an eclectic, team environment full of change and progress.

The Art Gallery of Mississauga is a 3,000 square foot institution with 14 – 18 exhibitions per year. Outreach and Programmes are a key component to community engagement, education and other inventive initiatives. The Board and Staff of the Art Gallery of Mississauga are pleased to announce that the AGM has retained Lord Cultural Resources to conduct a Facility Planning Study for the Gallery. This Study aims to address the AGM’s goal to “Grow space to accommodate the long term objectives of the Gallery.” The Art Gallery of Mississauga looks to the future as it celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2012. The AGM has brought art to the community and the community to art since 1987, and is therefore looking for a candidate who will contribute to this growth process and embody our philosophical mandate: Engage, Think, Inspire.

General responsibilities and functions:
The Assistant Curator will:
• work with the Director|Curator to plan, budget and execute in-house and traveling exhibitions;
• provide insightful research assistance to curatorial colleagues;
• develop and implement exhibition-related public programs;
• manage incoming and outgoing loans from artists, collectors, dealers, and institutions;
• oversee local, national and international transportation of artworks;
• coordinate insurance arrangements related to both the collection and temporary exhibitions;
• oversee the Galleries' collections management system;
• assist with acquisitions to the permanent collection, including donations, policy and admin.
• provide curators, scholars and researchers with access to information about the collection;
• participate in the development of new online initiatives for collections data;
• develop and maintain positive relationships with artists, collectors, donors, and other stakeholders.
• lead Tours for school groups, organizations
• extend the AGM into the communities of Mississauga and the GTA
• work on committees with support from the Director and Board.

Requirements:
Qualifications
The ideal candidate has:
• completed a Bachelors degree or a terminal Master's degree in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies, Visual Arts, or a related discipline;
• a demonstrated interest in contemporary art, artists and have an interest in communicating issues related to a community practice
• a proven ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• excellent interpersonal and independent analytical skills; critical thinking and conceptual interests.
• superior organizational skills, detail-oriented focus and the ability to manage multiple priorities;
• Strong database management skills, including a familiarity with computer MAC and PC standards, knowledge of ADOBE suite, Illustrator and Photoshop is essential. HTML and Wordpress an asset, social media knowledge savvy is paramount.
• The ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with other staff/colleagues at all levels of operation.
• Candidates of diverse backgrounds which are representative of Mississauga are encouraged to apply.

A valid driver's license and access to a vehicle is a significant asset.

Additional Info:
Accepting applications through April 15, 2013. Review of applications will begin immediately. This is a part-time one year renewable appointment with a 90 day trial period. Initial review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. The start date for this position is May 1, 2013.
Mississauga and 905 based applicants are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:
Please submit a CV and letter of intent titled as first and last name, attached as a single PDF or Word document by 5pm on April 15, 2013 BY EMAIL ONLY to the attention of Director/Curator to [email protected].
We thank everyone who applies for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview are contacted. No telephone, email or walk-in inquiries please. All applications are considered confidential.

Contact Info:
Name: Attention of Director/Curator
Email: [email protected]
Further information: http://www.artgalleryofmississauga.com/