The Belkin invites applications for the position of Assistant Curator, Engagement, with an anticipated start date of 30 October 2023. This is a full-time, two-year appointment (Management & Professional, AAPS), UBC Job ID JR13519.
Priority application deadline is September 6, 2023 11:59 PM.
The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery at UBC is mandated to research, exhibit, collect, publish, educate and develop programs in the field of contemporary art. The Gallery is situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People. The Gallery promotes understanding and discussion of contemporary art and contemporary issues in art history, criticism and curating, with a focus on our region in an international context. The Gallery is an internationally recognized Category A institution and houses the University’s art collection of over 5,000 objects, one of the largest public collections of art in British Columbia. The Gallery also holds one of the largest artists’ archives in Canada and oversees the University’s outdoor art collection on the Vancouver campus which includes twenty-five works. Through a program of exhibitions, publications, loans and special projects, the Belkin participates in the national and international community of institutions concerned with contemporary art. The Gallery operates as a unit in the Faculty of Arts and participates in the training of student curators through the Critical and Curatorial Studies Program in the Department of Art History, Visual and Theory.
Job Summary
The Assistant Curator, Engagement position is a temporary two-year term appointment at the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery. Reporting to the Associate Director/Curator, the Assistant Curator, Engagement contributes to the planning, implementation and day-to-day management of all curatorial aspects of programming at the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery as part of the Gallery’s strategic priority to support welcoming, accessible programs focused around the exchange of ideas in person and online. The Assistant Curator, Engagement works closely with the Associate Director/Curator and Belkin team on the development and realization of exhibitions, public programs, performances, online content, and printed matter. The Assistant Curator, Engagement manages curatorial activities from conception to production by contributing to research, content production, fostering relationships with artists and partners, project management and event coordination. This involves collaboration with the Belkin team, artists, cultural producers, and a range of University and external organizational partners. The role requires knowledge of contemporary art and curatorial strategies, and experience in curatorial research, project management, administration, and written materials. As a key member of the team, participates in activities related to institutional planning, growth and development including workshops and staff retreats.
Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred in relevant discipline such as art history, visual arts, curatorial studies or museum studies. Experience working in a contemporary art gallery or museum context in a similar capacity. Demonstrated commitment to contemporary art and its engagement with communities and audiences. Knowledge of contemporary art history and art practices, and Indigenous art history. Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The successful candidate will have: Demonstrated commitment to accuracy and detail with the ability to maintain a calm and composed presence. Strong researching and writing skills and experience writing about visual art, editing and proof reading. Ability to exercise keen judgment and discretion with artists, partners and the public. Ability to work effectively and comfortably both independently and collaboratively with a team. Experience developing, planning and coordinating public programs and special events. Experience developing and leading discussions and educational tours about contemporary art to diverse audiences (general public, university students, elementary or high school). Familiarity with museum standards and practices, copyright, and experience handling artworks. Demonstrated ability to work in a project-based environment and handle multiple and concurrent priorities. Demonstrated experience using MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), WordPress, Adobe (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat) and social media platforms. Experience with digital video and audio recording and editing an asset. Experience training and supervising staff and student employees. Strong public speaking skills. Strong organizational skills. Ability to plan, prioritize and execute workflow to meet deadlines under pressure. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Some weekend and evening work are required.
Salary range: $4,688.67 – $6,754.00 (monthly)
Priority application deadline is September 6, 2023 11:59 PM. The desired start date for the position is October 30, 2023.
To apply for this position please submit a cover letter and CV and use the following link to view the full posting and apply online:
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
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