Assistant Curator
/Organization:
221A
Deadline:
Until Filled
Organization Description:
ABOUT 221A 221A is a nonprofit organization that works with artists and designers to research and develop cultural, social and ecological infrastructure. We keep artists in the city, through studio placement fellowships, residencies, affordable housing and work spaces, education programs, and research and advocacy. 221A envisions a pluralistic society in which all people have the means to access and make culture.
EMPLOYMENT EQUITY AND WORKING CONDITIONS
221A is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants on all points on spectrums of race, place of origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, and ability.
The Assistant Curator is expected to work on-site in downtown Vancouver, primarily at 825 Pacific St.
- They will be exposed to noise and regular flow of people in the office environment
- They must have the capacity for extended periods of concentration with computer and mobile phone technology
- Moderate lifting (up to 25 pounds) may be required on an occasional basis
- In the normal course of work, there may be occasional exposure to particles and particulates produced by art-making. 221A strongly adheres to WorkSafeBC standards and will provide PPE where appropriate.
- However, due to the above considerations, we cannot promise a scent or noise reduced space
- Computer and mobile phone technologies will either be provided, or payment will be made in-lieu by 221A.
Website:
Job Description:
The Assistant Curator is an artistic and operational role for the Fellowship, Fellowship Library, X̱aw̓s shew̓áy̓ Garden Programs, and related events across 221A.
- Contract: Part-time, 20 hours per week - Term: 6 months, with option to extend - Compensation: $33,280 – $37,440 salary ($1,387 – $1,560 semi-monthly) plus: annual gym membership/wellness supplement, health and dental insurance, 6% paid vacation - Eligibility: Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or refugee status with legal entitlement to work - Job location: 825 Pacific, 271 Union, xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl ̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Responsibilities:
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (40%)
1. Program Coordination – Day-to-day presence and coordination of operational and facility access for the Fellowship Program, including correspondence with artists for facility functional information, coordination of technicians and event staff, loans, registrations and insurance, and liaising between Fellows and staff for access to spaces for tours and other events that impact or involve the Fellows.
2. Fellowship Projects – Planning, developing, and implementing a public project for each Fellow over the course of their 18-month studio placements for approval, including budget oversight, event and installation planning and coordination, hospitality, tours and public services, with across 221A staff departments.
3. Fellowship Public Programs, Talks and Events – Leading the planning, set up, take down, invitations/guest servicing, hospitality, communications, support in collaboration with other 221A staff, where applicable. Supporting program hospitality needs, including gathering dietary guidelines, handling catering of food and beverages, food signage, preparation and cleaning.
4. Nominations Process – Coordination of applicant/nominee process, including providing feedback on policy, and supporting the facilitation of community consultations, nomination policy development, and selection panel meetings.
FELLOWSHIP LIBRARY PROGRAM (35%)
5. Open Hours – Maintaining weekly open hours, duties associated with opening and closing of the facility, developing and implementing guest service outreach and communications, providing information to guests.
6. Collection Management – Re-shelving books and ephemera as used and accessed by guests, registering new items into the collection based on policy, verifying and updating collection database information online, coordination of acquisitions and housing of acquisitions, registration and cataloguing of collection items, conservation, maintenance and restoration of collection items, responding to inquiries from external parties, coordination of contractors and consultant experts in support of library and archival practices.
7. Capsule Displays – Regularly creating displays of series of books or ephemera within the facility, and writing, editing, and providing information on displays to the public in collaboration with communications staff. Develops, upgrades and maintains displays by researching, selecting and laying out of displays. Trains interpretative staff in the care and handling of artefacts.
8. Guest Interpretations – Leading all aspects of commissioning written interpretations, including selection of writers, editing, working with communications team to format, print and manage web presence, and associated events.
9. Staff/Board Selections – Coordinating monthly selection of book/ephemera by staff/board members.
10. Community Events – Selection and management of library-related community events, such as book launches and community events, from time-to-time.
X̱AW̓S SHEW̓ÁY̓ 新生林 GARDEN PROGRAM (25%)
11. Garden Events – Working with Facilities and other departments to organize, set up, and tear down events, including transportation and storage of equipment at a nearby storage location.
12. Garden Program Administration – Communicating with contractors to ensure the upkeep of the space; providing information and input to Advancement team for funding applications as needed; supporting artists and contractors in completing invoicing and other paperwork.
13. Garden Artist Liaison- Working with garden artists to fulfil their multi year residency program; booking artist workshops in 221A locations, advising staff teams of updates to workshop planning, and assisting with minor communications and publicity needs
Ancillary Duties as determined through mutual agreement with the Employer.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated curatorial skills, with a combination of experience and education considered acceptable. A post-secondary degree in art history, curatorial studies, or library and archival sciences is considered an asset.
- Proficient writer/editor, with knowledge of the art historical context of exhibition-making and contemporary curatorial practices on the West Coast.
- Core computer and administrative skills include:
- Google Workspace, word processing, spreadsheets, and emails
- Scheduling meetings, booking appointments, and arranging vendors
- Maintaining filing systems—both digital and physical—ordering and stocking office supplies
- Handling invoices and tracking project budgets
- Preparing documents such as reports, memos, and letters
- Experience and aptitude for food culture, as well as creating unique hospitality events for guests, are essential.
- Proficient planning and time management skills, with direct experience using project or collaboration management software, are considered an asset.
- Highly skilled at dealing courteously and tactfully with the public, with the ability to work in person on-site during regular business hours and during pre-planned events and community programs that take place after hours or on weekends.
- Possesses the ability to work on a team, communicate regularly and consistently, and is comfortable with public speaking to groups of up to 60 people.
- Has a basic understanding of collection restoration and conservation techniques applicable to artefacts.
- Basic skills in photography techniques and exhibition preparation, including the ability to design, sketch, and prepare display layouts, are also required. Knowledge of SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Figma is considered an asset.
How to Apply:
Priority for this position will be given to:
- Black, Indigenous, and other racialized applicants
- People living with disabilities
- 2-Spirit, trans, queer, and non-binary people
Please send your cover letter and CV/resume by email to hr@221a.ca. Please use “[Full Name], Assistant Curator” in the Subject Line. Ensure your cover letter includes your name, email, and contact information.
Remuneration:
Compensation: $33,280 – $37,440 salary ($1,387 – $1,560 semi-monthly) plus: annual gym membership/wellness supplement, health and dental insurance, 6% paid vacation
Contact Name: Human Resources
Contact Email: hr@221a.ca
