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.

ABOUT THE BELKIN

The Belkin 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 Belkin 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 Belkin. 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 Belkin 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contributes to the planning, implementation and day-to-day management of the gallery’s curatorial priorities and initiatives by researching, contributing to and coordinating the development and realization of exhibitions, public programs, performances, online content and printed matter.
• Researches artists, local and global movements and networks of art and the broader field to pinpoint timely and relevant program topics and contributes this knowledge to the Belkin Curatorial and Programming team.
• Alongside Associate Director/Curator, manages relationships with artists and partners.
  Fosters community by facilitating welcoming, accessible programs focused around the exchange of ideas in person and online.
• Coordinates and manages all phases of projects initiated by the gallery or co-produced with other institutions, from the conception and research phase to production, delivery and documentation.
• Provides day-to-day project management by preparing and maintaining project budgets and timelines, arranging agreements, accessibility requirements, event coordination and acting as a liaison between gallery staff, artists, suppliers, contractors and collaborators.
• In dialogue with the Associate Director/Curator and Registrar, identifies and locates objects for exhibitions and publications, along with the appropriate lenders and copyright holders.
  Researches and writes curatorial and didactic information as required and develops website content and communication tools related to projects.
• Manages project team meetings and works with project team and outside collaborators to create and manage work plans.
• Works with all Gallery staff and collaborators to ensure that materials and information are obtained as per the planned schedule.
  

  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 and a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• 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 and organizational skills and ability to plan, prioritize and execute workflow to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Some weekend and evening work are required.

SALARY RANGE: $4,688.67 – $6,754.00 (MONTHLY)

HOW TO APPLY

The priority application deadline is 6 September 2023, with a desired start date of 30 October 2023.

To apply for this position please submit a cover letter and CV:

Apply Online

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND DIVERSITY

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.

Image (above): Dana Claxton and Jeneen Frei Njootli, The Sew In, 2018, with ribbon-skirt workshop led by Kim Soo Goodtrack, 2018, as part of the exhibition Beginning with the Seventies: Collective Acts. Photo: Rachel Topham Photography