Location: Barrie, ON. This is an on-site position with negotiable, flexible work options.
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 + Benefit package
Application Deadline: November 12, 2023
Start Date: TBD

ABOUT

The MacLaren Art Centre (MAC) is a free public art gallery located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. With over 4,000 works of contemporary and modern Canadian art in the permanent collection, the gallery serves an immediate community of approximately 300,000 people across Barrie and Simcoe County. We approach our work with a regional responsibility, responding to issues that matter in our immediate community within the broader context of the provincial and national visual art and cultural framework. We offer a variety of modern and contemporary exhibitions that focus on visual art and visual culture by Canadian artists of regional, provincial, and national significance. Our goal is to provide the community with an exciting and relevant range of art exhibitions, tours, lectures, and art programs that inspire curiosity, creativity, and interest in the visual arts.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Curator: Exhibitions, Collections & Programs serves as a key member of the MacLaren Art Centre’s management team working to expand the impact of the gallery by creating and sustaining an exciting and relevant exhibition program. Leading a collaborative and community-focused artistic, curatorial, education, and public art programming team, this position works with all gallery departments, relevant community organizations, and key stakeholders toward the realization of the MAC’s artistic vision and mandate. The Senior Curator will make meaningful contributions to all aspects of the MAC’s life including artistic and strategic planning, budgeting, and collaborative team building while acting as an ambassador for the MAC at all levels of public engagement.

The Senior Curator is responsible for continuing, expanding, and developing a strategic and engaging exhibition program of various scales and range of artistic practices. They are responsible to oversee all aspects of exhibition and collection planning from vision to production, as well as keeping abreast of potential partnerships and exhibition offerings from other galleries and independent curators. They will be a key contributor to the vision and objectives of the art and education program and play a key role in the delivery of an exhibition program that makes space for diverse narratives in a way that values and empowers different worldviews and forms of knowledge. This position will play a key role in the research, planning, and implementation of a de-colonizing strategy for the gallery, and work to broaden the definition of art most especially from Indigenous Peoples, Black and people of colour, Francophone, deaf and disability artists, women and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

The Senior Curator will provide direction on all areas of collection management including the research, development, preservation, documentation, and exhibition of the permanent collection and will ensure that the collection is accessible to various publics through Gallery programs and online sources.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Formal Education

• Master’s degree in Art History, Visual Culture, Museum Studies, Curatorial Practice, or combination of relevant education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

• Two (2) years recent and progressive experience working within a public art gallery with curatorial and collection related duties. Past experience within a mid-sized regional gallery a definite asset.
• Evidence of curatorial achievement including research and publication, exhibition planning and execution, and collections management.
• One (1) year supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated ability and experience developing and conducting independent research projects.
• An inclusive and inspiring work philosophy that values and utilizes the expertise of diverse individuals and groups (artists, teams, colleagues, other museums, stakeholders) as they achieve curatorial goals and artistic projects together.
• Experience leading, overseeing and coordinating volunteers, individuals, and teams.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task a range of projects at different stages of development.
• Up to date knowledge of contemporary, modern, interdisciplinary, digital, and public art practices.
• Knowledge of gallery methods and techniques including technical and aesthetic dimensions of exhibition installation including planning, design, implementation, and all job-related technologies and best practices.
• Demonstrated capacity to stay up to date on relevant social and cultural trends.
• Up-to-date knowledge regarding collection management best practices and collection data base applications.
• Demonstrated oral, written, presentation and reporting communication skills and capacities.
• Track record of successful grant writing.
• Believes the visitor experience is paramount.
• Flexible and embraces change, diverse points of view, and creative problem solving.
• Adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, and a good sense of humour.
• Proficiency in Google Sketch-up.
• Successful vulnerability sector screening as required.
• A valid Ontario driver's license, regular drivers abstract, and access to a vehicle.
• Health and Safety training as identified and required.

Download the full job description and requirements.

How to Apply:

• In one pdf document, applicants must submit a relevant CV, and Cover Letter (max - 2 pages) that describes your background, curatorial practice, and interest in the position.
• Resumes and cover letters will be received via email at lisa@maclarenart.com no later than 11:59pm, November 12, 2023, Subject line: Senior Curator Position.

Screening Process:

• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and will be required to provide the following additional information prior to confirming the interview date & time.
  • Two curatorial writing samples (Exhibition text, didactic text, project grant text, etc.)
  • Up to 10 installation images of at least 4 exhibitions you have curated or co-curated.
  • A clear statement of your curatorial philosophy (500 words)
• Additional writing samples and/or interviews may be required.

The MacLaren Art Centre is committed to being an employer that reflects our community and fosters an inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage candidates who are women, BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ and people with disabilities to apply. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants must make their needs known in advance.

Qualified internal applicants will be prioritized in the recruitment process. We thank all candidates who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Location: Barrie
Job Type: Full Time. Hybrid work arrangements may be considered. However, flexible work arrangements will be in consideration of the needs of the organization and position.
Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 p/yr. + Benefits
Application Deadline: October 29, 2023
Start Date: TBD

ABOUT

The MacLaren Art Centre is a free public art gallery located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. With over 4,000 works of contemporary and modern Canadian art in the permanent collection, the gallery serves an immediate community of approximately 300,000 people across Barrie and Simcoe County. We approach our work with a regional responsibility, responding to issues that matter in our immediate community within the broader context of the provincial and national visual art and cultural framework. We offer a variety of modern and contemporary exhibitions that focus on visual art and visual culture by Canadian artists of regional, provincial, and national significance. Our goal is to provide the community with an exciting and relevant range of art exhibitions, tours, lectures, and art programs that inspire curiosity, creativity, and interest in the visual arts.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Director/Curator, this position will actively support a comprehensive fundraising and development program designed to raise the profile of the gallery and contribute to the long-term growth and viability of the organization. The position is key to achieving the MacLaren’s short and long-term fundraising goals including major gifts, corporate partnerships, and sponsorships while implementing a development strategy that increases awareness, engagement, and support for all gallery functions.

With a focus on building relationships, the position is a proactive networker and fundraiser. Working as part of a collaborative team with cross-functional support from across the organization, the position actively works with and supports key volunteers, gallery members, key stakeholders, and staff in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors, members, partners, and sponsors. Key responsibilities will include research, development, and implementation of high-impact initiatives and events that inspire meaningful engagement and long-term connections to the MacLaren Art Centre.

The position will make meaningful contributions to all aspects of the gallery’s life including artistic and strategic planning, budgeting, and team collaboration, and acts as an ambassador for the MacLaren at all levels of public engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Formal Education
Relevant Post-secondary degree or certification in Fundraising, Development, Public Relations, Marketing, Community Engagement, or a combination of relevant education and experience.

Minimum Experience

• One (1) + years’ experience executing fundraising programs and initiatives in the non-profit cultural sector.
• Has a passion for the visual arts.
• Demonstrated capacity to meet fundraising goals.
• Ability to steward, cultivate, and sustain multiple stakeholders and philanthropic relationships.
• Energized by working with people.
• Experience leading, motivating, and coordinating volunteers, individuals, and teams.
• Demonstrated oral, written, presentation, and reporting communication skills and capacities.
• Demonstrated ability to remain current on all trends and developments related to development, fundraising and community engagement as well as social and cultural trends within the non-profit and gallery/museum sector.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task a range of projects at different stages of development with demonstrated project coordination, problem solving, and time management skills.
• Proficient in fundraising data base applications.
• Good judgement and high level of discretion.
• Creative thinking and an innovative approach to work responsibilities.
• Proven ability to remain current on all job-related technologies and best practices.
• An energetic desire to work with colleagues, artists, volunteers, interns, and community members to create something extraordinary.
• Believes the visitor experience is paramount.
• Understands the role as a community builder.
• Flexible and embraces change, diverse points of view, and creative problem solving.
• Adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, and a good sense of humour.

Download The Full Job Description

How to Apply:

In one pdf document, applicants must submit a relevant CV, and Cover Letter that describes your background, and interest in the position.

Resumes and cover letters will be received via email at lisa@maclarenart.com no later than 11:59 p.m. October 29, 2023. Subject line: Development Associate.

The MacLaren Art Centre is committed to being an employer that reflects our community and fosters an inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage candidates who are women, BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ and people with disabilities to apply. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants must make their needs known in advance.

Qualified internal applicants will be prioritized in the recruitment process. We thank all candidates who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Position Title: VanGo Artist Studio Assistant
Job Title: Casual Contract Position
Location: MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie
Salary: $20/hour

The MacLaren Art Centre seeks a practicing visual artist to work on behalf of the Gallery delivering in-person and/or virtual programs to children as part of the “MacLaren VanGo Program” in schools throughout Simcoe County. The main area of responsibility for the VanGo Artist Studio Assistant is to work alongside the VanGo Artist Instructor providing assistance in the effective delivery of VanGo studio programs to children enrolled in elementary schools. The Artist Studio Assistant position will begin in September and continue for the 2023/24 academic year, assisting in the delivery of VanGo programs to students enrolled in Kindergarten to Grade 8. In this capacity, the Artist Studio Assistant functions as an ambassador for the MacLaren Art Centre, as well as this innovative outreach program.

Qualifications

• Practicing visual artist with a BFA, college-level arts diploma, or equivalent experience
• Some experience teaching, or working with children
• Sound understanding of contemporary visual art and artistic practices
• Some experience with remote teaching and related technologies
• Punctuality, flexibility and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to function as a team player and to work within a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel
• A valid driver’s license and on-going access to a working vehicle
• A current criminal record check and vulnerable sector screening
• Working knowledge of another language, particularly French or Indigenous Languages is an asset
• Familiarity with the Ontario Curriculum in the Visual Arts is an asset
• First Aid Certification is an asset

The deadline for applications is 4 pm on Friday, August 11, 2023.
This is a casual contract position for the 2023/24 academic year starting on Tuesday, September 5 through to Thursday, June 27, 2024, with possibility of renewal for the following academic year. The VanGo Studio Assistant is expected to be available to work based on VanGo program bookings, as scheduled, and assigned.

The MacLaren Art Centre is an equal opportunity employer serving our diverse communities. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We will be happy to work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. Although we appreciate all applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to supply a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector police screening before work can commence.

Please send a personalized cover letter and curriculum vitae in confidence to:
Christina Mancuso
Education Officer
MacLaren Art Centre
37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie, ON L4M 3M2
or email to: christina@maclarenart.com

About the MacLaren Art Centre
The MacLaren Art Centre (MAC) is a free public art gallery located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. With over 4,000 works of contemporary and modern Canadian art in the permanent collection, the gallery serves an immediate community of approximately 300,000 people across Barrie and Simcoe County. We approach our work with a regional responsibility, responding to issues that matter in our immediate community within the broader context of the provincial and national visual art and cultural framework. We offer a variety of modern and contemporary exhibitions that focus on visual art and visual culture by Canadian artists of regional, provincial and national significance. Our goal is to provide the community with an exciting and relevant range of art exhibitions, tours, lectures, and art programs that inspire curiosity, creativity, and interest in the visual arts.

Position Title: Bilingual VanGo Artist Instructor
Location: MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie
Job Type: Casual Contract Position
Salary: $25/hour

The MacLaren Art Centre seeks a practicing visual artist to work on behalf of the Gallery delivering in-person and/or virtual programs in English and French to children in schools throughout Simcoe County as part of the “MacLaren VanGo Program”. The main area of responsibility for the Bilingual VanGo Artist Instructor is to work alongside the VanGo Studio Assistant in the effective delivery of VanGo studio programs to children enrolled in elementary schools. The Artist Instructor position will begin in September and continue for the 2023/24 academic year, assisting in the delivery of VanGo programs to students enrolled in Kindergarten to Grade 8. In this capacity, the Artist Instructor functions as an ambassador for the MacLaren Art Centre as well as this innovative outreach program.

Qualifications

• Practicing visual artist with a BFA, college-level arts diploma, or equivalent experience
• Fluent French speaker able to deliver VanGo programs in French
• At least one year in-class teaching experience with children
• Familiarity with the Ontario Curriculum in the Visual Arts
• Sound understanding of contemporary visual art and artistic practices
• Experience with remote teaching and related technologies
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Punctuality, flexibility and problem-solving skills
• Ability to function as a team player and to work within a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel
• A valid driver’s license and on-going access to a working vehicle
• A current criminal record check and vulnerable sector screening
• First Aid Certification

The deadline for applications is 4 pm on Friday, August 11, 2023.

This is a casual contract position for the 2023/24 academic year starting on Tuesday, September 5 through to Thursday, June 27, 2024, with possibility of renewal for the following academic year. The Bilingual VanGo Artist Instructor is expected to be available to work based on VanGo program bookings, as scheduled, and assigned.

The MacLaren Art Centre is an equal opportunity employer serving our diverse communities. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We will be happy to work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. Although we appreciate all applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to supply a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector police screening before work can commence.

Please send a cover letter, current resumé and portfolio of five (5) artworks via email to:

Christina Mancuso
Education Officer
MacLaren Art Centre
christina@maclarenart.com

About the MacLaren Art Centre

The MacLaren Art Centre is the regional public art gallery serving Barrie, the County of Simcoe and the surrounding area. Housed in an award-winning building, the Gallery has a permanent collection of 27,400 artworks and presents a year-round programme of world-class exhibitions, education activities and special events. As a cornerstone of culture for the region, the MacLaren is a central meeting place for residents, a destination for visitors from across the province and a catalyst for downtown revitalization.

Position Title: Indigenous Visual Art Instructor
Job Type: Casual Contract Position
Location: MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie
Salary: $25/hour

The MacLaren Art Centre seeks an Indigenous practicing visual artist to work on behalf of the Gallery delivering in-person and/or virtual programs to students as part of the “MacLaren VanGo Program” in schools throughout Simcoe County. The main area of responsibility for the artist instructor is to provide the effective delivery of Indigenous-based VanGo studio programs to students enrolled in elementary and/or secondary schools in the region. In this capacity, the Indigenous artist instructor functions as an ambassador for the MacLaren Art Centre, as well as this innovative outreach program.

Qualifications

• Sound knowledge of Indigenous culture in Simcoe County and Canada
• BFA candidate or college-level diploma in the Visual Arts
• At least one year in-class teaching experience with children
• Familiarity with the Ontario Curriculum in the Visual Arts
• Sound understanding of contemporary visual art and artistic practices
• Punctuality, flexibility and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to function as a team player and to work within a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel
• A valid driver’s license and on-going access to a working vehicle
• A current criminal record check and vulnerable sector screening
• Experience working within an Indigenous community is an asset
• First Aid Certification is an asset
• Ability to teach programs in French is an asset

The deadline for applications is 4 pm on Friday, August 11, 2023.

This is a casual contract position for the 2023/24 academic year starting on Tuesday, September 5 through to Thursday, June 27, 2024, with possibility of renewal for the following academic year. The Indigenous Artist Instructor is expected to be available to work based on VanGo program bookings, as scheduled and assigned.

The MacLaren Art Centre is an equal opportunity employer serving our diverse communities. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We will be happy to work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. Although we appreciate all applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to supply a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector police screening before work can commence.

Please send a personalized cover letter and curriculum vitae in confidence to:
Christina Mancuso, Education Officer
MacLaren Art Centre
37 Mulcaster Street
Barrie, ON L4M 3M2
Email to: christina@maclarenart.com

About the MacLaren Art Centre
The MacLaren Art Centre (MAC) is a free public art gallery located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. With over 4,000 works of contemporary and modern Canadian art in the permanent collection, the gallery serves an immediate community of approximately 300,000 people across Barrie and Simcoe County. We approach our work with a regional responsibility, responding to issues that matter in our immediate community within the broader context of the provincial and national visual art and cultural framework. We offer a variety of modern and contemporary exhibitions that focus on visual art and visual culture by Canadian artists of regional, provincial and national significance. Our goal is to provide the community with an exciting and relevant range of art exhibitions, tours, lectures and art programs that inspire curiosity, creativity, and interest in the visual arts.