Public Art Project Lead Supervisor(s)
Full Time – Permanent, Full Time – Term Specific
We acknowledge that the land we gather on, Mohkinsstsis, is the ancestral territory of the Siksikaitsitapi — the Blackfoot people — comprising the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani Nations, as well as Treaty 7 signatories, the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Îyârhe Nakoda Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations. Today this land is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Districts 5 and 6 as well as many First Nations and Inuit from across Turtle Island.
We acknowledge that there has been art, music, dance, storytelling and ceremony on this land since time immemorial and it is in the spirit of this land and its people that we do our work.
Application Assistance
Calgary Arts Development is committed to open, fair and transparent processes. We recognize that the job application process can create barriers to access for many applicants who are interested in applying. Our job calls are written in English, shared online and require applicants to email their applications in English. This creates technological, linguistic, communication and cultural barriers, to name a few.
In recognition of these barriers, eligible applicants can request assistance to help alleviate some of the costs associated with preparing and submitting a job application. Our Applicant Support & Accessibility Policy is available for applicants who may need support from staff, or financial assistance to access support from someone outside of Calgary Arts Development. Please see the end of the document for more information or reach out directly by email at jointheteam@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
Employment Equity Statement
Calgary Arts Development is an equal opportunity employer and employs people without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical and/or mental abilities.
While remaining alert and sensitive to the issue of fair and equitable treatment for all, Calgary Arts Development has a special concern with the participation and advancement of members of designated groups that have traditionally been disadvantaged in employment: Black, Indigenous, people of colour, immigrants and newcomers, persons with physical or mental disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community.
We are currently working in a hybrid environment with the requirement of at least two days per week physically in the office or three days per week physically in the office if you would like to have a dedicated desk. Work on the other days can be done from home if desired. Staff are also welcome to work in the office five days a week if that is what they prefer. It is important to note that our office in the Edison downtown is not fully accessible although it is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible gender-neutral washroom. We are not presently equipped with technology that supports those with hearing or visual impairments. While we seek to be more accessible in the future, we feel it is important to be transparent about the limitations of our workplace as it is at present.
Who Are We?
Calgary Arts Development is our city’s designated arts development authority. We provide grant investments to hundreds of arts organizations, individual artists, and groups. We value relationships, generosity, reciprocity, plain language and curiosity.
We believe the arts have the power to build our city. Through the arts development strategy, Living a Creative Life, our vision is a creative, connected, prosperous Calgary where every resident has the opportunity to live a creative life. We foster a sustainable and resilient arts sector and support arts-led city building.
Strong relationships are central to our work and will be particularly central to this role. We honour artists and believe that art is a critical component that benefits the public good. We welcome new introductions and partnerships with artists and arts organizations as well as with others whose work may be outside the arts who are trying to make our city great through living a creative life.
Our team has been working towards creating shared environments where all people can feel safe, heard and validated. A sensitivity to the lived experiences of diverse, marginalized and equity- seeking people is very important as we continue valuing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of our work.
The Roles
We are recruiting two full-time public art project lead supervisors to join our public art team.
- One position is full-time, permanent
- One position is full-time, term specific to the end of 2026, with the possibility of an extension based on budget and need
These are new roles and will report to the public art manager.
The individuals in these roles will work closely with the public art manager to provide successful project delivery by ensuring projects are properly budgeted, staffed, and implemented. This is done with attention to reputation management and risk management for the program and the organization.
The primary function of these roles are to supervise a variety of contractors, including public art project leads, and provide oversight on all stages of a public art project from project planning, calls to artists, request for qualifications, community engagement, design, fabrication, installation and any other elements that may require contractor support. The individuals in these roles may provide hands on support in delivering projects when needed.
The individuals in these roles are committed to embedding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in all communications, relationships and processes related to this position. This includes Truth and Reconciliation and good relations with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in Treaty 7, in part realized through the activation of the White Goose Flying Report, a local adaptation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report with calls to action that can be influenced locally.
Accountabilities
This is a new position at Calgary Arts Development, and as such we recognize that accountabilities may shift as the program is developed.
As a member of Calgary Arts Development’s public art team the project lead supervisors are responsible for:
- Oversight of contractors engaged in program delivery and development.
- Supporting the development and updating of project plans, project chartering, communication plans, engagement plans and other documentation related to successful project delivery.
- Helping to shape and oversee public art project implementation, assigning priorities, resources, and providing support where needed.
- Actively work to decolonize how public art projects are delivered.
- Provide oversight for the implementation of procurement activities such as ensuring trade agreement requirements are met, obtaining quotes for construction and/or fabrication, putting projects out to tender and commissioning artists through requests for qualifications, etc.
- Lead the contracting and consistent training of public art leads and additional consultants, and identify training opportunities when needed or required.
- Track key performance indicators and contribute to reporting and accountability related to the public art contract with The City of Calgary at key junctions.
- Monitor the capital expenditures budget to ensure Calgary Arts Development remains a good steward of public funds and that fiscal goals are met, including reconciling project budgets versus financial reports on a regular basis.
- Support the continuous improvement of public art processes and training.
- Identifying, anticipating and mitigating risks, including cost and schedule overruns.
- Consulting with relevant teams and individuals across Calgary Arts Development, including contractors, public art project leads, communications specialists and artists, on project development and realization, and what resources would best support those projects.
- Ensure full documentation and archiving of all initiatives.
- Ensure regular project status reporting by public art project leads.
- Review project related communication (i.e. artist call, website content, press releases, etc).
- Review project proposals and design submissions.
- Provide coverage for project leads when necessary, including support of artist application assistance, assessor evaluations, etc.
Who Are You?
For this position, we are looking for an experienced public art professional who is passionate about the Calgary arts community, public art, and enjoys working with people and managing projects.
You have experience managing multiple public art projects simultaneously. You’re comfortable identifying priorities and ensuring those you work with have all the details they need to be successful in their work.
You will provide leadership and mentorship to our staff, including in our work in the realm of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and our ability to work with groups that have different values, beliefs, needs and feelings. As we talk together about your place here, you’ll be able to speak to your experience managing projects in and with a variety of diverse communities and stakeholders.
Managing people and projects in ways that are respectful, equitable and inclusive is one of your core values, and you are committed to lifelong learning in these areas.
You are able to balance the big picture as well as the small details and welcome a rapidly changing environment where you have to juggle multiple tasks of varying depth on a day-to-day basis.
You already have knowledge of public art materials, design and the construction and installation process. You think about maintenance and conservation at the start of a project, not the end.
You are passionate about the importance of the arts and creativity in our lives and are articulate in your belief in the power of the arts to transform public space in our city. You understand that public dollars are being invested to develop a public program for public good. You will help create a program with a focus on accountability for ensuring we are good stewards of the resources the public invests in this program.
You keep an eye on industry best practices for the commissioning and development of public art and are curious about different approaches and ways of working and learning.
You’re not all things to all people, but you’re probably already a few of these things:
- You have experience working independently and collaboratively on multiple projects simultaneously.
- You have strong management and critical thinking skills. You may have experience in directly managing contractors as part of larger projects.
- You have the ability to express ideas and concepts effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to prepare and present reports and status updates.
- You have familiarity with and ability to explain documents such as safety rules, engineering and architectural drawings, as well as operations, maintenance, instruction, procedure and conservation manuals.
- You come equipped with conflict management tools and can navigate tension between individuals.
- You can develop and interpret capital financial reports.
- You have an ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.
- You are adept at managing risk.
- You have an ability to manage and execute multi-year projects.
- You have an understanding of procurement laws and regulations and how those apply to public art.
- You enjoy problem solving and troubleshooting to find solutions when situations arise.
- You are comfortable working in a collaborative and open work environment.
- You have knowledge of Calgary’s public art landscape and context, as well as an understanding of the community and climate of local art and culture.
- You are a lifelong learner. You’re interested in best practices in continuing education and mentorship programs.
- You are a self-starter who is adaptable working both independently and with a team.
- You enjoy problem solving and troubleshooting to find solutions when situations arise.
If you see yourself in this opportunity, we would love to have a conversation with you. And if you’re not sure, you can learn more about us by exploring our website at calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
We are also open to having conversations with individuals in advance of the submission of an application to clarify questions about this posting. Please address those inquiries to Gregory Burbidge, Interim Public Art Director, at greg.burbidge@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
How to Apply
Please indicate your interest by emailing jointheteam@calgaryartsdevelopment.com with your resume and cover letter. Please use the subject line: Public Art Project Lead Supervisor Posting.
Your cover letter should address the question: “What role do you believe public art plays in fostering diversity, equity and inclusion?”
If you would like to request application assistance, please contact jointheteam@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or call 403.264.5330 to arrange assistance. Details around application assistance are listed in detail below.
For best consideration apply by September 8, 2024. We are hoping to fill these positions by late September, 2024 but our commitment to finding the right fit may require more time.
Minimum annual salary is $65,000 in addition to a benefits package that includes health and dental coverage, and a matching RRSP program.
Application Assistance
We recognize that the job application process can create barriers to access for many applicants who are interested in applying. Our job calls are written in English, shared online and require applicants to email their applications in English. This creates technological, linguistic, communication, and cultural barriers, to name a few.
In recognition of these barriers to access, eligible applicants can request assistance to help alleviate some of the costs associated with preparing and submitting a job application.
Who Can Request Assistance?
Individuals who self-identify as:
- An individual who is Deaf, hard of hearing, has a disability or is living with a mental illness.
- An individual facing language, geographic, or cultural barriers.
To receive assistance, you will need to provide:
- The name and contact information of someone who can help you (this could be a trusted friend or family member, or a professional service provider). We may be able to make
- recommendations depending on the service being requested.
- The amount you are requesting, including the service provider’s hourly rate.
Types of Assistance
General Transcription or Editing Services & Organizing of Support Materials
- Applicants who identify barriers within the writing process directly due to a physical or learning disability or due to living with mental illness.
- Maximum Contribution: $75
Language Translation
- Applicants writing an application in another language who require translation into English, including American Sign Language.
- Maximum Contribution: $150
ASL Interpretation
- Calgary Arts Development is able to make arrangements for reputable, in-person ASL interpreters for interviews, in consultation with the interviewee, and at no cost to the interviewee.
Interview Parking
- Applicants who must drive to an interview at our request are eligible to have their parking costs paid by Calgary Arts Development.
- Maximum Contribution: $26 per interview, or the equivalent of the daily rate for parkades or parking meters that are close to the Calgary Arts Development office.
Childcare
- Applicants who require childcare services in order to attend the interview are eligible to be reimbursed for those childcare expenses.
Public Art at Calgary Arts Development
History
Calgary’s Public Art Program was created in 2004 to deliver broad-based public art programming for the residents of Calgary, and the public art collection has been in existence for over 100 years.
Since 2004, the program has provided a broad variety of public art programming, permanent artworks and conservation to the public art assets on behalf of Calgarians. In the last five years, there have been broad-based discussions around the direction and priorities of the program.
A New Direction for Calgary’s Public Art Program
In September 2019, Council directed The City of Calgary administration to engage a third-party consultant to review a series of broad-based questions to determine if consideration of an external service model was an appropriate direction. In November 2019, Council released the public notice of motion, and directed administration to move ahead on engaging the sector in the development of a request for proposal (RFP) to be released in 2020. After a rigorous engagement and reporting process, Calgary Council approved the transition of Calgary’s public art program.
On March 22, 2021, The City of Calgary announced Calgary Arts Development as the future operator for Calgary’s public art program.
Calgary Arts Development as the Operator for Calgary’s Public Art Program
Calgary Arts Development is focused on stewarding public dollars for public good.
As a much smaller organization than The City of Calgary, Calgary Arts Development is looking to streamline the program and reduce barriers for local artists to participate, while also increasing engagement opportunities and transparency for citizens. We have a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility which will increase access and representation in the program from a diversity of artists. We look forward to stewarding a public art program that reflects who we are and what we value as a city.
The City of Calgary worked with us to transition oversight and implementation of public art projects and programs over the course of the past three years, and now we are the official stewards of the program.
