The deadline for this opportunity has passed.

An exceptional opportunity for career minded curators and arts administrators. The Visual and Media Arts Associate will work in the programming department to manage Arts Commons’ visual and media arts portfolio.

This one-of-a-kind position is best suited for candidates who thrive in a fast-paced, creative, innovative and professional artistic environment.

This position is responsible for the program delivery, coordination and development of the RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program at Arts Commons. In addition, the position will oversee the programming and execution of visual and media arts throughout Arts Commons.

You will work closely with our marketing, development, venue operations and finance teams; as well as a wide variety of artists and galleries within the local community. The Visual and Media Arts Associate also works in regular collaboration with Arts Commons Education, Producing and Engagement, and Arts Commons Presents.

Best suited for those who are socially and culturally aware, have a passion for facilitating creative expression and are seeking a challenging and fulfilling career in the arts. You understand that dynamic arts, culture and organizations are supported by amazing administrators and your combined experience thus far is ready for the opportunity to shine.

Reporting to the Director of Programming, primary responsibilities will include:

• Oversight and execution of the RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program at Arts Commons:
  • Leads participating artists to create a supportive community and grow professional skill sets.
• Programs, coordinates, executes and reconciles eight to 12 events each season including:
  • Artists receptions, professional development sessions, panel discussions.
• Records, communicates and reports on program achievements and surveys.
• Programmer for Arts Commons Visual and Media Arts Galleries and Liaison for Partnerships and Community Engagement, reflecting Arts Commons values and priorities:
  • Curates seasonal exhibitions for Arts Commons visual and media arts spaces.
  • Lightbox Studio, Ledge Gallery, Window Galleries, and +15 Galleries.
  • +15 Soundscape and Broadcast Lab.
• Works closely with Director, Programming regarding organizational priorities, curatorial direction and community engagement:
  • Primary liaison for visual and media arts partnerships and organizational relationships.
  • Balances multiple artistic and administrative projects at the same time.
  • Create and maintain relationships within Calgary’s visual and media artists (communities).
• The administrator of all day to day visual and media arts activities:
  • Project Manage a high volume of curation and administration while adhering to deadlines.
  • Prepare accurate estimates, budgets, reconciliation and reporting for VMA programs.
  • Artist contracts administration and negotiation within budget signing authority.
  • Coordination of all VMA related event schedules, event notes and execution.
  • Coordination of all day to day VMA business with artists, publicists, rental providers, caterers, and their contracts or service agreements.
  • Execution of VMA workflow and key deliverables, as set by the Director, Programming.
• Care and upkeep of Arts Commons owned collection and partner installations.

Applicants require a minimum of five years in a visual and media arts or arts administration role, and an arts or business degree or diploma is beneficial.

Primary traits required: a natural collaborator, self-motivated, self-aware, detail-oriented, and passionate about developing a career in the arts. The ideal candidate will be outgoing and comfortable hosting events and leading public arts tours, and flexible in nature. Varied knowledge of the Calgary arts and culture scene and experience in event planning are significant assets.

Other Skills and Traits:

• Excellent communication skills, written, verbal and non-verbal.
• Excellent project and workflow management; accurate and on time.
• Team oriented; prioritizes relationships and communication.
• Rigorous attention to detail, logistics and financial accuracy.
• Positive, ethical and dependable.
• Creative administrator and problem solver; seeks solutions.
• Must have a passion for emerging artists advocacy and interdisciplinary practice.

This position is a full-time salaried role preferring but not limited to a 40-hour work-week and will require evening and weekend work as required for programmed events and workshops.

While this position caters to curators and arts administrators, working artists may also be considered although the demands of the role may make it difficult to manage both roles. This position requires some physical labour—installing and maintaining arts spaces. A competitive compensation package, including extended health benefits, is offered.

About Arts Commons

Arts Commons is an inspirational gathering place for all Calgarians and visitors, where creativity is expressed daily—in immersive and engaging ways. A place, both physical and metaphorical, that stimulates the senses, triggers emotions, challenges assumptions, starts conversations and opens minds. Welcoming over 600,000 visitors a year, Arts Commons is a key contributor to the social, economic, cultural and intellectual life and well-being of the citizens of Calgary.

To apply, please forward your resume and cover letter in confidence by email to  employment@artscommons.ca  or write to:

Human Resources
Arts Commons
205 8th Ave SE
Calgary, Alberta   T2G 0K9

Please state the position you are applying for. No phone calls please. We thank all interested applicants in advance, but will only be contacting those selected for an interview.

Applicants will be contacted for interviews after Wednesday, May 8, 2019.
Start Date: Mid-June to early July 2019.

Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to bring in a sample of their curatorial aesthetic (style). This includes, and may not be limited to pieces such as a portfolio or vision board.