What’s New

General Description

One of the largest square footage art galleries in Alberta, the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie is a place of art preservation, inspiration and exploration. We offer tours, programs, exhibitions and learning activities for all ages as a free art museum.

The Gallery presents an average of 8-10 art exhibitions per year, including from our Permanent Collection, and welcomes over 20,000 visitors annually. The Travelling Exhibition Program (TREX), delivered on behalf of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, travels to 20+ venues and further sees an annual attendance of up to 200,000 visitors. The Permanent Collection is comprised chiefly of regional works of contemporary art, numbering 850 pieces.

Closing date for application: Friday, April 3rd at 5:00pm

Position start date: negotiated

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm (some weeknights and weekends required)

Hours: 40 hours per week (35 work hours)

Wage: $50,000 – $60,000 commensurate with experience

*The position includes a generous health benefit plan, with premiums fully paid by the Gallery*

The Curator, Exhibitions and Collections (Curator) will create advances in the dissemination of curatorial theory and further knowledge of Canadian Contemporary and Historic Art in the North Western Alberta region.

The Curator will plan and organize, along with their staff, the acquisition, storage, preservation and exhibition of work by individual artists and groups of artists, collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs to promote audience development and education at the Gallery. The position leads the curatorial decisions made within the parameters of the Curatorial Mandate and works closely with the Curatorial Team; Curator, Learning and Executive Director.

On all matters, the position reports directly to the Executive Director.

Specific Duties

• Lead, and staff, the Curatorial Team in the overall planning, development and implementation of annual exhibition programming. The current Exhibitions and Collections team includes full time Associate Curator (Travelling Exhibitions), Curatorial Assistant and Art Preparator.

• Develop specific proposals for exhibitions and conduct scholarly research related to the collection and to the production of exhibitions and publications.

• Originate exhibitions, for those projects approved, including research, production, presentation and publication components as applicable. Select artworks, negotiate loans, design and oversee installations in conversation with staff, compile scholarly catalogue essays and biographical information, coordinate photography, editing and proof-reading of text.

• Provide input, as needed, to the Executive Director on Board policies relating to vision, mission, values, goals and Curatorial and Collections Mandates.

• Maintain current knowledge of the latest developments in exhibit design concepts, techniques, technology, innovations and maintain a broad and current professional knowledge of activities in contemporary art and related fields through studio visits, conferences, lectures and workshops.

• Oversee the booking and in-house presentation (including design and supervision of installation) of exhibitions of art organized by other institutions or by guest curators, for display at the Gallery.

• Oversee the production of assigned publications (catalogues, brochures and posters, etc.), and write scholarly text for exhibition catalogues, text panels, and the Gallery’s newsletter (as required).

• Monitor and control budgets, and provide annual reporting, on the Exhibitions and Collections unit.

• Oversee supportive text for the Canadian Cultural Property Review Board’s consideration for donated artwork, as required.

• Assist the Executive Director with the process related to collections policy, especially in acquisitions, donations, conservation, exhibition and de-accessioning.

• Maintain close contacts with galleries, artists, and art related organizations in the community, province and nation, and represent the Gallery at annual conferences, exhibition openings and other types of professional meetings.

• Research and present lectures, talks, tours and other oral presentations related to exhibitions and related subjects. Respond to questions from the public regarding Gallery exhibits.

• Assist other members of the Curatorial Team in aspects of programming, initiatives, extension activities and didactic publications, as required.

• Assist in organizing and executing fundraising and public programming events as they relate to artists, exhibitions, collections and publications, as required.

• Supervise Exhibitions and Collections staff, including time, priority, development and performance reviews.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills and Abilities

Required

• Maintain a thorough knowledge of contemporary and historical art practices locally, nationally and internationally.

• Demonstrate the ability to conduct scholarly research, write to publishing standards and organize exhibitions of art.

• Maintain knowledge of current practises in the proper handling of art work and demonstrated ability to design and implement the effective display of works of art.

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with respect to historical and contemporary artwork for public presentations, project proposals, grant submissions, publications and other printed materials.

• Demonstrate the ability to work with minimal supervision in a team environment.

• Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, artists, professionals within the museum communities and the public.

• Demonstrate the ability to successfully motivate and supervise staff, helping to engender a strong sense of team spirit.

• Demonstrate the ability to multi-task, establish priorities, perform under pressure, maintain attention to detail and meet deadlines

• Possess a valid driver’s license

Assets

• Demonstrate the ability to adequately use Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Photoshop, website browsers and both Windows and MAC platforms.

• Experience or acceptable knowledge of using computerized desktop publishing and design software and the use of a variety of gallery / museum collection management software.

• The ability to work well in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environment with students, faculty and staff

Qualifications

A Master’s Degree in Fine Arts, Art History, Curatorial or Museum Studies from an accredited education program with a specialization in a Fine Arts related discipline OR relevant and exceptional education and experience.

Three to Five years of recent progressively responsible curatorial experience as an independent curator or in an art gallery or art museum, with demonstrated success in originating art exhibits, including all facets of research, production, installation, publication, and budget development and control.

Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and write about Canadian and International art to publishing standards

Knowledge of funding agencies / organizations and experience in writing grant applications.

Please send a cover letter and CV, and any inquiries, to:

Executive Director
103, 9839 – 103 Avenue
Grande Prairie, AB
T8V 6M7

info@aggp.ca

Closing date for application: Friday, April 3rd at 5:00pm

DOWNLOAD a PDF copy of Curator job posting

We thank all who may apply, and only those who are short-listed will be contacted for an interview.

Join visiting artist Guillermo Trejo in exploring his works within the Sonic Youth exhibition. Guillermo Trejo is a Mexican/Canadian Artist based in Ottawa. This 3-hour workshop will teach one of the most interesting and simple techniques of street art: Stencils. The idea of this project is to share this technique with the participants so they can then create their own stencils and make your own statement!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20th 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Ages: 13 – 25 years

MAX Participants: 15

Cost: FREE!

Thank you to the exhibition sponsors for Sonic Youth:

Presenting Partner: 

Exhibition Sponsor: 

Exhibition Partner: 

Exhibition Support: 

The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie’s Curator of Exhibitions and Collections, Derrick Chang, invites you on a guided tour of our current exhibition, Sonic Youth. The works in this exhibition encourages youth to learn about the history of social and political movements and to become more aware of the role they play as informed citizens.

Please join us Saturday, February 1st at 2:00pm

Thank you to the exhibition sponsors for Sonic Youth:

Presenting Partner:

Exhibition Sponsor:

Exhibition Partner:

Exhibition Support:

As part of meeting the challenges of a growing community, the Art Gallery has recently undergone some reorganization to position itself on a path of continued innovation and delivery of high caliber experiences.

The development of a new position level, ‘Curatorial Assistant’, will strengthen our ability to research and present extraordinary experiences from local, regional and even international artists to a wide diversity of community. Jeff Erbach, Executive Director, says that this move is part of an evolution seen over the past 3 years. “We’re seeing record attendance, thousands of people participating in learning activities, and tied to that, both Jamie-Lee and Katrina, our new Curatorial Assistants, exemplify dedication in their work and to the community. So this is a positive change, both for putting more direct support to community expectations and also to further develop the leadership and strengths of these two amazing employees.”

The result of the shift will see Jamie-Lee Cormier take up the position of Curatorial Assistant, Learning, and Katrina Shirley shift to Curatorial Assistant, Exhibitions and Collections.  Jamie-Lee says, “I am very excited to be working with the Curator, Learning on upcoming community projects and the planning of exhibitions. I love the interaction and engagement with the public that this job will bring as I facilitate tours and art camps through the amazing exhibitions here at the Gallery.” For her part, Katrina, who now works directly with exhibitions and the Permanent Collection, says, “I am excited and grateful to continue advancing my career with this highly skilled team of people who I can both learn from, and enjoy the company of. The Gallery has supported my education, career and life as an artist since the beginning, which has made coming to work everyday a joy.”

The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie attended the Largest Wedding Show on January 26th, 2020 at the Tara Centre – Evergreen Park, from 10am – 5pm. We launched our latest fundraiser, a raffle draw for a chance to win your wedding at the Montrose Cultural Centre!

This wedding package is valued at more than $4,000 and will include a ceremony in the Gallery – a venue that is not available to the public for events, a reception conveniently next door in Teresa Sargent Hall, and 20% off catering services from Jeffrey’s Cafe!

TICKETS are just $10 each or 3 for $25

DRAW DATE  is Tuesday, February 11, 2020

If you aren’t able to make the show, don’t worry, tickets are available for purchase in person at the Gallery or over the phone at (780) 532-8111 until February 11th!

CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. The maximum capacity for the wedding ceremony taking place in the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie is 200 attendees (dependant on space allocation). The maximum capacity for the wedding reception taking place in the Teresa Sargent Hall is 250 attendees.
2. The date of the event is subject to space availability and is at the discretion of the Gallery.
3. The Gallery and Teresa Sargent Hall will offer half a day for set up – details outlined in the contract.
4. The duration of the ceremony will be maximum 1 hour long.
5. Photography is permitted but is not included within the Win Your Wedding package.
6. Insurance must be purchased for Teresa Sargent Hall by the winner.
7. The wedding must take place within 2 years of the draw date. If not used within the given time, the wedding package will lapse.
8. Jeffrey’s Cafe has first catering rights for the Montrose Cultural Centre.
9. The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie reserves the right to refuse arrangements or decoration placements that are deemed inappropriate for the space or potentially damaging to the artwork.
10. Tables and chairs will be provided by the Montrose Cultural Centre. Linens or other decorating items will not be provided.
11. Extra Equipment such as audio-visual equipment is the responsibility of the winner.
12. The Win Your Wedding prize package is non-transferable and is not redeemable for cash or other prizes.
13. An agreement must be signed by all parties before the Win Your Wedding Package can be claimed.

Photos of the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie

Photos of the Teresa Sargent Hall, Montrose Cultural Centre

Art Gallery of Grande Prairie’s 2016 Annual Art Auction fundraiser, Photo MAJ Photography

Art Gallery of Grande Prairie’s 2016 Annual Art Auction fundraiser, Photo MAJ Photography