Date: Jul 4, 2018
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT - deadline August 8.
Maternity leave – 13-month contract from October 1, 2018 – November 1, 2019
Full-time – 37.5 hours per week / Evening and weekend availability a necessity.
Esker Foundation
Esker Foundation is the largest privately funded, non-commercial contemporary art gallery in Calgary. As a leader in the Calgary arts community, Esker Foundation connects the public to contemporary art through relevant, accessible, and educational exhibitions, programs, and publications. Esker Foundation reflects on current developments in local, regional, and international culture; creates opportunities for public dialogue; and supports the production of groundbreaking new work, ideas, and research.
Public Engagement
You will join a multi-talented, professional group led by the Director/Curator. You are a creative thinker who can foster new ways of thinking about audience engagement.
In this role your primary responsibility is to develop, implement, and oversee all educational engagement at Esker Foundation. Working directly with the curatorial team, you will be responsible for linking curatorial vision with public engagement, researching the various ways artistic practice and exhibition focus informs and speaks to a diverse and ever-expanding public.
You will be providing long and short-range planning for exhibition-related programs, programs that focus on contemporary art education for all ages, and programs that are responsive to local conversations and practices.
Overview of responsibilities:
- Develop and implement high-level engagement programs to enhance visitor enjoyment and education specific to each exhibition and to the broader scope of contemporary art.
- Work with the Esker curatorial team and exhibiting artists to develop educational content for staff, volunteers, and the public.
- Foster relationships with artists, researchers, instructors, and lecturers both inside and outside of the art world to develop engagement opportunities that connect exhibitions and contemporary art education through a local, national, and international lens.
- Develop working relationships and partnerships with other education programs and organizations in Calgary and area to create age appropriate programs that work within the parameters of Esker Foundation and the focus of each exhibition.
- With assistance from the Gallery Assistant, facilitate or oversee all programs at Esker, including;
- Write and oversee all program contracts.
- Managing and developing budgets, fee structure, and payment schedule.
- Program set up, including technical run through, troubleshooting, and overseeing volunteers during event.
- Public introductions and moderation. - Tours of exhibition(s) for a wide-range of audiences, including school groups.
- Maintain and update AV equipment for all programs in addition to any researching and renting additional equipment as necessary (special projectors, charter busses, boats, portable sound systems etc.)
- Develop and distribute appropriate waivers and signage at programs.
- Purchase, organize, and maintain general program supplies.
- Work with Marketing and Communications to develop, oversee, and edit all program content for exhibition brochures, Esker web page, monthly newsletters, and any other digital or printed material as needed. • Manage all logistics associated with artist and guest speakers travel, accommodation, and special needs for both programs and exhibition related visits.
- Participate, as time allows, in relevant meetings, symposia, workshops, and other forums of brainstorming, information exchange and logistical planning within the gallery and in the arts community.
- Assisting in the general running of the gallery, including opening and closing, and working with gallery and building staff to provide a safe and positive experience for all gallery visitors.
- Continue to think about new formats for engagement, which could include but are not limited to talks, panels, tours, workshops, screenings, educational worksheets and guides, videos, audio tours, or other innovative ways to engage.
You will have: First and foremost an endless enthusiasm and commitment to the goals and vision of Esker Foundation, plus;
- Bachelor of Fine Arts or higher and at least three years’ experience with engagement programs specific to contemporary art.
- Broad knowledge of contemporary art and ideas, and how this can be contextualized in the larger scope of world today.
- The vision to generate and implement nationally recognized programs that highlight the vision of Esker Foundation as an innovative new model for both exhibitions and engagement.
- The ability and interest to engage in diverse audiences. • Demonstrated strong connections and participation in engagement conversation in museums and galleries locally, nationally, and internationally.
- The flexibility to work varied hours including evenings and/or weekends depending on program and gallery needs.
- Strong communication, organizational, and management skills.
- Flexible, respectful, and thoughtful to co-workers, artists and guest, volunteers, the local arts community, and the public.
- Ability to see beyond the parameters of the position and strive to contribute to an overall vision of Esker Foundation.
- An emotionally mature individual with strong self-awareness and an excellent sense of humour.
This position is a 13-month contact. Competitive salary with benefits package and professional development opportunities included.
Please submit resume and cover letter in one pdf outlining why you would be a good addition to the team by August 8, 2018 to director Naomi Potter: npotter@eskerfoundation.com
Interviews will be conducted the week of August 13, 2018. Start date October 1, 2018.