Job Description

Application Deadline: Until the position is filled
Term: Part-time contract; estimated 20 hours/week; Summer 2023 \xe2\x80\x93 Summer 2025; possibility of conversion to full-time permanent
Start date: Late August/early September
Salary: $35-40 hourly
Location: hybrid, with on-site, remote, and research travel components

Curator of Indigenous Ceramics position
The Gardiner Museum is seeking a contract curator with a speciality in Indigenous art and culture to join our team and contribute to the re-imagination of our exhibition areas. This position will start as part-time contract, with the possibility of conversation to full time permanent. The successful candidate will help shape the institution\xe2\x80\x99s commitment to creating innovative ways of building and sharing Indigenous stories through ceramics of the past and present, help build a program of community engagement, and promote an inclusive relationship in partnership with Indigenous communities. The successful candidate should have a strong knowledge of Indigenous ceramic traditions or cultural material of North America.

Reporting to the Chief Curator, the contract curator will be responsible for developing the narrative and content of a new Indigenous ceramics gallery space, from its concept phase to its implementation, bringing an Indigenous voice and perspective to the stories told. This person should also have full competency in the appropriate display, interpretation, and management of Indigenous cultural items and belongings.

The curator\xe2\x80\x99s work will develop in close consultation with the Gardiner Museum\xe2\x80\x99s Indigenous Advisory group and in collaboration with members of the Gardiner Museum\xe2\x80\x99s curatorial team. Their work will be informed by the Gardiner\xe2\x80\x99s Museum\xe2\x80\x99s support of the principles of the and the standards recommended by the Canadian Museum Association Move to Action Report in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Scope of work

• Participate in the Gardiner Museum Indigenous Advisory Group (virtual)
• Attend and participate in internal project development meetings at the Gardiner (virtual or in-person)
• Attend and participate in design development meetings with architect and designer (virtual or in-person)
• Make recommendations regarding the geographical and temporal scope of the Indigenous gallery
• Develop curatorial narratives for the Indigenous gallery space, including identifying items for display (primarily loans from other institutions/partners) and developing complete checklists at different phases of the project
• Develop and build relationships with lenders, partner institutions, and community organizations and members
• Travel to institutions outside of Toronto for research as needed
• Prepare loan request letters and work on the loans process with Gardiner staff
• Advise on best practices for access and display of Indigenous cultural works
• Identify contextual materials/images/multi-media to include in the display, and develop multi-media content as needed
• Write didactic content for the gallery, including introductory panels and object labels
• Participate in the installation phase of the gallery
• Advise on and develop educational programs connected to the gallery for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities

Requirements: Required skills and experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of and training in museum studies, Indigenous studies and/or visual arts normally acquired through a University Degree or relevant Diploma in Museum Studies, Cultural Heritage Conservation & Management or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience
• Curatorial experience in Indigenous art and art practices, preferably in ceramics
• Experience of Indigenous cultures, etiquette, and protocols. Knowledge of Indigenous language(s) an asset.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Indigenous people and their culture, history and traditions, especially in Ontario.
• Experience with the interpretation of historical artefacts in a museum context
• Knowledge of museum best practices with regards to access, care and display of cultural belongings
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to research and prepare reports, briefing notes, and educational material
• Excellent progressive administrative, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Additional Info: Special conditions of employment

• Work may be performed remotely in large part, but also with encouragement to be on site at the Gardiner as appropriate. It will also require occasional travel to visit lending institutions
• The position is built on working an average of twenty hours per week. The workload may vary depending on the phases of the project.
• The Gardiner Museum regularly updates its COVID-19 protocols and health measures in accordance with the Province of Ontario in an effort to protect the health of both visitors and staff. The updates may impact work and scheduling
• The role requires the ability to physically handle object up to 20 pounds in weight. Object handling training will be provided.

Workinculture