Associate Curator, Collection / Assistant Curator, Collection  

VANCOUVER ART GALLERY  

Regular Full-Time 

We are seeking a talented individual to join our dynamic Curatorial team. This is a unique opportunity where we will fill the role at either the Assistant Curator or the Associate Curator, Collection level, depending on the education, skills and experience of the most suitable candidate. 

As Assistant Curator, Collection, you will assist in shaping the future of the Gallery’s permanent collection. Working closely with curators, artists and institutional partners, you will be key in acquiring new pieces and organizing exhibitions. Your deep knowledge of contemporary and historical art, gallery procedures, and research methods will support drafting texts, developing interpretive materials and assisting with exhibition planning for collection exhibitions. You may also support curators in research, exhibition development and publication production as related to the collection. 

Alternatively, as an Associate Curator, Collection, you will fill all the above-mentioned Assistant Curator level responsibilities as they relate to the acquisition processes. Additionally, you will coordinate and independently develop exhibitions from the Gallery’s permanent collection. You will conduct original research and represent the Gallery and its permanent collection. 

In either role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the Gallery’s strategic direction and success in a creative, collaborative environment. If you are passionate about art and excited to help in shaping the Gallery’s collection, we invite you to apply and be part of a forward-thinking team. 

What You Will Do  

Duties of both Assistant Curator, Collection & Associate Curator, Collection: 

• Generate bi-weekly acquisition review lists and outgoing loan requests  

• Take notes at acquisition meetings and distribute the minutes and action items in a timely manner  

• Prepare, including research and writing, acquisition justification reports  

• Liaise with Museum Services staff on proposed works and help coordinate the acquisition process from start to finish  

• Liaise with collectors and galleries (donors) on artwork donations and with artists on purchases and process invoices as required  

• Liaise with external contracts such as appraisers, writers and copy editors and process invoices as required  

• Work with Gallery photographers on acquisitions needs and with Rights and Reproductions to secure copyright for all acquired works 

• Manage acquisitions files including proposals, receipts and agreements, appraisals, correspondence and image files  

• Prepare materials for Board meetings  

• Assist with ongoing cataloguing and updates in our collections database (Axiell)  

• Research, write and complete all administrative tasks involved in applications to the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board (CCPERB)  

• Research, analyse and interpret works of art in terms of subject matter, style, technique and historical context, as directed  

• Working with a designated curator as directed, research, develop, organize and participate in the installation of exhibitions  

• Communicate and coordinate with team members, including Registration regarding loans, transportation and insurance requirements  

• Research, write, prepare and coordinate the production of exhibition and related publications, text panels, labels and other interpretive material  

• Answer in person and electronic enquiries from the public, as directed, regarding the Gallery, the collection, the exhibitions program and art in general; refer complex enquiries to the appropriate curator  

• Visit artists’ studios, local art collectors and dealers, etc. in relation to planned exhibitions and publications, when requested  

• Participate in the development of team plans and initiatives; understand and champion organizational strategic and business goals and recommend continuous improvement initiatives, innovative approaches and the associated policies and procedures to achieve those goals  

• Model respectful and inclusive workplace behaviour through a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, including Indigenous ways of being, ensuring these principles are embedded in all the work we do  

Duties specific to Associate Curator, Collection:  

• Initiate and develop exhibition proposals, research and coordinate exhibitions upon approval 

• Plan and coordinate exhibitions from the Gallery’s permanent collection, including work selection, liaising with artists, and determining transportation, insurance and safety requirements 

• Monitor and authorize exhibition expenditures to ensure budgets are met 

• Work with the Curators to ensure appropriate exhibition design and coordinate installation with our Preparators 

• Liaise with other institutions regarding the Across the Province travelling exhibitions from the collection  

• Provide exhibition information to the Senior Director of Public Engagement and Learning and Director of Communications for planning public programs and media releases 

• Prepare exhibition catalogues and interpretive materials 

• Research works of art or artists for relevance to the collection; liaise with private collectors, dealers, and auction houses to assess potential acquisitions 

What You Bring to the Role  

You hold a degree in art history, museum studies or other relevant field at a college or university level and have at least four years of experience in curatorial and administrative work in an art gallery or museum. You bring considerable knowledge of contemporary and historical art, and the museum field, including methods and techniques required for research, and of professional practices and standards in the field, especially regarding collections and exhibitions.  

In addition, you have:  

• Strong understanding of contemporary and historical art, museum best practices, and research methodologies 

• Familiarity with collections management and the procedures for acquiring, maintaining and documenting a fine arts collection, including knowledge of relevant policies and stewardship practices 

• Experience with collections databases and cultural property application processes 

• Working knowledge of the Vancouver Art Gallery’s collection and the local, regional and national art communities 

• Ability to think creatively, plan exhibitions and contribute to the development of innovative approaches to curatorial activities 

• Strong research, writing and communication skills for preparing exhibition materials, reports and publications 

• Competency in managing multiple projects and deadlines, with excellent organizational and prioritization skills 

• Ability to work collaboratively within teams, liaise with external stakeholders (artists, donors, institutions) and maintain professional relationships 

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately 

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, including Indigenous perspectives in curatorial practices 

• Proactive in staying current with trends and advancements in the museum and curatorial fields. 

COMPENSATION AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Associate Curator:  

• Pay Grade 24: $33.76- $39.49 per hour 

• Schedule: Flexible Work Schedule 

Assistant Curator:  

• Pay Grade: 22: $31.21- $36.52 per hour 

• Schedule: Flexible Work Schedule 

This is a unionized position. This assignment falls under the jurisdiction of CUPE Local 15 – VMECW.  This is an in-office position at the Gallery’s downtown Vancouver location, however, there is some flexibility to work from home.  

TO APPLY 

Please send your cover letter and resume, in confidence, by Friday March 7, 2025, at 5pm to our People & Culture Department via email:  

The Vancouver Art Gallery is open to considering candidates with varying levels of experience. The successful candidate will be selected based on their education, training, and relevant experience, ensuring the best fit for the role. 

Please note that only applicants with Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or a valid work permit will be considered. A written assessment may be part of the recruitment process. 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those short-listed will be contacted. 

What We Provide for You 

The Art Gallery wants you to be your best.  We provide our full-time and regular part-time employees with extended medical and dental coverage, long-term disability and life insurance, joint employer/employee pension contributions and generous vacation entitlements. 

Our Values 

The Vancouver Art Gallery commits to five core values that guide all that we do: 

• We are respectful of the unceded Indigenous territory upon which we are situated 

• We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment 

• We believe that curiosity is a pathway to innovation 

• We establish clear goals and expectations to cultivate a culture of accountability 

• We foster successful collaboration through thoughtful communication and active listening 

The Vancouver Art Gallery is situated on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations. We offer a welcoming, team-based office culture and we are committed to providing equitable access to everyone.  We actively support accessibility, anti-racism, LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, and encourage diversity in our staff, volunteers, visitors, and programming. We cultivate a safer space where all voices are heard, valued and represented. 

More About the Vancouver Art Gallery 

Founded in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery is recognized as one of North America’s most innovative visual arts institutions. The Gallery’s celebrated exhibitions, extensive public programs and emphasis on advancing scholarship focus on historical and contemporary art from British Columbia and around the world. Special attention is given to the accomplishments of Indigenous artists, as well as to those of the Asia Pacific region—through the Institute of Asian Art founded in 2014. The Gallery’s exhibitions also explore the impact of images in the larger sphere of visual culture, design and architecture.