Associate Curator

Work Hours &

Location:

12 days/month (approximately 3 days/week). Hybrid/Flexible; see below for details

Hourly Rate: $25/hour

Reports To:

Artistic Director

• The Mac Laren Art Centre is seeking an Associate Curator (part-time, contract) to lead the development and delivery of an exhibition for the Winter 2026–2027 season, opening in early December 2026 and running through March 2027 (dates to be confirmed).
• Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Associate Curator will be responsible for shaping the curatorial vision and overseeing the realization of the exhibition from concept through installation and public presentation. Working collaboratively with the Curatorial Assistant, Education team, contract preparator, and Communications Coordinator, this role focuses on curatorial research, artist engagement, exhibition planning, interpretive development, and project management. Administrative coordination, program delivery, and logistical support will be carried out in collaboration with existing staff.
• The successful candidate will also contribute to exhibition-related public programs and provide support for select annual gallery events occurring during the contract period, including opening receptions and fundraising initiatives.

• Research, develop, and deliver a complete curatorial concept for a Winter 2026–2027 exhibition.
• Identify, research, and engage participating artists, managing communications in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Curatorial Assistant.
• Develop interpretive frameworks, exhibition narratives, and curatorial texts.
• Work within the approved budget.
• Collaborate on exhibition layout, design, and spatial planning.
• Project manage exhibition timelines from early development through installation, opening, and deinstallation.
• Be present on-site at key times to support coordination and ensure smooth execution.
• Write and contribute to exhibition didactics, essays, labels, and related interpretive materials.
• Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator to craft a comprehensive marketing plan and support marketing and communications materials where applicable.
• Work with the Education team to develop exhibition-related programs, including talks, tours, and educational initiatives.
• Participate in exhibition-related public programs and on-site events as required.
• Provide support for annual Mac Laren events occurring during the contract period, such as opening receptions and key fundraising initiatives.
• Represent the Mac Laren Art Centre professionally in interactions with artists, partners, and the public.
• Contribute to a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive working environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 2+ years of demonstrated curatorial experience, with evidence of successful exhibition development and delivery.
• Undergraduate degree in a related field such as Art History, Studio Art, Curatorial Studies, or Arts and Humanities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A graduate-level degree in a relevant field is an asset.
• An inclusive work philosophy that values and mobilizes the expertise of diverse individuals and groups.
• Experience working in collaborative teams.
• Strong curatorial research, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple project components at different stages of development.
• A high degree of familiarity with contemporary Canadian art practices.
• Knowledge of gallery methods and techniques, including the technical and aesthetic dimensions of exhibition planning, art handling, design, and installation.
• Commitment to visitor-centred experiences and public engagement.
• Flexibility, positivity, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Reliable means of transportation to attend on-site work as required.
• The selected candidate will be asked to provide a successful vulnerable sector screening as a requirement for this position.

• Knowledge of collection management best practices and collections databases.
• Track record of successful grant writing.
• Proficiency in Google Sketch Up.
• Fluency in an additional language, other than English

This position includes a hybrid work arrangement.…