Neutral Ground is accepting applications for:
SUMMER 2024 CURATORIAL ASSISTANT
Canada Summer Jobs
ABOUT NEUTRAL GROUND ARTIST-RUN CENTRE
Launched in 1982, Neutral Ground Artist-Run Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing opportunities for artists and engaging the public with emerging, experimental, multidisciplinary artistic practices. Neutral Ground is located in oskana ka-asastēki, also known as Regina, Saskatchewan. Primarily a public gallery, Neutral Ground operates on Treaty 4 land, which encompasses the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda, and the homeland of the Métis/Michif Nation.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Under the supervision of the Director/Curator & Gallery Assistant, the Curatorial Assistant is a summer term position between June-August 2023, as funded by Canada Summer Jobs at 30 hours per week at $18/hour. The Curatorial Assistant works primarily on-site (Neutral Ground is located at 1835 Scarth Street, Regina SK) during regular gallery hours (Wednesday-Saturday 12pm-6pm) with the addition of supporting special events which occur outside of NG’s regular gallery hours.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Curatorial Assistant is responsible for the planning, and execution of an independent curatorial project for Neutral Ground’s Window Gallery.
The student will work on site, alongside the Director/Curator & Gallery Assistant providing support for day to day gallery operations and working towards their curatorial project for launch in August. This will include conducting research, corresponding with artists, composing a curatorial text, and coordinating the installation of the work.
The Window Gallery is a 15 feet long, over 6 foot high street-facing display vitrine, located in front of Neutral Ground’s Main Gallery. In addition to being viewable from inside the F.W. Hill pedestrian mall, it also remains visible 24/7 from Scarth Street. Within the first few weeks of work, the successful applicant will propose local artists to the Director/Curator who will work directly with the Curatorial Assistant to develop a work plan for the realization of their curatorial project.
The Curatorial Assistant will work on-site, alongside the Director/Curator & Gallery Assistant providing support for day-to-day gallery operations:
- Maintaining the safety and security of gallery exhibitions
- Fostering a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for visitors by providing meaningful and question-led interactions
- Answering general inquiries, in person, over the phone, and online
- Assisting in the maintenance of the facilities and the gallery spaces, including regular cleaning
- Assisting in exhibition installations, as needed
- Support the delivery of programming events, such as workshops, artist talks and receptions
- Maintain and update NG’s social media accounts and website as necessary
ORGANIZATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Neutral Ground’s administrative office is located in a mezzanine space; access to the office is via one flight of straight stairs. Neutral Ground is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates with disabilities will receive accommodation throughout the hiring process upon request.
Neutral Ground is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates who are members of racialized communities, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and those with the skills and knowledge to productively engage within diverse communities.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate may be enrolled in or a recent graduate of Art History, Visual Arts, or Curatorial Studies at the university level. Neutral Ground recognizes lived experiences as a valuable source of knowledge and also encourages candidates who have received training or expertise in realms of visual art outside of traditional academia. Canada Summer Jobs requires that the candidate be between 15-30 years of age.
COMPETENCIES
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a small team
- Interest in and understanding of Canadian contemporary visual art
- Competency using computer software such as GSuite and Adobe Creative Suite
- Working knowledge of content management systems such as WordPress
- Interest in artist-run spaces and/or non-profit organizations
- Ability to perform physical tasks such as mopping, painting, and moving artwork and plinths
- Comfortability operating power tools is an asset, but not essential
HOW TO APPLY
Application Deadline: 11:59pm on May 10, 2024
Target Interviews Dates: May 16 – 22
Target Start Date: June 5, 2024 (flexible)
Compensation: $18 / hour
Term: June – August
Hours: 30 hours / week
Please submit the following via email with the subject line “2024 Curatorial Assistant” to: program@neutralground.sk.ca
- One page Cover Letter expressing your interest, experience, and capacity to meet the listed job duties;
- Resume (maximum 3 pages);
- The names, relationship to and contact information for 2-3 references who can speak directly to the required job competencies.
Neutral Ground thanks all applicants for their time and interest in this position, though only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please also be aware that NG’s ability to offer this position pends funding. The term length could also be subject to change pending funding.
Installation Shot, The Multiplicities of Feminine Prairie Existence, Jane McCreight, curated by Molly Ryan, 2023. Photo credit: Daniel Paquet
