Job - Curator/Artistic Director, Esker Foundation
Posted by Michelle Kasprzak • Monday, January 30. 2012 • Category: Jobs & OpportunitiesCURATOR/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Opportunity
Esker Foundation is a privately funded non-collecting exhibition facility built to Class A museum standards. Located in Calgary’s historic Inglewood district, Esker comprises approximately 15,000 square feet of exhibition space within a newly constructed building that is scheduled to open in mid June of this year. The Esker Foundation is funded by Jim and Susan Hill. The Hills are the founders of a successful oilfield service company and have a strong interest in art, including a large collection of primarily Canadian and American post-war abstract paintings and sculptures.
The Esker Foundation will be a non-collecting exhibiting institution and therefore the Hill collection will remain outside the scope of Esker. The mission of the Esker Foundation is to provide the people of Calgary, in fact all Albertans and visitors to the City, opportunities to experience the art of art times in an amiable environment of leisure and study, and of learning and enjoyment.
The Esker Foundation is seeking a Curator/ Artistic Director to oversee the exhibition program and organize exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
Responsibilities:
To develop and implement a cohesive vision and strategy for the exhibition of modern and contemporary art.
To develop and curate rigorous exhibitions both large and small of modern and contemporary art.
To conduct original research, prepare exhibition budgets, negotiate with artists and lending institutions and the supervise installations.
To collaborate with the Gallery Director and other Esker staff in the creation and management of interpretive materials, publicity materials and public programs for a variety of audiences.
The Curator/Artistic director will work in concert and as a peer with the Gallery Director who is already employed. The Gallery Director is charged with all aspects of operating the gallery including employees, marketing, art handling and transport. Both the Curator/ Artistic Director and the Gallery Director will report to Esker Foundation founders.
The role will not involve presentations to Boards, fundraising or the writing of grants. The opportunity will be almost purely involved with the exhibition program for the Foundation.
Qualifications:
MA or PHD in Art History or related field.
Minimum of five years relevant museum experience with a substantial record of exhibition making, publications, public presentations and service to the field.
In depth knowledge of Canadian and International modern and contemporary art and participation in the national and international art and curatorial community.
Familiarity with museum best practices and current trends in the field.
A passionate advocate for artists.
Excellent working relationships with colleagues in the field including collectors, artist, gallerist, critics and scholars.
Proven scholarship as well as excellent writing, communication interpersonal management and administrative skills.
Proven ability to manage budgets
Collaborative, collegial creative and resourceful.
Demonstrated integrity in all professional matters.
While the gallery is located in Calgary, the successful candidate does not necessarily need to reside in Calgary if willing to travel to Calgary on a regular basis.
Interested candidates are asked to apply by February 29, 2012, with cover letter, resume and a general suggested programming schedule for 2 years detailing reasons for the exhibition program selected.
Applications can be mailed or emailed to:
Jim Hill (jim.hill -at- eskerfoundation.com)
Esker Foundation
444, 1011 – 9th Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB T2G 0S6
No phone calls please, and only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

