REPOST- Call for Artistic Director

October 4, 2023

Call for Artistic Director

Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art

Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art is a charitable, not-for-profit artist-run centre located on Treaty 1 territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Urban Shaman is an Indigenous led gallery that presents contemporary Indigenous art with integrity while remaining rooted in our diverse Indigenous cultures.

Founded in 1996, Urban Shaman continues to be a nationally recognized leader in Indigenous arts programming and one of the foremost venues and voices for Indigenous art in Canada. Urban Shaman is dedicated to the Indigenous arts community and arts community at large. Please refer to our website at www.urbanshaman.org for more details on mandate and vision.

As Urban Shaman approaches its 28th anniversary, we are in a process of organizational renewal and the continuation of developing operational excellence to support our future generations of artists and arts professionals. As part of this transition, we are looking to engage a full-time, permanent Artistic Director.

The Artistic Director functions as the key curator of Urban Shaman’s exhibition and events programming. They ensure all Urban Shaman Gallery in-house programming is presented in a professional manner and is the main contact between the gallery and its exhibiting artists, curators, writers, and other art professionals.

The Position:

Reports To: Board of Directors

The position will remain open until filled.

The position has a 6-month probation period.

Salary: $45,000-$60,000 a year, 30 hours/week; based on qualifications and level of experience. Some evenings and weekends required.

Benefits: (Lower cost with Status) EAP, dental, vision, prescriptions. Two weeks paid vacation with paid time off during December break. Hybrid working environment negotiable.

Qualifications:

Minimum 3-5 years demonstrated experience in a similar scope of work
Has an appropriate post-secondary degree and/or or a combination of equivalent training and experience at an upper level of responsibility
Strong management, communication and budgeting skills
Understanding of the not-for-profit artist-run centre culture
Knowledgeable about contemporary Indigenous art and the art community on a local, regional, national and international level
Experience with grant writing and reporting
Ability to initiate and implement new programming
Proven ability to manage others, set priorities with excellent time management skills
Able to attend monthly board meetings, deliver a programming report and familiarity with Robert’s Rules
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, Dext Prepare, QuickBooks, Adobe Creative Suite and CADAC
3 letters of reference upon request

RESPONSIBILITIES

Programming and Curatorial Vision:

Research and establish programming, including the potential creation of a 4-year curatorial vision for the organization
Develop, coordinate and manage all gallery programming initiatives from concept to completion of a project
Build working relationships with artists
Provide logistical support including scheduling, installation, dissemination, touring, etc.
Facilitate the correspondence, engagement, and collaboration with guest curators
Provide other assistance to exhibiting artists as required

Grant Writing & Funding:

Liaise with other art organizations, funding agencies, and the community
Support and collaborate with the Operations Director on program materials and budget items for grant applications and reports
Work with the Operations Director to coordinate requests to foundations and corporations
Ensure grant and funded projects are delivered and final reports completed as required
Work with the Operations Director to build relationships with existing and potential funders
Assist with fundraising ideas, promotions, and events
Advise artists on C.V. preparation, funding sources, grant applications, exhibitions, etc.

Administration, Outreach and Community Engagement:

Prepare and coordinate the production and distribution of all promotional material including website and social media content
Ensure Urban Shaman Inc. branding standards are developed and maintained
Liaise with local/national/international arts organizations for program and partnership development
Liaise with Indigenous governments and organizations local to the territory on which Urban Shaman Inc. resides
Maintain a good relationship with funders and donors
Maintain regular contact with membership and local arts community
Speak on behalf of the organization at openings, media interviews and outside engagements
Arrange travel needs for artists and curators
Coordinate the development and delivery of catalogues and text-work
Arrange hospitality for openings, talks and other events
Monitor and respond to mail, e-mail, phone, etc.
Coordinate and ensure the documentation of activities organized by the gallery
Participate in general maintenance of gallery, offices, and assets
Maintain a file of relevant information for the Board
Other relevant and related duties as assigned

Interested candidates who can confidently demonstrate their connection to their Indigenous community/ies (First Nations, Inuit and Metis) are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter to hrcommittee@urbanshaman.org.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.