Artistic Director
Deadline to Apply
JUL 19 2024
We are seeking a dynamic, on-the-pulse, visionary, and collaborative Artistic Director responsible for delivering the gallery’s mission, programming and performance targets, and contributing to strategic planning, organizational management and the overall development of The Power Plant. Working in close collaboration with colleagues across the organization, as well as external partners and artists, the Artistic Director ensures that projects align with, and advance the gallery’s institutional objectives, distinguishing it within the cultural sector and beyond.
The Artistic Director works closely with the Executive Director on the artistic program of the gallery and leads the practical delivery of The Power Plant’s exhibitions, publications and public programs. The Artistic Director is also responsible for overseeing the delivery of performances and other events, with significant curatorial input on these aspects of the programme. Additionally, this role manages the gallery’s archive and the documentation of programs with support from the Curatorial team. This position is central to The Power Plant’s work with a diverse mix of emerging and established artists with an aim to support artists, curators, writers and thinkers at different stages of their careers who reflect social and political histories and explore contemporary themes in their practice.
Position Title: Artistic Director
Reporting to: Executive Director
Direct Reports: Curator of Exhibitions, Curator of Programs and Outreach, Manager of Installation and Facilities, Registrar, Publications Officer, Associate Curators and Fellows
Type of Employment: Full time
Compensation: $145,000 to $155,000 per year, plus a comprehensive benefits package
Location: Toronto, hybrid work environment is currently in place (3+ days per week on-site)
Duties
- As an active member of the senior management team, contributes to the gallery’s organizational leadership, strategic planning and review.
- Develops and implements an exhibitions program strategy and management of multiyear exhibition planning.
- Oversees all curatorial and logistical aspects, including approval by the Executive Director of exhibition layouts and design of all exhibitions and commissions.
- Works with the Executive Director to set the direction and master calendar for exhibitions.
- Ensures that TPP’s diversity and inclusion aims and objectives are at the forefront of the artistic programme and TPP as a whole.
- Deputizes for the Executive Director on exhibition-related and other matters as required.
- Develops effective working relationships across the gallery to discuss, plan and integrate TPP’s curatorial programme across all areas of TPP.
- Develops and maintains local, national and international professional networks with artists, gallery professionals, funders, and other institutions to develop working relationships beneficial to The Power Plant, the delivery of the artistic programme and to raising the reputational profile of the gallery.
- Ensures appropriate documentation, reporting and evaluation of all elements of the program for both internal and external review, and ensures funding bodies are kept informed.
- Works with the Development team on funding applications to support the artistic program and with the Marketing, Communications & Visitor Experience team to contribute to communications, media strategy, and identity for exhibitions and wider seasons.
- Participates in TPP audience development strategy with wider TPP leadership.
- Attends all, and present at select, media previews and board meetings.
- Ensures processes for archiving materials after each exhibition and event are followed and that processes are reviewed periodically; line manages the Registrar ensuring the maintenance and development of TPP’s digital archive resources.
- Manages the Curatorial Department, ensuring that staff are enabled to carry out their tasks efficiently and effectively; recruits, monitors and manages curatorial staff in line with relevant organizational policies and procedures.
- Oversees the management of freelance artists, technicians and other contractors engaged to support the delivery of TPP’s program.
- Manages finances of the Curatorial Department, controlling budgets as agreed with the Executive Director, authorizing expenditure, monitoring and reporting on budgets and taking action to deal with identified variances.
- Takes responsibility for Curatorial administration. Devises and implements appropriate processes and procedures to achieve agreed curatorial objectives.
- Prepares reports on the curatorial program as required by the Executive Director, Board Members and funders, working in partnership with TPP’s Communications and Development teams as required.
- Represents The Power Plant at various professional, business and social functions. Serves on various cultural/visual arts committees as the official gallery representative, ensuring a professional reputation for the gallery.
- On occasion as needed, performs special projects and other duties of a similar nature or level assigned by the Executive Director.
Requirements
- 5 years of progressively senior experience in a visual arts organization.
- A postgraduate degree in art history, visual arts or related field.
- Demonstrated excellence in history of exhibitions and critical writing.
- Ability to develop short- and long-term plans for the artistic direction of the gallery.
- Positive leadership abilities to manage, lead and develop staff.
- Credibility and extensive knowledge of national and international contemporary arts.
- Demonstrable ability to create and develop innovative exhibition and education and public programs, fundraising, membership and marketing strategies.
- Highly effective written and oral communication skills to positively engage with individuals at all levels of the organization.
- Outstanding relationship-management skills, including the ability to work closely and collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders including staff, senior volunteers, external partners and artists.
- Possessing assertiveness, compassion, and decisiveness in dealing with situations that are artistic, intellectual, emotional, financial and pragmatic while adapting to various situations with ease.
- Creative and innovative thinker with a high level of critical and logical thinking.
- Energetic, self-motivated, results-oriented and with a strong work ethic.
- Experience in the not-for-profit sector is desirable.
- Ability to write and speak French fluently is considered an asset.
How To Apply
The Power Plant is committed to diversity an inclusiveness. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Acceptable applications must include a current resume and a cover letter indicating why you wish to join the team, how you meet the essential criteria for this role, and your salary expectation.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by contacting jobs@harbourfrontcentre.com by no later than July 19, 2024. Please quote TPP Artistic Director in the subject line of your application.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. Suitable accommodations will be available upon request during the hiring process.
More Opportunities
TD Curatorial Fellow
We are currently looking to bring on board a motivated, imaginative TD Curatorial Fellow with strong research and communication skills to support our curatorial vision, efforts and collaborations