Assistant curator Jobs in Halifax, NS

About Us

One of the premier arts institutions in Canada, holding over 17,000 works, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the largest art museum in Atlantic Canada. Since 1908, the Gallery has been a gateway for the visual arts in Atlantic Canada by engaging people with art. The Gallery is also responsible for acquiring, preserving and exhibiting works of art, and for providing education in the visual arts.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Curator, the TD Assistant Curator Fellow supports the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia's (AGNS) exhibitions program. Their role in the Curatorial division is to assist in the development and delivery of exhibitions of contemporary and Canadian art, with a special focus on artists historically underrepresented in the museum sector, furthering the Gallery's research in this field.

Through the lens of lived experience and understanding of the histories and values of diverse communities, their work involves undertaking original research (including works in the Gallery's collection) while liaising with and nurturing relationships between artists, community groups, and audiences.

The incumbent operates within institutional parameters to support the development of projects that display originality, rigor and a firm grasp of critical issues and cultural competencies to present the practices of artists historically underrepresented in the museum in a contemporary context.

They provide support to the Chief Curator and respond to public requests for information and research related to their area of focus and expertise.

They also perform other duties related to the exhibitions, education, and acquisition programs as assigned by the Chief Curator.

Primary Accountabilities

• Works closely with Curatorial and Programming staff to support the behind-the-scenes logistics and public presentation of exhibitions
• Provides exhibition information as requested to Education & Programming, Marketing & Visitor Experience, and Development staff for planning and dissemination of public programs, special events, media releases, sponsorship proposals and other needs
• supports discussions about innovative reconciliation initiatives and / or counter-models aimed at rethinking the museum as a space of inclusivity
• Supports research and writes texts for publications, didactic panels, and online projects for a variety of audiences, documenting processes and findings related to exhibitions and collections activities
• Liaises with historically underrepresented communities and represents the Gallery at a variety of functions such as exhibition openings, talks, and public events across the wider arts sector
• Provides administrative support to the Chief Curator.

About You

To join our ever-changing and dynamic environment, you will possess a bachelor’s degree and 1 year of related experience.

Knowledge of fine art processes, art history, art education and curatorial practices, trends and developments are required. A working knowledge (or ability to quickly acquire knowledge) of a variety of methods, techniques and materials used in the design, production, administration and evaluation of exhibitions, is required.

Requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, written, listening, public speaking), tact, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivities to effectively communicate and engage with a wide variety of audiences from very young to seniors, as well as a diverse curatorial community and artists. Familiarity with the Atlantic region, national and international arts communities would be helpful to you in this role.

Bilingualism is considered an asset.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here : Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Must be able to travel and have access to a reliable vehicle

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of September 1, 2026 The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

Pay Grade : PR 06 Salary Range :   $1, - $2, Bi-Weekly Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens of Nova Scotia. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application. This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current Art Gallery of Nova Scotia employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant and will only be included if external applications are pursued. External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified Art Gallery of Nova Scotia bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE : Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information. Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to C.