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Job Description:
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PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Maternity leave – 13-month contract from October 1, 2018 – November 1, 2019
Full-time – 37.5 hours per week / Evening and weekend availability a necessity.
Public Engagement
You will join a multi-talented, professional group led by the Director/Curator. You are a creative
thinker who can foster new ways of thinking about audience engagement.
In this role your primary responsibility is to develop, implement, and oversee all educational
engagement at Esker Foundation. Working directly with the curatorial team, you will be responsible
for linking curatorial vision with public engagement, researching the various ways artistic practice
and exhibition focus informs and speaks to a diverse and ever-expanding public.
You will be providing long and short-range planning for exhibition-related programs, programs that
focus on contemporary art education for all ages, and programs that are responsive to local
conversations and practices.
Overview of responsibilities:
• Develop and implement high-level engagement programs to enhance visitor enjoyment and
education specific to each exhibition and to the broader scope of contemporary art.
• Work with the Esker curatorial team and exhibiting artists to develop educational content
for staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Foster relationships with artists, researchers, instructors, and lecturers both inside and
outside of the art world to develop engagement opportunities that connect exhibitions and
contemporary art education through a local, national, and international lens.
• Develop working relationships and partnerships with other education programs and
organizations in Calgary and area to create age appropriate programs that work within the
parameters of Esker Foundation and the focus of each exhibition.
• With assistance from the Gallery Assistant, facilitate or oversee all programs at Esker,
including;
- Write and oversee all program contracts.
- Managing and developing budgets, fee structure, and payment schedule.
- Program set up, including technical run through, troubleshooting, and overseeing
volunteers during event.
- Public introductions and moderation.
- Tours of exhibition(s) for a wide-range of audiences, including school groups.
- Maintain and update AV equipment for all programs in addition to any researching and
renting additional equipment as necessary (special projectors, charter busses, boats,
portable sound systems etc.)
- Develop and distribute appropriate waivers and signage at programs.
- Purchase, organize, and maintain general program supplies.
• Work with Marketing and Communications to develop, oversee, and edit all program
content for exhibition brochures, Esker web page, monthly newsletters, and any other
digital or printed material as needed.
• Manage all logistics associated with artist and guest speakers travel, accommodation, and
special needs for both programs and exhibition related visits.
• Participate, as time allows, in relevant meetings, symposia, workshops, and other forums of
brainstorming, information exchange and logistical planning within the gallery and in the
arts community.
• Assisting in the general running of the gallery, including opening and closing, and working
with gallery and building staff to provide a safe and positive experience for all gallery
visitors.
• Continue to think about new formats for engagement, which could include but are not
limited to talks, panels, tours, workshops, screenings, educational worksheets and guides,
videos, audio tours, or other innovative ways to engage.
You will have: First and foremost an endless enthusiasm and commitment to the goals and vision
of Esker Foundation, plus;
• Bachelor of Fine Arts or higher and at least three years’ experience with engagement
programs specific to contemporary art.
• Broad knowledge of contemporary art and ideas, and how this can be contextualized in the
larger scope of world today.
• The vision to generate and implement nationally recognized programs that highlight the
vision of Esker Foundation as an innovative new model for both exhibitions and
engagement.
• The ability and interest to engage in diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated strong connections and participation in engagement conversation in
museums and galleries locally, nationally, and internationally.
• The flexibility to work varied hours including evenings and/or weekends depending on
program and gallery needs.
• Strong communication, organizational, and management skills.
• Flexible, respectful, and thoughtful to co-workers, artists and guest, volunteers, the local
arts community, and the public.
• Ability to see beyond the parameters of the position and strive to contribute to an overall
vision of Esker Foundation.
• An emotionally mature individual with strong self-awareness and an excellent sense of
humour.
This position is a 13-month contact. Competitive salary with benefits package and
professional development opportunities included.
Interviews will be conducted the week of August 13, 2018.
Start date October 1, 2018.
Please submit resume and cover letter in one pdf outlining why you would be a good addition to the team by August 8, 2018 to director Naomi Potter:
npotter@eskerfoundation.com
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