Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum, ROM is home to a world-class collection of artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. As the country’s preeminent field research institute and an international leader in new discoveries, ROM plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of the artistic, cultural and natural world. ROM is seeking a leader and strong communicator to oversee a team who cares for the art and cultural objects in ROM’s collection.
POSITION SUMMARY:
ROM is uniquely positioned to become a vibrant hub for Sikh Art & Culture. The South Asia community is the largest visible minority in Canada, the largest percentage of which is the Sikh/Punjabi community, numbering some 950,000 people, almost half of which reside in Ontario. ROM is committed to the Global Sikh Art & Culture program, itself a part of ROM’s Dan Mishra South Asia Initiative. ROM is exploring the varied histories and artistic contributions of Sikh and Sikh diasporic communities through connections within South Asia and with various cultures and traditions across the globe.
ROM invites experienced candidates, gifted at communications and alliances, with a strong background in historical, contemporary, and diasporic arts from or relating to the former Sikh kingdoms and the larger Punjab region. Reporting to Co-Chief Curator Art and Culture, the Associate Curator of Sikh Art and Culture (Contract) will work closely with Dan Mishra Senior Curator of Global South Asian to develop a Sikh Art and Culture gallery and create a temporary exhibition.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work closely with ROM Dan Mishra Curator of Global South Asia to achieve goals of the South Asia Initiative
- Conceptualize an exhibition of Sikh art and culture grounded in recent scholarship and museological methodologies using ROM’s collection of historical artifacts, including object list and label text, or based on collections borrowed from other institution
- Assist with early-stage activities toward the development of a permanent gallery of Sikh art and culture including community consultation, preliminary object list, and draft label text
- Assess and recommend potential acquisitions of Sikh art and culture to grow ROM’s collection
- Interact with various South Asia stakeholders across the ROM, including exhibit development team, South Asia Community Engagement Coordinator, Friends of South Asia, ROM Governors, and others to achieve successful outcome of projects
- Participate in ROM Learning and Programs
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Art History, History, Anthropology or a related field with a focus on Sikh or Punjabi art, culture, and history
- Experience in exhibition development or interpretation would be an asset
- Experience in a Museum setting would be an asset
- Demonstrable history of original research, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or report writing
- Proficiency in Punjabi and Gurmukhi
- Experience working in an institutional setting and with collaborative decision-making as part of a team
- Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills
- Strong attention to detail with the capability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Understanding of and adherence to museum ethics and standards
- Desirable Additional Qualifications:
- Experience in international, cross-cultural, and/or Indigenous contexts, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse audiences
- Familiarity with managing and utilizing image collections and databases
- Experience developing relationships with donors and sponsors
SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
START DATE: ASAP
OPEN DATE: September 4, 2024
CLOSE DATE: September 20, 2024
STATUS: Full-time Contract
EMPLOYEE GROUP: ROMCA
SALARY: $68, 487 – $150,000 CAD
SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months
LOCATION (hybrid): Toronto, ON
Diversity Statement
At ROM, we consider equity, diversity, and inclusion foundational to our institutional success. We seek to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the city and province in which we are located and welcome all qualified and experienced candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, age, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Accessibility Statement
ROM is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) to applicants invited to an interview.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and, other checks depending on the role.
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