Job Description
Museum London invites applications for the role of TD Curator of Collections who will join our team on a two-year contract and undertake research into our context in Southwestern Ontario and ML’s unique art and material culture collections and develop programs. They will explore some of these questions: What are the under-acknowledged stories that should be told? What are the gaps in our collections that need to be addressed? What communities should be better represented at the Museum? How can artists, historians, storytellers, songwriters, and cultural producers of all kinds use the collection as a springboard for their own work to create new kinds of knowledge?
Alongside our team the TD Curator of Collections will collaborate and contribute to the development and implementation of exhibitions and programs over the course of their term; a major installation of our collection in 2025, a project in a non-traditional exhibition space at the Museum, and a larger scale project for 2026 that will mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of the village of London. Given our commitment to amplifying diverse stories as emphasized in our strategic plan Honouring and Amplifying our Interconnections, and the impetus for decolonization within our institutions, this will be an important opportunity for engaging community input and participation, activating our collections, and commissioning new creative work.
The ideal candidate will be a creative, community-minded, emerging professional seeking a growth experience within a cultural organization. They will have knowledge and interest in collections, museum practice, and the work of artists, a passion for storytelling through art and history, and experience working with diverse communities.
This position is made possible with the support of TD Bank Group through its corporate citizenship platform The Ready Commitment, which is helping to amplify diverse voices within cultural organizations. Please note that only individuals who self-identify from historically or current underrepresented communities will be considered for this position.
Scope of Work
- Collaborates as a member of the curatorial team on programming related to collections, exhibitions, outreach, engagement and education with a goal of engaging diverse voices and perspectives.
- Undertakes research on ML’s art and material culture collections and considers ways to activate and build collections towards stronger representation of historically and current underserved populations, and towards greater diversity and inclusion.
- Liaises with and nurtures connections with various organizations, people and cultural groups in our region with an eye to collaboration and increased, sustained engagement.
- Serves as the lead curator on a project that uses the collections as a starting point and that fosters new and underrepresented voices and perspectives.
- Lead tours in galleries and vaults and assist in the delivery of a range of workshops, events, talks and other programs.
- Participates in staff meetings, artist studio visits, acquisition committee meetings, tours, outreach initiatives, and other activities as required.
- Participates in learning and training activities and participates in professional networks to cultivate professional and personal growth.
- Participates in work planning, goal-setting and evaluation with mentorship from their Manager.
- Contributes to administrative processes for work in their area, including space bookings and AV requirements for programs, prepares and submits purchase orders, invoice requisitions, and develops contracts for program contributors
- Contributes content for public-facing and promotional materials: museum brochures and guides, programing materials, annual report, website, and sponsorship packages.
- Contributes to grant applications and reporting requirements.
- Assists with projects and other duties as assigned
Skills and Qualifications
- A post-secondary degree in a related discipline, i.e., Art History, History, Museum Studies or the equivalent combination of education and lived experience
- Identifies as Indigenous, Black, a Person of Colour, or is representative of another underserved community inline with the intention of this role
- Experience and keen interest in collections, contemporary museum and curatorial practice, cultural heritage, and working with artists
- Works well both independently and collaboratively
- Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills and is open to giving and receiving constructive feedback
- Is organized, dependable, and flexible
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and practices related to office administration
Position: TD Curator of Collections
Reporting to: Head of Programs
Hours: Full-time; 35 hours/week, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional work during evenings and weekends, given the nature of the role
Location: This is an in-person position based in London, Ontario
Compensation
$61,082 to $64,478, plus a competitive pension and comprehensive benefits package as per the Collective Agreement. The position is part of the CUPE bargaining unit.
To Apply
Applications should be submitted in PDF format directly to [email protected] with the job title as the subject line. Those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Museum London is strongly committed to employment equity and diversity. Please note that only individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities will be considered for this position. We welcome all applications from racialized persons/persons of colour including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Accommodations for candidates are available on request for all aspects of the selection process.
We are grateful to all applicants for their interest in Museum London.
Deadline
July 26, 2024 at 8:00 AM EST
About Museum London
At the forks of the Deshkan Ziibi / Thames River, Museum London sits on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron,
in a place that has been a site of convergence, exchange, and interconnection for thousands of years.
Today, in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, Museum London’s purpose is to honour and amplify interconnections by activating art and history. Through this work, we create deeper understandings of our past, our communities, our place in the world, and the breadth of possibilities that our shared future holds.
Grounded in our region and its rich cultural, artistic, and historical legacies, we co-create, reflect, and interpret ideas and stories rooted here, share them widely, and bring important artistic knowledge from other places to London to benefit local audiences. Through exhibitions, our vast collections of art and artifacts, public and school programs for learners of all ages, and memorable special events, we nurture curiosity, creativity, and empathy, build community and shape a more vibrant city.
For further information including our 2023-2027 strategic plan and our most recent annual report visit museumlondon.ca.
