Max Stern Curator, Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery

Installation view of the exhibition Core Samples: Selections from the Collection curated by Nicole Burisch at the Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery, Concordia University, Montreal, 2025. Courtesy of the Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery. Photo: Jean-Michael Seminaro

Max Stern Curator, Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery
Concordia University

Term: 5 year contract (renewable), 35 hours/week
Deadline to Apply: January 5, 2026

The Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery is a university art gallery recognized across Canada for the investigative nature of its programming, which examines current artistic and curatorial practices as well as the context in which they evolve. Its exhibitions, screenings, performances, lectures and publications present the work of local, Canadian and international artists; and are devised as a form of inquiry for fostering critical thinking.

The Gallery has a collection of more than 1800 objects (primarily Canadian) that spans the 20th century, with a concentration of works from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

For more information on the Gallery and to view our programming archives, please visit ellengallery.concordia.ca.

Nature of the Position

Reporting to the Director of the Gallery, the incumbent supports the gallery’s programming activities by researching, developing, and overseeing the presentation of exhibitions and related activities. The incumbent also administers the gallery’s permanent collection, acquisitions, loans program, and related special projects.

General Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Director and programming team to conceive and implement the gallery’s curatorial program: contribute to research, exhibitions, public programs, educational activities and publications. Integrate equity, diversity and inclusion principles across all elements of the programming.
Reflect on and propose new modes and formats of public engagement within the gallery’s programming, using an interdisciplinary approach.
Outreach, networking, and consultation with artists, writers, professors, researchers, curators and theorists across universities and organizations in Montréal, in Canada and abroad.
Research and identify funding sources in relation to proposed programs. Assist with preparation of related applications.
Curate the gallery’s Sightings exhibition program and collaborate in the realization of related public programs.
Manage the gallery’s Permanent Collection including its database and its conservation, in keeping with collection management policies and best practices guidelines.
Manage the gallery’s internal and external permanent collection loan program, including transportation, insurance, installation, condition reporting. Contribute to the promotion and circulation of the collection.
Respond to research and reproduction enquiries concerning the collection from faculty, administrators, students and external professionals.
On a two to three-year basis and in consultation with the Director, propose acquisitions for purchase and assess offers of donation; prepare documentation and presentation to the Acquisition Committee and process the occasional cultural property (CCPERB) application.
Perform other duties as required by the Director.

Installation view of the exhibition, Ésery Mondésir: Choublak, 2024. Photo: Jean-Michael Seminaro

Qualifications

Graduate degree in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies or in a field related to the primary responsibilities and two to four years of curatorial experience working in a public art gallery/museum or as an independent curator.
Very good knowledge (Level 5) of spoken and written French and English, in order to communicate effectively and pursue advanced research in both languages. Please note that language skills will be tested.
Demonstrated record of curatorial research, writing, presentation, and programming; experience with care and management of a collection, including knowledge of conservation procedures for both traditional and digital media.
Excellent presentation and communication skills (verbal and written), ability to communicate about contemporary art to diverse publics, collaborators, funders, communities.
General knowledge of Canadian and Québécois 20th century art history.
Diverse, interdisciplinary and intercultural knowledge of issues and discourses relating to contemporary art making, curating, public engagement and writing.
Demonstrated knowledge of systemic barriers for underrepresented groups in the art community and institutions.
Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and the ability to foster a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.
Awareness of and interest in Indigenous art and artists, knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recommendations and their relevance to Canadian museums and galleries.
Excellent organizational skills and initiative, ability to manage project timelines and budgets.
Good knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and of collections management software.
Knowledge of Photoshop and InDesign is an asset.
Knowledge of a third language is an asset.
Interest in sustainable exhibition design/curatorial practices is desirable.