Public Art Coordinator, Waterfront Toronto

Light Keeper, 2019, Caitlind r.c. Brown, Wayne Garrett, and Studio North. Photo: Caitlind r.c. Brown

Position: Public Art Coordinator
Term: 12-month Contract
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reporting to: Public Art Program Manager

The Organization: Waterfront Toronto

Waterfront Toronto was established by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto in 2001 to oversee and lead the renewal of the city’s waterfront. Our mandate is to deliver a revitalized waterfront that brings together the most innovative approaches to sustainable urban development, excellence in design, real estate development, and leading technology infrastructure. Working with stakeholders, and with public and private-sector partners, Waterfront Toronto creates neighbourhoods anchored by parks and public spaces, and diverse, sustainable, mixed-use communities that offer a high quality of life for residents, employees, and visitors alike. We are transforming the waterfront for the use and enjoyment of the people of Toronto, Ontario and Canada, to foster economic growth and to redefine how the city, province and country are perceived by the world.

The Opportunity: Public Art Coordinator

Waterfront Toronto is seeking a Public Art Coordinator to help develop and implement Waterfront Toronto’s Public Art Program. Seeking a creative and energetic individual who has knowledge of contemporary art and culture, and experience in project coordination. A collaborative approach to working and excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential.
The Public Art Coordinator will support the Public Art Program Manager in drafting commissioning documents for permanent and temporary projects, coordinating selection panels, overseeing budgets, timelines and contracts for artists, and the fabrication, installation and deinstallation of multiple public art projects along Toronto’s waterfront. These projects will require actively liaising with City of Toronto and Waterfront Toronto departments, as well as external partners and stakeholders. Input into broader cultural programming along the waterfront will also be required. This will include researching innovative creative initiatives and developing new and existing partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with the Public Art Program Manager to plan and implement public art projects across the waterfront.
• Assist with the drafting of commissioning documents, memos, change orders, and policy and planning documents.
• Assist with managing artist evaluation and selection processes.
• Coordinate projects to ensure they run smoothly and meet technical and logistical requirements, including timelines and budgets, permits and permissions, site requirements, and fabrication and installation processes.
• Liaise with artists and stakeholders throughout the duration of projects.
• Work with the Communications team to support the promotion of projects and the program in general.
• Assist with public art program budgets and reporting.
• Create presentations on individual projects and the broader program.
• Provide research on future public art projects and cultural initiatives.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong experience in project coordination, specifically in visual arts.
• Relevant post-secondary education degree such as Art History, Curatorial Practice, Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Arts Administration, Arts and Cultural Programming, etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for negotiating with a broad range of partners and stakeholders.
• High level of organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent troubleshooter and creative thinker.
• Willingness to work on a broad variety of tasks, from simple to complex.
• Knowledge of InDesign an asset.

Salary: We offer a competitive salary.

For more information on Waterfront Toronto please visit our website and the Public Art webpage.

Other considerations:

Waterfront Toronto is currently operating in a remote work environment and encouraging all employees to work remotely if they are able to do so. The situation is fluid and subject to change, based on the advice of Public Health. Previously, Waterfront Toronto was operating in a hybrid work environment, with employees spending a portion of each week in the office to maximize collaboration and engagement. We plan to return to this model eventually when it is safe to do so.

To protect the health and well-being of our employees, Waterfront Toronto has adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires all staff and visitors to the office, including new employees, be fully vaccinated by a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals with valid medical or other human rights-based exemptions will be considered for appropriate accommodation within the policy.

Application Process:

Candidates should email their resume and cover letter, together in one (1) PDF document to: careers@waterfrontoronto.ca quoting File #22-01, no later than February 6, 2022.

Cover letters should address the following questions:

1. What excites you about this job?
2. How would you approach your work and what has informed that approach?

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Waterfront Toronto is an equal opportunity employer, committed to representing the diversity of the city of Toronto on our team and fostering an inclusive workplace. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application, including, but not limited to, identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will provide equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment. If you require accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code or Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA) at any stage of the recruitment process, please advise and we will work with you to meet your needs.