Call for Expressions of Interest: Mentoring Curators, Future Proofing a World of Care

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design

Corey Katz Photography

Call for Expressions of Interest: Mentoring Curators, Future Proofing a World of Care Exhibition Series

Employment Type: Independent Contract
Environment: Remote/Online
Compensation: $6,000 – $9,000 per exhibition* (Total of three (3) exhibitions) *to be determined based on the lead time for the show
Deadline for Submission: May 2, 2025 at 4:00pm AT

Are you an experienced curator with a passion for craft and an understanding of its cultural and artistic significance? Do you also have a passion for fostering artistic talent and supporting rural arts communities? Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is seeking a Mentoring Curator(s) with expertise in programming craft-based exhibitions to guide our organization in delivering impactful and enriching experiences with through a mentorship program for Emerging Curators.

Future Proofing a World of Care is a year-long exhibition series with four distinct aligned thematic approaches. This project aims to create a series of exhibitions and related programming at various venues across Unama’ki Cape Breton Island. Future Proofing a World of Care aims to tackle the widespread impact of social and environmental crises on all communities and sectors. It critiques the reliance on short-term, reactionary measures and advocates for sustainable, long-term strategies to ensure a better future.

Exhibition 1 (Food, Craft & Community)
Install week of: October 27, 2025
Open to public: November 10, 2025 to January 9, 2026
Strike (take-down): January 12, 2026

Exhibition 2 (TBD)
Install week of: July 28, 2026
Open to public: August 4 t0 September 18, 2026
Strike (take-down): September 21, 2026

Exhibition 3 (TBD)
Install week of: September 28, 2026
Open to public: October 5 to December 31, 2026
Strike (take-down): January 4, 2027

Please identify which exhibition(s) time and/or theme(s) you are interested in.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide mentorship and support to Emerging Curator(s) and local craft artists, fostering skill development and professional growth to help them refine their skills and expand their artistic vision.
• Develop and conduct training sessions or workshops to enhance the Emerging Curator’s understanding of curatorial practices and exhibition management, in the conceiving, developing, and organizing an exhibition that represents the chosen theme based on their original project proposal.
• Facilitate the growth and guide the Emerging Curator in organizing and managing exhibitions, ensuring they understand the various stages and components of curatorial projects
• Collaborate with Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design’s team to ensure programming meetings organizational goals while collaborating with the mentee to create a plan for engaging internal and external stakeholders in the exhibition concept, including community members, artists, Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design staff, and the exhibition committee.
• Provide constructive feedback on their work and assess their progress, helping them identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.
• Ensure the Emerging Curator has access to relevant resources, including literature, tools, and professional networks, to assist in their learning and development.
• Guide the development of interactive and educational components to enhance visitor experience and learning.
• Encourage the Emerging Curator to take initiative and explore independent projects, fostering self-confidence and a sense of ownership. Specifically assist the Emerging Curator with:
  ◦  Conducting research and articulating the project
  ◦  Writing exhibition thematic texts, object labels, and other interpretive materials, such as catalogues, pamphlets, and vinyl texts
  ◦  Ensure the project maintains a focus on craft objects, material culture specific to Cape Breton Island, and community narratives.
  ◦  Achieve the goals of Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design, the project, and the community it serves
• Assist the Emerging Curator in identifying objects for the checklist that align with the concept while considering the mission, scale, and resources of the project.
• Work with the Emerging Curator and Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design to secure craft objects for the exhibition.
• Assist the Emerging Curator to establish, communicate, and maintain deadlines for writing, editing, design, and review related to the project.
• Assist in planning evaluation measures for the exhibition’s outcomes and related programming.
• Guide the Emerging Curator in presenting a final report on both the process and the final exhibition.

Corey Katz Photography

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in curating craft-based exhibitions, with a portfolio showcasing your curatorial approach and impact.
• A deep understanding of the craft sector, including historical and contemporary practices.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including artists, community members, and organizational staff.
• A creative and strategic mindset, able to envision and implement engaging and thought-provoking exhibitions.
• Proven track record of working effectively in non-urban settings and engaging with diverse community stakeholders.
• Strong mentorship and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide both a creative team and community artists.
• Visionary and adaptable approach to curatorship that aligns with the unique cultural identity of rural areas.

Application Process:

Please submit the following:

1. A cover letter detailing your experience in craft-based curatorial projects and your interest in mentoring within this context (maximum one page).
2. A CV highlighting your relevant experience and achievements.
3. A portfolio of past curated exhibitions, particularly those involving craft and rural communities.
4. A brief proposal outlining your approach to mentoring Emerging Curators and developing exhibitions for Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design (maximum of three pages).

Submission Instructions:

Please email your application by May 2, 2025 at 4:00pm AT to Lori Burke at lori@capebretoncraft.com, with “Mentoring Curator EOI” in the subject line.

In your application, please identify which exhibition(s) time and/or theme(s) you are interested in.

• Applicants can apply via the following options:
• Cover Letter and Resume
• Audio file or link (no longer than 90 seconds in length)
• Video file or link (no longer than 90 seconds in length)
• By mail: Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design, P.O. Box 1686, Sydney, NS B1P 6T7
• In person: Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design, 322 Charlotte Street, Sydney, NS

If you want to submit an audio or video file, please format with your name and the content type in the file name. For example: Lori Burke_Cover Letter.

All applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
322 Charlotte Street
Sydney, NS B1P 6T8
capebretoncraft.com
info@capebretoncraft.com
902-539-7491

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