Curator of Indigenous Ceramics, Gardiner Museum

Photo: Tom Arban

Job Opportunity: Curator of Indigenous Ceramics
Gardiner Museum, Toronto

Application Deadline: June 23, 2023 (or until filled)

Term: Part-Time Contract (Estimated 20 hours per week. Summer 2023 – Summer 2025 with possibility of conversion to full-time permanent)
Salary: $35-40 hourly, plus a comprehensive benefits package
Location: Hybrid, with on-site, remote, and research travel components
Download the Full Job Posting

The Gardiner Museum is seeking a contract curator with a specialty in Indigenous art and culture to join our team and contribute to the re-imagination of our exhibition areas. The successful candidate will help shape the institution’s commitment to creating innovative ways of building and sharing Indigenous stories through ceramics of the past and present, help build a program of community engagement, and promote an inclusive relationship in partnership with Indigenous communities. The successful candidate should have a strong knowledge of Indigenous ceramic traditions or cultural material of North America.

The Curator of Indigenous Ceramics will be responsible for developing the narrative and content of a new Indigenous ceramics gallery space, from its concept phase to its implementation, bringing an Indigenous voice and perspective to the stories told. This person should also have full competency in the appropriate display, interpretation, and management of Indigenous cultural items and belongings.

The curator’s work will develop in close consultation with the Gardiner Museum’s Indigenous Advisory Group and in collaboration with members of the curatorial team. Their work will be informed by the Gardiner’s Museum’s support of the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the standards recommended by the Canadian Museum Association’s Moved to Action Report in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Scope of Work

• Participate in the Gardiner Museum Indigenous Advisory Group (virtual)
• Attend and participate in internal project development meetings at the Gardiner (virtual or in person)
• Attend and participate in design development meetings with architect and designer (virtual or in-person)
• Make recommendations regarding the geographical and temporal scope of the Indigenous gallery
• Develop curatorial narratives for the Indigenous gallery space, including identifying items for display (primarily loans from other institutions/partners) and developing complete checklists at different phases of the project
• Develop and build relationships with lenders, partner institutions, and community organizations and members – Travel to institutions outside of Toronto for research as needed
• Prepare loan request letters and work on the loans process with Gardiner staff
• Advise on best practices for access and display of Indigenous cultural works
• Identify contextual materials/images/multi-media to include in the display, and develop multimedia content as needed
• Write didactic content for the gallery, including introductory panels and object labels
• Participate in the installation phase of the gallery
• Advise on and develop educational programs connected to the gallery for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of and training in museum studies, Indigenous studies and/or visual arts normally acquired through a University Degree or relevant Diploma in Museum Studies, Cultural Heritage Conservation & Management or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience
• Curatorial experience in Indigenous art and art practices, preferably in ceramics
• Experience of Indigenous cultures, etiquette, and protocols
• Knowledge of Indigenous language(s) an asset
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Indigenous people and their culture, history and traditions, especially in Ontario
• Experience with the interpretation of historical artefacts in a museum context
• Knowledge of museum best practices with regards to access, care and display of cultural belongings
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to research and prepare reports, briefing notes, and educational material
• Excellent progressive administrative, interpersonal, and organizational skills

How to Apply

Candidates should submit a letter of interest and CV in one PDF document by June 23, 2023 to hr@gardinermuseum.com. Please reference “Curator of Indigenous Ceramics” in the subject line.

The Gardiner Museum is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications for this position particularly from individuals who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit), status or non-status, to whom preference will be given. We also encourage applicants with disabilities, persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. We are committed to hiring on merit and to removing barriers in employment policies. Reasonable accommodations for disabilities will be provided, on request, to support the applicant’s participation in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

About the Gardiner Museum

The Gardiner Museum brings together people of all ages and communities through the shared values of creativity, wonder, and community that clay and ceramic traditions inspire.

We engage audiences with exhibitions, programs, and hands-on classes, while stewarding a significant permanent collection. We interpret historical ceramics to emphasize their relevance today, and champion emerging and established Canadian artists and their role in the broader world. The Gardiner Museum innovates through clay education, as we bring together the experience of making with a deeper understanding of the art of ceramics.

We believe in making, looking, and thinking through clay.

For more information, please visit: gardinermuseum.com

Accessibility

The Gardiner Museum is an accessible venue with a ramp from the street leading up to the main lobby entrance. The entrance is accessible via two sets of double doors with an access button. Accessible restrooms are available on the second and third floors. Third floor washrooms are also gender neutral.

The Gardiner strives at all times to provide goods and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. We are committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access and benefit from our services in the same place and in a similar way as other customers whenever possible. We welcome your feedback.

Gardiner Museum
111 Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2C7
416.586.8080
gardinermuseum.com
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Twitter: @gardinermuseum
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