Full-Time Contract, One Year (September 2025 to September 2026)
Overview:
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) is seeking an experienced, passionate and self-motivated individual to be the onsite Gallery Coordinator for an upcoming 6,000 square foot gallery space being set up in downtown Calgary. The opening of the gallery is being planned for September 2025.
The opportunity is a temporary contract position for one year with the possibility of extension that will utilize the ideal candidate’s experience in collections management, outreach, arts administration and management, logistics, and programming.
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts is a public agency and provincial corporation with a mandate to support and contribute to the development of the arts in Alberta. It provides arts grants to individuals and organizations, manages a provincial art collection by Albertan artists, and conducts research and communicates about the value of the arts to Alberta. It is governed by a board of directors that reports to the Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.
For more information about the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, please visit: affta.ab.ca.
Role and Responsibilities of the Position:
Reporting to the Director, Art Collections and Initiatives (located in Edmonton), the position will be responsible for managing and completing daily gallery operations including (but not limited to): overseeing the artworks in the gallery, collaborating with the AFA’s Marketing and Communications team to promote upcoming exhibits and events, providing tours, performing related research, supporting partnerships, developing and overseeing programs and supporting events as required.
The position will be working out of an office in the same building during non-gallery hours and will only be required to work in the gallery space while it is open to the public. While hours for the gallery are still being finalized, the gallery space will largely be open during weekdays with limited hours but will include the possibility of additional hours on an occasional weekend or for a special after-hours event. Ample time will be provided where possible to ensure availability for planning purposes.
The position is for 5 days a week (Monday to Friday), with work hours from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm for a total of 36.25 hours a week with a one-hour lunch break included. Total hours per workday are 7.25 hours.
The successful candidate will need to be comfortable with standing for long periods of time while working in the gallery space, lifting or moving objects of up to 20kgs, and possess the ability to work independently. They will also need to be flexible in working occasional weekends and outside normal operating hours in the case of supporting events. Some travel (approximately 5%) within Calgary and to Edmonton for training and research will be required, with the possibility of additional travel to communities outside of Calgary when required to perform outreach as needed.
As part of the onboarding process, the successful candidate must be available to travel to Edmonton for training prior to the gallery opening in September.
The primary responsibilities of this position encompass two (2) main categories (but is not limited to):
Collections Care:
- Responsible for proper care of the gallery and its artworks by exercising collections management best practices in ensuring artworks are protected and free from damage and completing daily/regular inspections to ensure works are safe from potential risks such as pests, leaks, and direct light.
- Performing required research to inform future additions to the AFA art collection.
- Overseeing the receival of artworks when needed and completing required documentation (ie. condition reporting).
- Working with and liaising with facility management staff when required to address onsite concerns.
- Performing regular care routines to monitor the gallery space, including checking on environmental controls (ex. Humidity levels) and security systems to ensuring protection of the artworks.
Programming/Visitor Experiences:
- Welcoming visitors, providing exceptional customer service, and providing information on current and future exhibits and upcoming events during gallery hours.
- Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the gallery, including opening and closing the space, and ensuring the gallery is kept clean.
- Coordinating programming and supporting planned events for the gallery space such as live performances, workshops and artist talks.
- Overseeing the gallery’s operations during operating hours and during special events to ensure gallery best practices are followed.
- Engaging with visitors and providing tours when needed.
- Collecting, compiling and reporting visitation statistics to inform future programming and operations.
- Managing and coordinating exhibitions including maintaining a schedule of visual art exhibitions and potentially assisting with installation and curation.
Qualifications:
- University degree in art history, fine arts, museum studies, or a related field.
- Strong project and time management skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines.
- Experience with arts administration, community engagement, and budget management.
- Previous experience curating and advising on exhibitions.
- Experience in public speaking and comfortable speaking to groups of various sizes.
- Knowledge of museum best practices, including collections management and current curatorial trends.
- Excellent communication (both written and oral), customer service and creative problem-solving skills.
- Detail oriented and organized.
- Highly self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office365.
- Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license.
Assets:
- A Master’s degree in a related field including art history, fine arts and/or museum studies.
- Familiarity with Albertan visual art and contemporary topics in visual art trends.
- Fluency in another language.
- Experience with community building and maintaining stakeholder relationships.
- Experience with fine art preparation and handling.
- Current Standard (Intermediate) First Aid and CPR-C Certificate.
Salary Range:
The salary compensation for this temporary contract position is up to $70,000 based on related experience (inclusive of all expenses).
How to apply:
Application Deadline: July 20, 2025
Applicants should send a resume and cover letter in one file that clearly outlines their qualifications and experience to kara.annett@gov.ab.ca by the application deadline with the subject line Gallery Coordinator (Calgary) Application.
We thank all applicants for their time and effort in applying, however only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
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The AFA is seeking an experienced, passionate and self-motivated individual to be the onsite Gallery Coordinator in Calgary.
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The AFA is seeking an experienced, passionate and self-motivated individual to be the onsite Gallery Coordinator in Calgary.
