IMAGE: Voices of a Revolution by Behnaz Fatemi as part of the CAFKA.23 biennial exhibition. PHOTO: Eric Almberg.
Director Curator
Call for Applicants
Term: Permanent, Full-time
Hours: 35 hours a week with periodic evening and weekend work (more during the biennial)
Compensation: $60,000 annual salary
Benefits: Health and dental benefits, paid vacation.
Application Deadline: April 14, 2024
Target Start Date: May 15, 2024, flexible for the right candidate
About CAFKA
For more than 20 years CAFKA – Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener + Area has supported a diverse spectrum of local, national, and international artists, bringing hundreds of thought-provoking contemporary artworks to public spaces across Waterloo Region. CAFKA’s free biennial exhibition happens in unexpected, accessible spaces, extending contemporary art experiences outside the gallery and positioning them as critical and integral parts of community life. In off-biennial years, CAFKA mobilizes meaningful programming partnerships, presenting a more limited number of artist projects, alongside a series of artist lectures and workshops.
CAFKA’s programming works to create meaningful cultural experiences, to build community connections, and to engage public discourse around issues of social justice, social responsibility, and public and private space, bringing ground-breaking artists to Kitchener-Waterloo to contribute to these discussions. As the only artist-run centre in the region, CAFKA also plays an important role in supporting community-building and professional development for local artists.
Summary of Position
The Director Curator will manage all aspects of CAFKA’s operations, including finances, fund development, communications, partnerships, strategic planning, policy development, and programming of biennial exhibition and off-biennial programs, under the guidance of the Board of Directors. The position is currently supported by four staff members.
The Director Curator’s responsibilities include long-term planning and visioning; program and community development and implementation; grant writing and reporting; fundraising; management of financial records and budgets; management of staff and volunteers; regular reporting to the Board of Directors; and general administration.
This is a full-time role, requiring 35 hours per week, working occasional evenings and weekends to fulfill responsibilities such as installations, events, board meetings, grant deadlines, and related tasks.
Organizational Environment
CAFKA operates in the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, serving as a vibrant hub for contemporary, interactive, and interventionist public artworks. Our mission is centered around breaking down barriers between art and the public, to foster critical engagement and discourse.
Guided by the Anti-Racism Action Plan adopted by CAFKA in 2020, we remain committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from members of racialized communities, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of low- income and working-class backgrounds, individuals of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and anyone possessing the skills and knowledge to engage with diverse communities.
The organization is a registered charity and incorporated non-profit, run by a volunteer Board of Directors, most of whom are professional artists. Currently, other staff positions include a part-time Operations Manager, a full-time Programming Manager, a full-time Development & Outreach Coordinator, and a part-time Education Coordinator.
Programming decisions are made in conversation with the Programming Co-Chairs and Programming Committee. A unique curatorial framework is established for each biennial exhibition, and artist projects are programmed through a combination of peer-juried submissions and curatorial invitations.
Breakdown of Duties
Leading
- Long-term visioning and planning
- Overseeing day-to-day operations
- Overseeing the implementation of the biennial exhibition and off-biennial programming
- Maintaining organizational compliance with provincial and federal laws
- Articulating and implementing programming vision in line with CAFKA’s mission
- Financial oversight, budgeting, and grant writing
- Managing staff and volunteers
- Overseeing public promotions, engagement, and community partnerships
- Reporting to the Board on financials, programming, and engagement
- Observing CAFKA’s policies and implementing them in daily operations
Collaborating
- Annual budget planning
- Fundraising and sponsorship initiatives
- Developing membership programming and relationships
- AGM planning and implementation
- Strategic planning, visioning, and implementation
- Policy development
- Determining staff requirements for programming
Supporting
- Working in partnership with Programming Committee
- Planning and overseeing the installation of artists’ projects
- Planning and overseeing maintenance and deinstallation of artists’ projects
- Engagement with visitors and development of supporting materials
- General administration tasks
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in visual arts, arts administration, museum studies, or equivalent experience
- 2+ years of arts administration and/or curatorial experience
- Strong ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, interns, volunteers, and Board of Directors
- Office management and administration skills
- Knowledge and respect for diverse points of view
- Ability to foster a positive and productive work environment
- Innovative thinking in new strategies for contemporary art, through curation, community engagement, and support for artists and their work
Assets
- Language proficiency in a language other than English
- Valid driver’s license
- Experience with social media marketing and press engagement
- Experience with fundraising
- Experience with policy development
- An established independent visual arts, and/or writing, and/or curatorial practice
How to apply
To apply, please email the following documents to board @ cafka.org with the subject line “Director/Curator Application: (Your Name)”:
- A one-page Cover Letter expressing your interest, experience, and capacity to meet the listed job duties
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 5 pages)
Those invited to interview will be asked to provide two professional references. Candidates with disabilities who require accommodation during the hiring process are encouraged to request it.
Please submit your applications by April 14 at 11:59 pm. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
For additional information or questions, please contact: