Associate Curator

MacLaren Art Centre; Southwestern Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A public art gallery in Central Ontario is seeking an Associate Curator (part-time, contract) to lead the development of an exhibition for Winter 2026-2027. Responsibilities include curatorial vision, project management, and engagement with artists, along with collaboration with staff. The ideal candidate has 2+ years of curatorial experience and a degree in a related field. This role offers a hybrid work model with a rate of $25/hour.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of demonstrated curatorial experience with successful exhibition delivery.
• An inclusive work philosophy that values diverse individuals.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple project components.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and deliver a curatorial concept for the exhibition.
• Identify and engage participating artists.
• Write exhibition didactics and related materials.

Skills

Curatorial research

Writing and communication

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of contemporary Canadian art

Education

Undergraduate degree in Art History or related field

Graduate-level degree (asset)

Tools

Google SketchUp

Job description

Job Opportunity

Associate Curator (part-time, contract), MacLaren Art Centre

Work Hours & Location: 12 days/month (approximately 3 days/week). Hybrid/Flexible; see below for details

Contract Term: March 2026 – March 2027 (12-month, part-time, contract)

Hourly Rate: $25/hour

Reports To: Artistic Director

Position Summary

• The MacLaren Art Centre is seeking an Associate Curator (part-time, contract) to lead the development and delivery of an exhibition for the Winter 2026–2027 season, opening in early December 2026 and running through March 2027 (dates to be confirmed).
• Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Associate Curator will be responsible for shaping the curatorial vision and overseeing the realization of the exhibition from concept through installation and public presentation. Working collaboratively with the Curatorial Assistant, Education team, contract preparator, and Communications Coordinator, this role focuses on curatorial research, artist engagement, exhibition planning, interpretive development, and project management. Administrative coordination, program delivery, and logistical support will be carried out in collaboration with existing staff.
• The successful candidate will also contribute to exhibition-related public programs and provide support for select annual gallery events occurring during the contract period, including opening receptions and fundraising initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and deliver a complete curatorial concept for a Winter 2026–2027 exhibition.
• Identify, research, and engage participating artists, managing communications in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Curatorial Assistant.
• Develop interpretive frameworks, exhibition narratives, and curatorial texts.
• Work within the approved budget.
• Collaborate on exhibition layout, design, and spatial planning.
• Project manage exhibition timelines from early development through installation, opening, and deinstallation.
• Be present on-site at key times to support coordination and ensure smooth execution.
• Write and contribute to exhibition didactics, essays, labels, and related interpretive materials.
• Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator to craft a comprehensive marketing plan and support marketing and communications materials where applicable.
• Work with the Education team to develop exhibition-related programs, including talks, tours, and educational initiatives.
• Participate in exhibition-related public programs and on-site events as required.
• Provide support for annual MacLaren events occurring during the contract period, such as opening receptions and key fundraising initiatives.
• Represent the MacLaren Art Centre professionally in interactions with artists, partners, and the public.
• Contribute to a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive working environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of demonstrated curatorial experience, with evidence of successful exhibition development and delivery.
• Undergraduate degree in a related field such as Art History, Studio Art, Curatorial Studies, or Arts and Humanities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A graduate-level degree in a relevant field is an asset.
• An inclusive work philosophy that values and mobilizes the expertise of diverse individuals and groups.
• Experience working in collaborative teams.
• Strong curatorial research, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple project components at different stages of development.
• A high degree of familiarity with contemporary Canadian art practices.
• Knowledge of gallery methods and techniques, including the technical and aesthetic dimensions of exhibition planning, art handling, design, and installation.
• Commitment to visitor-centred experiences and public engagement.
• Flexibility, positivity, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Reliable means of transportation to attend on-site work as required.
• The selected candidate will be asked to provide a successful vulnerable sector screening as a requirement for this position.

Assets

• Knowledge of collection management best practices and collections databases.
• Track record of successful grant writing.
• Proficiency in Google SketchUp.
• Fluency in an additional language, other than English

Working Conditions

This position includes a hybrid work arrangement. Remote work is possible for parts of this contract, with on-site presence required at 37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie, during installation, exhibition opening, related public programs, key coordination periods, and other times as required. Occasional evening and weekend availability may be required.

How to Apply

In one PDF document, applicants are asked to submit:

• A current CV
• A one-page cover letter outlining their background/experience, curatorial practice, and interest in the position.
• Please submit all materials by email to [e-mail], with the subject line: Associate Curator 2026. For the full job description and requirements, please visit maclarenart.com/careers-instructors.

Deadline to Apply

Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 11:59pm

Screening Process

Candidates contacted for an interview will be required to submit the following items:

• Two curatorial writing samples (exhibition texts, didactics, project grant materials, etc)
• Up to ten installation images representing a maximum of three exhibitions curated
• A statement of curatorial philosophy (maximum 500 words)
• Three professional references and contact information.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The MacLaren Art Centre is an equal opportunity employer committed to serving our many communities. We welcome applications from all candidates, including those from equity-seeking groups, such as Black and Indigenous candidates, members of the global majority, people living with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and those historically underrepresented. Accommodations are available for all stages of the recruitment process upon request.

Although we appreciate all applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This job description outlines the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, and responsibilities may evolve to meet organizational needs.

About the MacLaren Art Centre

The MacLaren Art Centre is the major public art gallery in Central Ontario, serving the residents of Barrie, the County of Simcoe, and the surrounding region. The MacLaren maintains a significant permanent collection of contemporary Canadian art and presents a year-round program of exhibitions, education initiatives, and public events.

The MacLaren is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, including the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. The local bands include Beausoleil First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation, and Rama First Nation. We also acknowledge the Wendat Nation (Huron), who occupied these lands prior to the mid‑seventeenth century.

MacLaren Art Centre

37 Mulcaster Street

Barrie, ON L4M 3M2

T: 705-721-9696

www.maclarenart.com

Gallery Hours

Mon: Closed

Tue, Wed, Fri–Sun: 10am – 4pm

Thu: 10am – 8pm

Wheelchair accessible