Show Director - Art

Informa Plc; Toronto; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international events company in Toronto is seeking an experienced Art Show Director to manage Art Toronto and The Artist Project. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a deep passion for the arts. Responsibilities include strategic planning, event management, sales and sponsorship, curatorial leadership, and team management. The role offers a salary range of $110,000 to $140,000 CAD, requires extensive event experience, and provides an opportunity to work in a creative, dynamic environment.

Benefits

Great community and culture

Career development opportunities

Comprehensive time off package

Strong wellbeing support

Competitive benefits

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in art show management or event planning.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Deep understanding of contemporary art and cultural trends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vision and strategy for art shows.
• Oversee event planning including logistics and budgeting.
• Build relationships with artists, galleries, and sponsors.

Skills

Leadership

Event Management

Communication

Creativity

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art, Event Management, or Business Administration

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

Company Description

At Informa, no two days and no two people are the same, and you'll find the freedom, opportunity and support of a fantastic community to make a real impact.

We’re an international business that connects specialists with knowledge, helping them to learn more, know more and do more through live and on demand events, digital and data-driven services and academic research.

We are home to over 14,000 colleagues across 30 countries and are a member of the UK’s FTSE 100 group of leading public companies.

Job Description

This role is based in our Toronto office.

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Art Show Director to lead the planning, execution, and management of Art Toronto and Artist Project. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative leader with a passion for the arts and a proven track record in event management.

About Art Toronto

As Canada’s premier art fair, Art Toronto has been the cornerstone of the national art market for over 25 years. Held each October at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this internationally renowned event brings together galleries, art institutions, private and corporate collectors, curators, artists, and the public for a weekend of inspiration and connection. As part of the sales team, you’ll help shape the success of this iconic event, building relationships with exhibitors and driving engagement in Canada’s only international art fair.

About The Artist Project

Celebrating over 15 years of creativity, The Artist Project is a vibrant springtime fair dedicated to showcasing independent artists. Held at the Better Living Centre, this event introduces audiences to fresh talent and diverse artistic practices, creating a platform for direct connections between artists and collectors. As a member of the sales team, you’ll play a key role in supporting these artists and ensuring the event’s continued growth and success.

Position Overview

The Art Show Director will lead the strategic planning, execution, and management of two premier art events in Toronto. This role combines curatorial vision, event management expertise, and leadership to deliver world‑class art experiences, foster community engagement, and drive sales and sponsorship opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

As the Art Show Director, you will:

Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement the overall vision, strategy, and goals for art shows and exhibitions.

Event Management

• Oversee all aspects of event planning, including venue selection, budgeting, scheduling, and logistics.

Sales and Sponsorship

• Responsibility for booth sales and exhibitors recruiting.
• Identifying new markets and business opportunities to increase sales and attract new exhibitors.
• Assess TIAF sponsorship opportunities and activation ideas.
• Meet when necessary, with Sponsor representatives.
• Approve all sponsorship contracts; follow‑up to ensure all obligations are met and all activations are implemented.
• Directly responsible with all on site sponsor presence, space allocation, space design, technical services and move‑in and out logistics.

VIP Program

• Review previous years program, effectiveness, results and costs.
• Assess potential networking and strategic alliances.
• Directly responsible with on‑site VIP lounge space allocation, design, construction and signage.
• Attend networking events and functions; welcome and guide important VIP.

Curatorial Leadership

• Collaborate with artists, curators, and stakeholders to curate compelling and innovative art exhibitions.

Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor a team of event coordinators, designers, and support staff to ensure seamless execution of events.

Partnership Development

• Build and maintain relationships with artists, galleries, sponsors, and community organizations to enhance the success of events.

Marketing and Promotion

• Work closely with the marketing team to develop promotional campaigns that drive attendance and engagement.

Budget Oversight

• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining high‑quality standards.

Compliance

• Ensure all events comply with legal, safety, and accessibility standards.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Art, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Proven experience (5+ years) in art show management, event planning, or a similar role.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• A creative mindset with a deep understanding of contemporary art and cultural trends.
• Proficiency in budgeting, scheduling, and project management tools.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Additional Information

We believe that great things happen when people connect‑to‑face. That's why we work in‑person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at an Informa event – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com.

Benefits

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in‑person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active colleague groups and networks promoting a positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment.
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too.
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on‑demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves.
• Comprehensive time off package: 10 vacation days, 8 paid emergency days, 1 paid day to celebrate your birthday and up to 4 paid volunteering days.
• Competitive benefits, including Share Match program.
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more.
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programs.
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world.

The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $140,000 CAD based on experience.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

If you would like to request reasonable adjustments or accommodations to assist your participation in the hiring process and, or in the advertised position, please inform the appropriate Talent Acquisition Partner for the role once they have been in touch. Your request will be reviewed and considered in confidence. At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information.

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