Museum Curator

Base31 is Prince Edward County’s hottest new cultural destination, located on the site of a former 70-acre WWII air training base just outside of Picton, Ont. The site was purchased in 2021 by PEC Partners Inc. with an ambitious revitalization plan that has since seen the adaptive re-use of many of the heritage buildings, transformation of the landscape, and significant investment in placemaking, public art, programming, site activation and food & beverage programs. The site opened to concerts and events in the summer of 2022 and to date has featured events ranging from major concerts for venue capacities ranging from 175 - 2,500 people, large-scale immersive art experiences, drone shows, gallery and museum exhibitions, historic tours, interactive experiences, culinary experiences, kids’ camps and art classes.

Base31 will continue to grow and develop over the coming years with an evolving fusion of creative placemaking, culinary arts, heritage, ecology, events, innovation, and community. Embracing the cultural and historical significance of Indigenous heritage and its WWII air training base roots has been a focal point and a guiding beacon that has allowed the management team and partners to honor the rich chronicle that is embodied everywhere you look. We invite you to co-create its future with us.

Type: Full-Time Contract Position

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Start date: As soon as possible.

OVERVIEW

Recognizing the location’s historical importance of the site and its use as a WWII air training base, Base31 has committed to celebrate the site’s heritage and the role that it has played within the local community, the nation and globally through the creation of a new Base31 Museum. Installing a variety of exhibits, the museum will document, preserve and maintain artefacts and stories that will encourage the education and entertainment of those interested in exploring the history of Base 31, its land uses and its military involvement. Base31 Museum will be owned by PEC Community Partners and operated as a commercial enterprise.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Museum Curator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a deep appreciation for indigenous, aviation and military history, a keen eye for detail, and a creative mindset to develop and curate engaging and educational historical exhibitions. The Museum Curator will be responsible for organizing exhibitions and collaborating with community partners and stakeholders to enhance our offerings to the public. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage the museum and collection, including acquisition, documentation, preservation, and display of artefacts. 
• Curate exhibitions from concept to de-installation, including theme development, exhibition selection, catalog production, and layout design. 
• Collaborate with collectors, museums, and other institutions to organize loans and manage the logistics of artefact transportation and installation.
• Conduct research on artefacts and potential exhibit themes to produce exhibition texts, catalog essays, and educational materials.
• Engage with the public through museum talks, tours, and educational programs.
• Lead the production and installation of museum exhibits. 
• Collaborate with members of the Base31 management team on the design and construction of the Museum facility. 
• Develop and manage the exhibition budget, including funding proposals and sponsorship opportunities. 
• Oversee the maintenance and conservation of the museum collection. 
• Stay informed about trends in the museum world and identify opportunities for the institution. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in museum studies, Art History, or a related field (master’s preferred). 
• A strong background of work within a museum, gallery, or related environment.
• Experience developing and implementing exhibitions.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external team members, stakeholders, and communities.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills. 
• Knowledge of and experience with the dynamics of cultural heritage.
• Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., collection management systems, Adobe Creative Suite). 

SKILLS

• Deep knowledge of history and the management of historical collections.
• Creative thinking and vision in curating both engaging and meaningful exhibitions. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with the public and colleagues.
• Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving skills.
•  Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines. 

EQUITY & DIVERSITY

Base31 Partners Inc. is committed to expanding opportunities of commonly under-represented people from equity-seeking groups including, but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, persons of color, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, persons with disabilities and others.

Base31 Partners Inc. strives to be an equitable and inclusive workplace. We value an open and diverse community that fosters the inclusion of many different voices. We encourage applications from members of communities that have been marginalized based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, or status as an Indigenous person.

We work, live, make, grow, meet, and co-create on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Anishinaabeg, Huron-Wendat and Mississauga nations. Our site is adjacent to the Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka community in Tyendinaga (the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte). We are grateful to all the Indigenous and Métis peoples who have been traditional and contemporary stewards of this region. We recognize that all non-Indigenous people are visitors to this land, and it is our responsibility to embrace our Treaty obligation to care for the land.

ACCOMODATION

If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please contact us in advance at PeopleandCulture@base31.ca We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested.