Art Director

Organization

Calgary Arts Development Authority (CADA) is Calgary’s designated arts development authority, providing grant investments to hundreds of arts organizations, individual artists, and groups while facilitating the public art program. Through the arts development strategy, Living a Creative Life, the organization’s vision is a creative, connected, prosperous Calgary where every resident has the opportunity to live a creative life. CADA’s strategic framework, Ákáakomatapoap, a Blackfoot word meaning We are now going to begin recognizes the transformational times the arts face. The four guiding pillars in the framework include Purpose, People, Community and Resources.

The City of Calgary (The City) assumed custodianship of the public art collection in 1982, and is responsible for the development, maintenance, and promotion of the collection. Roughly 80% of Calgary’s public art collection was built by the generosity of individuals, businesses and charitable organizations which gave and loaned to The City, and its affiliates, numerous artworks for places such as the Centennial Planetarium, the Devonian Gardens, Century Gardens, the Calgary Zoo, and Heritage Park. In 2004, City Council approved a Public Art Policy, and a program was created to deliver broad based public art programming, installation of permanent artworks and conservation of public art assets on behalf of Calgarians.

In March 2021, The City announced Calgary Arts Development as the new commissioning arm for Calgary’s public art program. Since that time, Calgary Arts Development has been working with The City on the transition of the program; The City funds public art, CADA commissions new work, and The City is responsible for the conservation and care of the collection on behalf of Calgarians.

As the city’s arts development authority, Calgary Arts Development is uniquely positioned to deliver and create a future public art program built upon our knowledge of, and strong relationships in the arts community. CADA envisions a public art program rooted in meaningful engagement that tells the story of who we are and what is valued as a city. CADA envisions public art that Calgarians can connect with throughout the city; A public art program for Calgary must reflect the rich diversity of the city, including connecting with Indigenous voices to tell the past, current and future stories of Calgary (Moh’kinsstis). CADA is committed to working with communities that have historically been underserved, and is guided by the core values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Position Summary

The role of the Public Art Director (Director) is to provide creative and executive leadership of the commissioning, programming, and community engagement practices of the public art program. Leading a full-time staff and contracted project leads and curators, it is essential that the Director effectively communicates the value of public art to the public, and parties of interest, serving as a respected thought leader in building a vibrant, energetic community. Nurturing good relations throughout the community, and notably with Treaty 7 Nations and Indigenous artists, the Director serves as the primary public face of the program to The City and the wider community.

Roles and Responsibilities

Program Vision and Leadership

• Inspire the CADA team in the development and delivery of the program vision and strategy.
• Assure that the implementation of the public art program responds to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the White Goose Flying Report.
• Mentor, motivate, and lead the public art team, nurturing their personal and professional development and growth.
• Collaborate with The City’s Public Art team to deliver new artworks that will become part of The City’s public art collection.
• Develop strategic opportunities for integrated public art initiatives through serving as Co-Chair of the Interdepartmental Public Art Team alongside The City’s Public Art Liaison.
• Negotiate with other relevant parties on project development and realization.
• Support communications and marketing of projects to ensure a strategic approach to disseminating program content.
• Ensure that staff across the programmatic areas generate and contribute content on a timely and regular basis.
• Act as media spokesperson for the public art program as requested.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Animate the community through an open, transparent, and welcoming public art process that inspires community input and support for public art.
• Develop, establish, and maintain partnerships, as needed, to ensure that projects are realized under the best possible conditions.
• Lead the development of effective partnerships with local, national, and international visual arts communities.
• Cultivate partnerships with Indigenous communities and leadership in the Treaty 7 territory.
• Embrace other partnerships and community engagement responsibilities, as required.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain strong relationship with The City as partners in delivering the program, including regular reporting on key accountabilities and project updates.
• Direct the content and planning of programming decisions, partnerships, co-productions, and commissions.
• Create and manage large, multi-year budgets and work plans for the operations of the Public Art department and all related Capital Projects.
• Develop and update relevant KPIs for the purposes of reporting to various parties of interest including The City, the CADA board, and the community at large.

Traits and Characteristics

The Director has an acumen for building relationships and networks with key people of influence, institutional partners, government officials, and Calgary’s diverse communities. While maintaining a deep sensitivity to the unique needs, interests, and concerns in the public art process, the Director is a visionary, visible, and inspiring leader who is comfortable and keen to work in a deeply collaborative team environment. p>

• Leadership and Diplomacy – The dexterity and foresight to anticipate, meet, and exceed a variety of stakeholder and rights holder needs and expectations, inspiring others in effectively handling difficult or sensitive issues which arise in relationships, community and via the media.
• Time and Program/Project Management – The acuity in prioritizing and completing tasks in order to deliver desired outcomes within allotted timeframes related to overall program objectives.

Qualifications

Executive leadership experience and proven success in a complex public art program with excellent financial acumen is required. Demonstrated success in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility strategies, and for understanding the principles of reconciliation with Indigenous communities, is necessary. Familiarity in leading participatory community engagement practices and processes is needed. Strong expertise and passion for working with artists and in communicating the value of public art to diverse parties of interest and the public is expected. Excellent written and communication skills, in English, are required.

Compensation and Benefits

CADA offers a competitive salary estimated in the range of $120,000 to $140,000 with a contribution to relocation, if needed. CADA further provides an extended health benefits package which includes dental, life insurance, and health spending account. There is an annual professional development allowance. Staff work in a hybrid environment and are encouraged to be in the office a minimum of two days per week. The position includes 20 days’ vacation in the first year, plus time off during the December holiday season.