Td Curatorial Fellow- Indigenous Relations

**To visit the portal and apply, please click here**:
**Note**:This is a 2 year grant funded position

The TD Curatorial Fellow - Indigenous Relations will be responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of public programs and exhibition-related initiatives that highlight and support First Nations, Inuit, and Mètis art and culture at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. Public programs include programs that foster the understanding, appreciation, and production of art through lectures, screenings, performances, exhibition tours, and other activities. The position is also responsible for research and Indigenous-focused projects complementary to or situated within exhibitions and other programming initiatives, working collaboratively with artists and curators to engage communities. The TD Curatorial Fellow will work in a collaborative and consultative manner with gallery staff to deliver dynamic, engaging, and innovative programs. This role requires a commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all, particularly with Indigenous communities and artists.

Working in a team-based environment, and reporting to the Curator of Education and the CEO, with support from the Indigenous Advisory Council, this position works collaboratively with other staff, volunteers and partners within the guidelines of the Strategic Plan, organizational policies, and directives of the CEO.

The TD Curatorial Fellow will engage community members and staff to co-create program plans that will be presented to Program Development and approved by the Director of Programs. They will produce a minimum of four public programs per year, including ceremonial and educational events, cultural activities, and/or exhibitions. These public programs will be created through consultation and relationship building with Indigenous individuals, leaders, nations, and organizations; fostering meaningful connection opportunities, improving feelings of belonging, empowering community stakeholders, and investing in a more equitable future in the arts.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Conceive, develop, and present Indigenous-focused programs for all ages and audiences that complement the annual and multi-year strategic and program plans and policies of the MacKenzie Art Gallery, potentially including feasts, ceremony, artist talks, panels, screenings, workshops, performances, artist residencies, etc;
- Facilitate trust-building through the creation of community-responsive and inclusive programs that promote a sense of belonging and reciprocity.
- Work closely with identified mentors within the organization to gain insight on curatorial and education activities, and to offer insight that will help shape new approaches to our activities that better serve the community.
- Engage with the public through educational programs, workshops, and community outreach.
- Act as an advocate for the United Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), both internally and externally.
- Assist other gallery staff as we work towards integrating Indigenous perspectives into all aspects of the gallery's operations. Collaborate with Communications staff and community stakeholders to amplify Indigenous programming and demonstrate hospitality;
- Provide input to Education staff to enhance in-house interpretive methods, to support the development of accessible and dynamic educational resources that center cultural knowledge;
- Write, edit, and proof-read material related to TD Curatorial Fellowship programming for internal and external planning, interpretive and promotional purposes;
- Participate in program evaluations and assessments as necessary;[CM1]
- Ensure the collection and accuracy of program statistics for inclusion in MacKenzie monthly, annual and grant reports;
- Develop ideas for potential partnerships and sponsorship opportunities in keeping with MacKenzie strategic priorities and objectives and in consultation with appropriate Development staff and the CEO;
- Prepare, monitor, and report on relevant program budgets as directed
- Participate in ongoing and project-related staff meetings.

**Key competencies**:

- A degree in Art History, Indigenous Studies, or a related field; or equivalent community-based education.
- Lived experience as an Indigenous individual with strong community ties and cultural competencies.
- 3 years of experience working with Indigenous community programming and artists;
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and an ability to respond to and anticipate the needs and interests of community;
- Excellent time management, organizational, and leadership skills;
- Ability to show initiative working both independently and cooperatively with a diverse team under multiple deadlines and in high pressure situations;
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong writing skills.
- Experience in curating exhibitions and/or public programs.
- Experience with plain language and accessibility framew