Exhibition Programming Coordinator
(Full Time, some weekend and evening hours)
Deadline:December 12, 2019
VisArts is searching for a dynamic, creative, team-collaborator with knowledge of and passion for contemporary art for the position of Exhibition Programming Coordinator. The right candidate will be responsible for coordinating and creating Inside Art programming and assisting the Gallery Director/Curator in the execution of exhibitions. The Inside Art program serves to empower the community through creative experiences with and conversations about contemporary art. Through workshops, discussions with artists and curators, and tours in our galleries, Inside Art provides opportunities to discover and understand the ideas, materials, and processes found in the exhibitions and artist studios at VisArts. Our gallery department presents exhibitions of contemporary art in four galleries and project spaces, offers a variety of studio opportunities through our Studio Program, and mentors new curators through our Emerging Curator Program.
We are looking for a pro-active problem solver with a passion for VisArts’ mission of transforming individuals and communities through the visual arts. Applicants must have an awareness of the expanded community in which the organization operates, be responsible, curious, a confident collaborator, a practical/clear communicator, organized, and detail-oriented. Preference will be given to applicants with experience with art or museum education, a knowledge of contemporary art, art history, exhibition coordination, curation, and/or exhibition preparation.
SCOPE OF FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Coordinate, schedule, execute Inside Art program
Assistant to the curator in execution of exhibitions
Orient and supervise interns and volunteers to provide a supportive environment for learning about gallery operations.
Promote gallery and programming events via online postings, social media, website, and targeted campaigns in collaboration with Gallery Director and Marketing Director.
QUALIFICATIONS
Personal and Professional Qualifications:
Detail-oriented
Positive attitude
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in partnership with people of diverse backgrounds
Commitment to working collaboratively, including artistic and curatorial collaborations
Excellent interpersonal skills; writing, presentation and public speaking skills
Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design, Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPress, Dropbox, Google Drive, Constant Contact and/or other software programs for design of publicity. Graphic design experience helpful.
Knowledge of and ability to implement social networking for publicity and educational purposes
Strong people skills, including the capacity to inspire teamwork, build consensus and motivate a wide variety of stakeholders
Poise under pressure; must be able to think creatively and strategically, have excellent judgment, and enjoy working on multiple complex projects in a changing environment
Education and Experience:
1. B.F.A. or M.F.A. in exhibition design or studio art
2. Experience with one or more of the following: art and/or museum education, contemporary art, art history, exhibition installation, graphic design, marketing/promotions/social media preferred
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Inside Art:
Contact artists, solicit proposals for Inside Art programming
Work with Gallery Director, Events staff, Education Director, and Visitor Services (Gallery Guide Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator) to schedule and plan Inside Art events
Develop annual Inside Art schedule
Schedule spaces for Inside Art events
Order and prepare supplies and materials for Inside Art and gallery department
Submit check requests for Inside Art honoraria to accountant
Supervise set up, breakdown and clean-up of Inside Art events
Design promotional materials for Inside Art events
Market and promote Inside Art and gallery events to increase attendance with assistance from Marketing Director
Supervise, train interns to help with daily gallery tasks and exhibition production
Maintain intern task schedule
Studio tours/space orientation/key for incoming fellows, residents
Inside Art event photo documentation, and if applicable: video documentation and iMovie video editing
Greet and check-in guests for attendance/stats and solicit e-mails for unregistered patrons
Edit/proofread event descriptions and bios from artist proposals, with final proof from Gallery Director
Give feedback/edit outgoing Eblasts from Marketing Director
Accommodate special interest groups, and collaborate with Gallery Guide Coordinator for possible tour and activity
Prepare and relay photo documentation from exhibitions for publicity (on request)
Assistant to the curator:
Assist in Implementation of the exhibition schedule including intake and outtake of artwork
Oversee on-site supervision of galleries during gallery hours and on weekends for Inside Art events.
Assist Gallery Director in the processing of contracts, loan and condition forms, assembly of promotional materials
Maintain artist files and process sales of artwork.
Produce exhibition handouts, vinyl signs, labels with assistance of interns
Assist with gallery preparation as needed
Order office and gallery supplies
Orient and supervise interns; solicit, organize, schedule, orient, supervise in collaboration with Gallery Director
Maintain archive of exhibitions and gallery programs.
Format and send press releases (two weeks before exhibitions/programming) and media advisories (four months before exhibitions/programming) after final edit by Curatorial Consultant and Gallery Director
Develop, update, and organize lists specialized press release groups, call groups, with help of interns and approval of Gallery Director as needed
Maintain and Archive files with help of interns
Archive hard copies of Exhibition and Inside Art print collateral with help of interns
Design and production of gallery and Inside Art print collateral with interns
Update annual calls and schedule for release with approval from Gallery Director
Post calls and events with help of interns
Maintain gallery google calendar, room calendar and hard copy calendar with exhibition information, Inside Art programming, studio program meetings, press release
Intern training/orientation/task schedule
Gather and enter gallery stats monthly
Update and revise website with approval from Gallery Director
Social media content, hashtags with approval from Gallery Director and Marketing Director
Pick up and set up refreshments for receptions/clean up with assistance from Volunteer Coordinator
Maintain a friendly, supportive atmosphere for artists, students, staff, and the public
Other tasks as deemed necessary by the Gallery Director and Executive Director
Prepare and relay photo documentation from exhibitions for publicity
Special projects:
F.E.A.S.T. production, promotions, execution, coordination with help of entire gallery team
NextGen Exhibition supervise interns with Gallery Director
Rockville Art Festival
Special projects: Camp Open House
STAFF RELATIONSHIP/ACCOUNTABILITY
The Gallery Program Manager reports directly to the Gallery Director.
APPLICATION INFORMATION (applications will be accepted until December 12, 2019):
Please submit the following items:
Cover letter
A résumé showing demonstrable accomplishments
Salary expectations
Completed VisArts application for employment document: download here
If submitting your application electronically (PDF), the email SUBJECT line must contain the words “Exhibition Programming Coordinator.” Only qualified applicants will be contacted. Please direct all submissions to: Susan Main, smain@visartscenter.org
Although emailed applications are strongly preferred, applications may also be mailed to:
Susan Main
VisArts
155 Gibbs Street, Suite 300
Rockville, MD 20850
About VisArts:
VisArts is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to transform individuals and communities through the visual arts. Our vision is a vibrant, diverse community enriched and connected by the visual arts.
Founded in 1987 as a grassroots organization serving local artists and located in the heart of Rockville, Maryland, VisArts has come a long way since our founding 30 years ago – from a staff of two to twelve; from a 12,000-square-foot garage space to a 25,000-square-foot hub of community engagement; and from welcoming 2,500 visitors per year to now more than 30,000 visitors annually.
We provide children, teens, and adults with opportunities to express their ideas, develop their talents, connect with others, and enrich their lives. Our strength is our ability to bring individuals together through a shared creative experience, fostering exposureto new perspectives, respect for each other, and a more connected community.
A CONNECTED COMMUNITY IS OUR FOUNDATION FOR EQUITY, ACCESS, AND INCLUSION.
Connected community is the practice of working to understand the social issues affecting our community, actively promoting awareness of other perspectives, and fostering understanding through the visual arts.
VisArts’ strength is our ability to bring people together through shared creative experiences, fostering exposure to new perspectives, mutual respect, and a truly connected community.
Our community is made up of people of all ages, identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We work together to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to nurture his or her creative spark by joining us in creating and engaging with art.
We are committed to giving everyone the chance to express their ideas, develop their talents, and enrich their lives – in other words, the chance to be transformed through the visual arts.
We Believe
We have the responsibility to build a caring, accessible, and inclusive community – and to share our community with everyone, especially those in need of hope, healing, and a safe haven.
Visual artists can actively work to reveal and disrupt racial, economic, gender, sexuality, and ability injustices in our community and the world.
We have the power to enrich our community by partnering with individuals and organizations to create and install public art that nourishes connections – and spurs economic development.
We Recognize
Our future depends on the commitment of everyone involved with our organization, including staff, students, artists, instructors, campers, volunteers, and partners.
It’s essential to increase diversity and inclusion within our organization, and to cultivate an environment in which staff, students, artists, instructors, and volunteers are valued, engaged, and encouraged to contribute.
We are passionate about our mission to transform individuals and communities through the visual arts, and know that our ability to achieve it begins with including, supporting, and partnering with our diverse community.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation will be commensurate with experience, with a benefits package that includes a generous health insurance plan, retirement plan, parking, paid time off, and other employee benefits.
VisArts is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, VisArts provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, genetic status or information, military or veteran status or in any status protected by federal, state, or local law.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. VisArts will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under any circumstances.
