CURATORIAL RESIDENCY

Geared toward professional curators and artist-curators with 3+ years of experience in exhibition and publication-making. Qualified individuals will participate in the research, management, and development of exhibitions and events at TYPOLOGY, as well as larger, more in-depth projects and initiatives in support of both our annual programs and long-term organizational development. The Resident Curator will also have the opportunity to propose and develop an exhibition for an upcoming program year for which they will receive an exhibition budget, curatorial fee, and publication of critical writing in an exhibition catalogue.

Applications for the Curatorial Residency are accepted on a rolling basis for two 5-month terms during our program year: September—February (December excluded), and February—June.
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Over the course of your term we request a commitment of 5–10 hours per week in a flexible schedule divided between the following duties, tasks, and projects:

Gallery attending
This much maligned task is still a great way to hone your skills in speaking about art and interacting with the public. Plus, our office is a quiet and pleasant place to get work done, with lots of light and an amazing view. :)

Administrative and Promotional Tasks
Much of the work in running a project space is administrative and promotional — less than glamourous, but necessary to be professional, efficient, and effective in fulfilling any organization’s mandate. Here’s where you’ll acquire or put to good use some of your practical skills in running a not-for-profit organization. Examples of tasks include: writing for the blog (news, reviews, interviews), website updates and maintenance (e.g., curator/artist registry, ecommerce), media communications (including social media), bookkeeping and registration, general office assistance, installation, and event assistance including photography/videography, and more.

Projects
The juicy stuff. Based on your interests and experience we will provide a list of available projects from which to choose, and are also happy to discuss any ideas you may want to bring to the table. Projects are expected to be worked on independently with brief weekly or biweekly check-ins for the purpose of gauging progress, answering questions, providing support, and engaging in dialogue. Examples of projects include: curatorial research for upcoming exhibitions, critical writing for publication online and in print, media/market research and analysis, international program development, event, education, and outreach program development, and other special projects to be determined/discussed.
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In return TYPOLOGY provides:

Hands-on experience in the not-for-profit gallery environment
Credited participation in the research and development of upcoming exhibitions and events
Collaboration and skills training in support of exhibition-making, gallery management, website and image management, etc.
Peer-to-peer discourse on independent projects
Opportunities for publication of curatorial and critical writing online and in print
Upon the successful completion of the negotiated term, an honorarium (amount tbd based on the participant’s level of commitment and achievement with respect to special projects, etc.)
Upon successful development of an exhibition for an upcoming program year, a curatorial fee and budget for the exhibition, plus publication of the curatorial essay in an exhibition catalogue
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Qualifications:

Excellent oral and written communication skills (i.e., public speaking, critical writing)
Excellent computer skills (i.e. WordPress, Photoshop, InDesign, social media)
Strong knowledge of local and international curatorial practices, issues, and trends
Knowledge of art history and contemporary art practices
Interest in contemporary culture and exhibition-making in general
Excellent organizational and research skills
The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
Photography, videography, web programming, and/or bookkeeping skills a plus
Passion, resourcefulness, and initiative a huge plus
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To apply:

Please send a PDF containing the following to submissions (at) typology (dot) ca
Note: applications sent to other email addresses at TYPOLOGY may be missed

A current CV
Two writing samples (essays, reviews, articles)
Images and information on any curatorial projects completed or in progress
A cover letter detailing your experiences and interest in TYPOLOGY
Letters of reference
2–3 ideas for a future exhibition (1–2 sentences per concept are sufficient)
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At this time we are unfortunately unable to respond to every application, but hope to eventually provide feedback to all applicants, so your patience is appreciated. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview in advance of each available term.
Thank you for your interest and support!