Assistant Curator
/Job Title:
Assistant Curator
Organization:
grunt gallery
Deadline:
Jul. 15, 2026
Organization Description:
Established in 1984, grunt gallery has built its reputation on innovative and cutting edge programs, exhibitions, performances, artist talks, publications and special projects that showcase current and past work by contemporary Canadian and international artists. We focus on work that would otherwise not be seen in Vancouver and are proud of our ability to act as an intersection between various communities and cultural groups. We work to uphold art in all its forms, with a mission of advancing artistic innovation through the support of diverse and often unruly ideas, practices and worldviews.
Since its inception, grunt has focused on supporting practices and perspectives that question established values in contemporary art production. In the 1980s/90s, grunt built close connections with artist communities not welcomed or recognized by other contemporary arts institutions or who were exploring subject material beyond the mainstream. grunt became a hub for artists and cultural workers with diverse lived experiences and intersectional identities that were often excluded elsewhere.
grunt is renowned for its work with Indigenous, racialized and LGBTQ+2S communities. In recent years we have become recognized for our work with d/Disabled, d/Deaf, Sick, Mad, and Neurodiverse communities — including programming designed with and for members of these communities, physical upgrades to our venue, policy development, an internal accessibility committee, mentorship and professional development. Our commitment to working with artists and communities of diverse perspectives and lived experiences is well known across the country and we continue to build capacity within the organization to grow in the service of this core mandate of diversity and creative innovation.
grunt gallery is located on the unceded and ancestral territories of the xwməθkwəy̓ əm
(Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ/selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)
Nations.
Website:
Job Description:
Term: 2 year contract. Part-time, 28 hours/week. Flexible schedule. Some evening and weekend work required.
The Assistant Curator will work closely with grunt’s Program Director, Exhibitions and Accessibility Manager and other staff to produce and deliver exhibitions and public programming. The Assistant Curator will coordinate with artists, contribute to curatorial processes, special projects, gallery accessibility initiatives, and host public programming.
This role is designed for an emerging arts professional with lived/living experience of mental illness who is interested in bringing this vital perspective into curatorial and community-engaged arts practice. The Assistant Curator will contribute to the development of exhibitions and programming that are meaningful, accessible, and engaging for artists and audiences with similar lived experiences. This includes providing input informed by lived experience on curatorial decisions, exhibition design, artist and audience supports, and public programming plans. The role also offers the opportunity to develop independent curatorial project(s).
People with lived/living experience of mental illness are part of grunt’s community, and the person in this role will be invited to provide input on grunt’s policies and practices to support the inclusion of artists, arts workers and audiences who also have lived/living experience of mental illness.
This role includes professional development opportunities and/or funds for other supports that will help foster success in this role. The exact work plan and nature of professional development or other supports will be determined in conversation with the selected candidate.
We recognize lived and living experience in many forms, and applicants are not expected to disclose personal medical information, diagnoses, treatment history, or experiences of trauma at any stage of the hiring process or employment. We respect personal boundaries, privacy, and different ways of relating to lived experience.
Work Environment:
grunt is a hybrid work environment, with staff working a combination of onsite and remotely from home. Some days the office is busy with staff, and other days there are only 1 or 2 people onsite. During our exhibitions, Thursdays are low-sensory and voice-off. Staff communicate both in-person and using a variety of digital tools such as email, google suite and Slack. Training can be provided for staff who are unfamiliar with these tools.
Responsibilities:
- Work with artists and grunt’s programming team to help develop and produce exhibitions, public programming and community engagement initiatives.
- Coordinate with artists to determine programming possibilities.
- Host public programming, in collaboration with other grunt staff.
- Assist production of accessibility initiatives for our exhibitions, such as creating visual descriptions and captions (training will be provided).
- Participation in regular meetings such as staff and programming meetings, and our annual curatorial jury process.
- Aid in curatorial research, information gathering and writing.
- Input on policies and practices to support the inclusion of people with lived/living experience of mental illness at grunt gallery.
Qualifications:
Required Skills and Experience:
- Lived/Living experience of mental illness
- 2-4 years curatorial and/or arts programming experience
- An intercultural skill-set to effectively work with a diverse group of staff, artists and community members, and a history of engagement with Indigenous and LGBTQIA+2S peoples
- Some experience in community engagement and event production
- Strong communication and coordination skills
- Ability to work collaboratively
- Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends
Other relevant skills and experience (considered an asset but not required):
- Post-secondary education in an arts-related field
- Experience with accessible arts presentation supporting the inclusion of Deaf and/or Disabled+ people
- An understanding of artist run centres
If you do not meet all of the above criteria, but feel you would be a good fit for this role, you are encouraged to reach out with questions and to apply. A diversity of skills and experience can be relevant to this role.
How to Apply:
Please send your cover letter and C.V. to meagan@grunt.ca
