
Curator – Art Along the Bow
Contract Type: Part-time, Contract
Contract Fee: $4,000 (flat fee)
Contract Duration: 3 months (April–June 2026)
Estimated Commitment: Approximately 16 hours per week over 3 months, including one on-site day per week
To apply please send a letter of interest and CV to HR@thenewgallery.org
with the subject line “Curator Application”
Deadline: February 28th, 2026
with the subject line “Curator Application”
Deadline: February 28th, 2026
About the Project
Art Along the Bow is a new outdoor public art festival presented by The New Gallery (TNG). The project transforms the Bow River Pathway in downtown Calgary into a continuous corridor of artistic encounters. Featuring site-responsive artworks, installations, and public engagement activities, the festival connects Calgary’s natural landscape with its urban and cultural life.
This project is supported by RISE UP Calgary.
Position Overview
The Curator will play a key role in shaping the artistic vision and public experience of Art Along the Bow. Working closely with TNG’s team, the Curator will support artist research and selection, site-based curation, coordination with the City of Calgary (including permits and licensing support), and the integration of artworks along the river pathway. The role ensures strong conceptual cohesion, accessibility, and meaningful community engagement throughout the project.
This is a part-time, contract-based role ideal for an emerging or mid-career curator with experience in public art or outdoor exhibitions.
Who are you?
If you are passionate about bringing together 40 artists to showcase their work in a month-long public art festival,
If you are organized and work well under deadlines,
If you have strong problem-solving skills and enjoy working in dynamic public environments,
If you are eager to expand and experiment with your curatorial practice,
This position is designed for you.
Key Responsibilities
Curatorial Development
- Support the development of the overall curatorial framework for Art Along the Bow in collaboration with TNG.
- Play a key role in artist research, selection, and curatorial coordination (approximately 40 Calgary-based artists).
- Work with artists to align proposed works with site conditions, public context, and accessibility considerations.
- Support artists during installation and deinstallation periods.
- Work closely with the TNG team on site selection and collaborate with the City of Calgary and community partners.
Site & Exhibition Coordination
- Participate in site walks along the Bow River Pathway to support artwork placement and spatial flow.
- Collaborate with TNG staff on mapping artworks across multiple locations (e.g. riverwalks, parks, and cultural sites).
- Provide curatorial input on installation timelines, spatial relationships, and overall audience experience.
Public Engagement & Interpretation
- Contribute to interpretive materials, including artist statements, curatorial texts, and public-facing descriptions.
- Support the development of guided walks, artist talks, and community engagement activities.
- Assist with content development for digital and print maps (QR-code based and physical guides).
Collaboration & Communication
- Work collaboratively with TNG staff, artists, and community partners.
- Attend regular project check-ins (virtual or in-person).
- Provide timely feedback and maintain clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
Required Qualifications
- Experience in curatorial practice, public art, or artist-run centre contexts.
- Strong interest in site-responsive, outdoor art practices.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a small, community-focused team.
- Familiarity with Calgary’s arts ecosystem is an asset.
Compensation
- $4,000 CAD flat fee, inclusive of all work associated with the role.
- Payment schedule to be confirmed with The New Gallery (TNG) staff.
