CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers) is seeking quotes for a part-time curator for two artwork exhibits. This is a part-time contract from August to November 2014.

Please send cover letter with fee quote, resume, and summary of curatorial experience as it relates to this contract to:

Helena Aalto
Administrative Director
CANSCAIP
office@canscaip.org
416 515-1559

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS WITH QUOTES:  August 15, 2014

Responsibilities of Curator

SELECTING AND EVALUATING ARTWORK
– evaluate and select art for two exhibits, and participate in exhibits as outlined

October 1 to October 19, 2014 (installation September 30)
L Space Gallery
Humber College Lakeshore Campus
“Capturing Your Imagination: The Art of Story Telling”
NOTE: This exhibit leads up to and includes the dates of CANSCAIP’s Packaging Your Imagination conference (October 18 and 19) at Humber College; open to the public

November 13 to 16, 2014 (installation November 12)
INSPIRE: Toronto International Book Fair
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
NOTE: This event will be open to the public; CANSCAIP will have a booth at this event

–  exhibits will include about 40 pieces of original art, sketches and storyboards; many pieces will be in both exhibits; selections will be made from pdf submissions from CANSCAIP members
–  evaluate work submitted for suitability for publication and not just on artistic merit; book publishers, children’s book art directors and literary agents will attend these exhibits and artwork should appeal to their professional interest; final selection must also have cross-country representation (not just GTA)
–  provide guidance to artists about pricing their works
–  gather, coordinate and edit artist statements and other information from artists for exhibit; write and edit descriptions for artwork labels to use in exhibits

LOGISTICS
–  inspect artwork submitted, and fix any problems found with glass, wiring, framing, etc.
–  provide guidance to artists about framing/mounting their works
–  provide guidance for packing and moving works
–  contact individual illustrators to request artwork, artist statements or other information, and/or to coordinate return of materials (including reminding illustrators to pick up their work)
–  modify Humber release form to also cover CANSCAIP; ensure that all digital and physical submissions are covered by release, and that CANSCAIP office has physical and digital copy of all signed release forms

INSTALLATION & TAKE DOWN OF EXHIBITS
–  plan layout and design of exhibits: positioning of works, traffic flow, input/sourcing of banners, window and wall decals, and other decor
–  direct and supervise installations, working with Humber College work study students and CANSCAIP volunteers
–  be present during most/all of Toronto International Book Fair exhibition (November 13 to 16)
–  be present during Humber College L Space Gallery exhibition (October 1 to October 19) some of the time (as available)
–  attend reception at Humber L Space Gallery on Friday, October 17; during reception, liaise with art directors, editors, agents, etc. at the reception, and introduce them to the illustrators
–  be present at installation and take down of exhibits; direct and supervise Humber work study students and CANSCAIP volunteers

PROMOTION
–  liaise with art directors, editors, agents, etc. (and curator’s own contacts) to invite them to the exhibition and reception, and introduce them to introverted illustrators hiding in the corner
–  assist Humber and CANSCAIP in planning and executing interactivity opportunities that encourage visitors to connect and participate with the exhibits, especially Humber students

OTHER
–  if CANSCAIP decides to pursue this: explore options for creation of online version of exhibition and obtain releases from artists for same and/or recommend software or techniques for CANSCAIP to pursue in the future, such as a virtual gallery on our website, behind the members only wall