ACE 2008

ART, CREATIVITY AND ENTERPRISE

This program introduced by the WKP Kennedy Gallery is meant to expose and involve the students to the administrative activities and practices of art and cultural facilities such as the WKP Kennedy Gallery. The ACE Program has been designed to instruct and ensure the final production of creative projects and artists portfolios.

This program is really an innovative program, and my experience with it so far has been fantastic. It challenges young artists, emerging in the community to experiment with different mediums and styles in art. Along with this exploration in art, the program provides students with the chance to understand the business side to art.

Coming from the perspective of an emerging artist, I can see the value in this program in the community. There are many obstacles in life, that can confront you as an artist and as an emerging artist in a smaller art community it can be discouraging. Often you are either identified as an artist or a student often the descriptive title of an artist is second to your primary label by society. For example in university I was a student first, and then I was an artist. Although I saw myself as an artist who was on a sort of journey to define myself, the community was ready to identify me as a student instead of an artist (rather than being both at one time). The ACE program provides students the opportunity to go on the journey to find their “style” and artistic voice in the community without subjecting the participants to the label of either student OR artist. The ACE program also prepares students for the business side to the art world. Being a successful artist also requires you to be a successful business person.

The ACE program teaches students the different business practices and the idea that there is more to being successful as an artist than just hanging a framed piece on a wall. The ACE program has taught students the importance of networking, event planning, advertising and ensuring a work is complete. Along with teaching traditional visual media practices students have also been introduced to multimedia art practices such as video compilation, as well as “craft” practices such as jewelry design.

I applaud programs like this one in the community that constantly challenge youth and provide students with the tools for a successful future as an artist. I also thank artistic centers such as the WKP Kennedy Gallery which encourage these successful programs, allowing for North Bay’s artist community to flourish.

I encourage everyone to show support for this fantastic program by attending events such as the ACE launch party coming up August 22^nd 2008 from 4 – 10 pm !!

ACE 2008 launch party finalized details!!!

Hey everyone! for all those interested in art, or just a good time on a Friday night without any money involved, come check out the ACE 2008 launch party exhibition which opens August 22nd at 4PM and goes till 10PM. This event will be at the WKP Kennedy gallery which is located in the Capitol center on Main street (email me if you need more details) The event will feature Monty Python movies, free pizza, chips, pop and punch and some great music to go with some fantastic art. Don't miss the chance to see some original artwork, by young artists of North Bay.

Hope to see everyone there
(3-D glasses will be on sale, with some funky original designs, for 2.00 at the door

job opportunity at the Kennedy

WKP Kennedy Gallery

Gallery Coordinator

The successful candidate will be an outgoing person with strong communication skills and a keen interest in the arts and visual arts in particular. The Gallery Coordinator works closely with the Director/ Curator, with Part-time Gallery Staff and with our Board and volunteers. Duties include: day-to-day gallery operations, mailings, memberships, educational projects, volunteer co-ordination, fundraising events planning and development, administration of gallery project staff, and production of exhibition promotion materials. The Gallery Coordinator is also an arts advocate who will liaise with other galleries and cultural groups, set up meetings of the Board and sub-committees, as well as project-based meetings. The Gallery Coordinator will assist with installing art exhibitions and setting up and removing all opening reception and exhibition materials.

The Gallery Coordinator, while reporting to and working with the Director / Curator, will also be self-directed and able to work unsupervised. The successful candidate will possess excellent communication skills, enjoy working with the public, have excellent computer skills especially in Word, web-based software, Excel and Access, and be able to represent and support the gallery and the arts centre in all visual art matters. A formal background in visual art administration would be beneficial.

The Coordinator will work with the Director in all facets of gallery management and will become proficient in overseeing the day to day operations and maintenance of the gallery. The Coordinator will be able to work professionally with artists, curators, printers, shippers, insurance agents, caterers and gallery volunteers who assist with gallery operations.

The Gallery Coordinator will be expected to shift cheerfully from office duties to public relations, to installing exhibitions, conducting tours and assisting at receptions, talks and other special events – all in the course of a week, occasionally in the course of a day.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Arts administration experience or graduate

· Excellent communication and social skills

· Computer, Office and Organizational skills

· An understanding of various media art practices is an asset

· Experience working with artists is an asset

· Gallery or non-profit organization experience

· Physically fit as there is some lifting involved during exhibition installations

· Basic graphic design is also an asset

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

Have you planned, designed and produced educational projects for galleries before? If so, talk about your successes with these projects.

Especially in media art, we can never know the whole technical picture. How would you go about gathering information about new media art practices or techniques?

Have you ever applied for grants or helped to apply for a grant? Which ones and what were your responsibilities?

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please submit to us a cover letter and current resume by August 20^th, 2008. Remember to identify the position you are applying for in your letter. Mailing address: W.K.P. Kennedy Gallery, 150 Main St. East, North Bay, ON P1B 1A8

For further information about us and the position: Call at 705-474-1944 ext. 231, 227 or email dermot@kennedygallery.org

COMPETITION DEADLINES

We will be reviewing applications until August 20th, 2008. A shortlist will be made up at that time and we will be interviewing candidates between August 21^st and 22^nd, 2008. The Hiring Committee will make

its final decision by Friday, August 22^nd (barring unforeseen delays) and the position will commence Tuesday, August 26th.

SALARY

This position is funded through the Gallery’s operating budget. The salary for this contracted full-time position is 11.50 per hour for a 28 hour work week.

Art Creativity and Enterprise Team

Friday August 22nd, 2008 From 4 -10 Pm stop by the Kennedy Gallery at 150 Main street East for an art, music and media event!
This will be a great exhibition and launch party that will feature works from participants of this year's ACE program!