Current Opportunities

The creation of the Audain Art Museum in the beautiful mountain resort of Whistler BC (only one and half hours from Vancouver, BC) must be one of the best recent stories anywhere in the art museum world. It covers the initial idea of Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa in September 2012, through the design and construction of a spectacular $44 million, 56,000 sq. ft. building, to the opening in March 2016 with a permanent collection of 200 works and a forward program of special exhibitions already in place. Now after a year and a half of operating, the Museum has enjoyed an enthusiastic reception from the local community and visitors from around the world, and is well on its way to building an international reputation. (See audainartmuseum.com).

The Museum’s permanent collection includes one of the world’s most important representations of centuries-old Pacific Northwest Coast masks, over two dozen works by Emily Carr and contemporary pieces reflecting a stunning visual journey of the art-making history of British Columbia. The special exhibitions have included Mexican Modernists, Masterworks from the Beaverbrook Gallery, the Kimonos of Ichimaru, and Matisse drawings.

The Museum is now ready to embark on its next phase of evolution starting with the recruitment of a Director who will work with the Board of Trustees to continue the development and implementation of a strategic plan. The Director will provide overall leadership for all aspects of the operation of the Museum, including the staff team; the care and development of its collections, exhibitions and public programs; effective infrastructure and financial management; fundraising programs; and collaboration with local and national arts communities to expand the brand of the Museum. As chief spokesman for the Museum, the Director will be the face of the museum to existing and new constituencies.

For this role, we are seeking to connect with experienced Directors or Senior Curators of well-respected art museums who would love to combine their passion for visual art and culture with a desire to live in a nature filled community such as Whistler. Backed by strong financial management and an eye for generating revenue streams, you are well versed in building programming that engages the various target audiences. You are a people-oriented leader, comfortable in developing and implementing strategic plans that meet the objectives of the Museum while championing the development of a strong staff team and extending relationships with various communities.

To be considered for the role, please submit your resume and cover letter, to search@wmc.bc.ca quoting file 08721. To learn more about the opportunity, please feel free to contact Kataneh Sherkat at (604) 443-3717 or Richard Savage at (604) 443-3715.