Bonavista Biennale is an innovative, rural-based, public art event occurring every two years in Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland) on the Bonavista Peninsula. It provides a unique platform for artists and audiences to explore, engage, challenge and express ideas through contemporary art.
Over the course of its five previous iterations, the Biennale has featured over 110 provincial, national and international artists, at over 40 different indoor and outdoor sites along a 165-km coastal loop around the Peninsula.
POSITION: CURATOR(S) – Bonavista Biennale 2027
Bonavista Biennale is seeking a Curator or Curators to work with our team to realize the 2027 Biennale (August 14 – September 12, 2027). Building on what the Biennale has achieved to date, the Curator(s) will bring their vision and expertise to the opportunity of growing the Biennale’s provincial, national and international reputation, while remaining sensitive to regional and community priorities and concerns.
The Curator(s) will undertake the responsibilities outlined below, reporting to the Executive Director. An Exhibitions Manager will lend administrative and logistical support to the Curator(s). Applicants may be independent or institutionally affiliated.
Responsibilities
Curatorial Oversite:
- Research, develop, and articulate a curatorial theme, vision, and direction for the Biennale, with regular updates to the Executive Director;
- Research, select, and invite participating artists;
- Research sites and engage artists with site selection;
- Collect and maintain artist research and production files;
- Provide project status updates as requested.
Exhibition and Artists:
- Work with the Executive Director and Exhibitions Manager to ensure artists’ travel, accommodation, and hosting/facilitation requirements are met;
- Communicate with artists regarding artworks and installation requirements;
- Oversee and coordinate site preparation and installation of artists’ work in collaboration with the Exhibitions Manager, including practical assistance to artists as needed, and ensuring health and safety standards are met;
- Contribute content for Biennale texts, including but not limited to: website, on-site interpretive materials, exhibition brochure, and catalogue;
- Work to ensure all texts are accessible to maximize audience engagement and understanding, in collaboration with the Executive Director;
- Participate in the development of ancillary programming, such as speakers’ series, workshops, performances, etc.;
- Meet established deadlines.
Budget Development and Follow up:
- Work in collaboration with the Executive Director and Exhibitions Manager to proactively manage the exhibition budget.
Communication and Public Relations:
- Contribute as requested to exhibition announcements and social media;
- Participate in media interviews as requested;
- Participate in artist and curator talks and/or tours as requested;
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Graphic Designer in delivering the 2027 exhibition catalogue following the public event.
Partnerships and Funding:
- Work in collaboration with the Executive Director and Exhibitions Manager to seek out opportunities for institutional collaborations, such as co-commissions;
- Support funding opportunities, such as grants, foundation support, or private donations;
- Where requested, advise artists on opportunities and/or applications for grants in support of their Biennale projects.
Other requirements:
- Driver’s license
Commitment and timeline:
- 1 week of in-person research during the summer of 2026 (to be scheduled in July / August), including studio visits in NL and site visits around the Bonavista Peninsula (expenses covered);
- Meet virtually on a monthly to bi-weekly basis with the Executive Director to discuss proposed artists, sites, and overall Biennale theme and progress;
- Return to the Bonavista Peninsula for ~10 days in August 2027 to oversee installations and participate in artist hosting activities and opening weekend programs;
- Propose, and participate in, on-site and/or virtual events over the course of the Biennale year;
- Participate in a post-Biennale debrief.
The curator(s) will receive a total flat fee of $30,000 CAD, plus HST if applicable, payable in four installments tied to deliverables: $5,000 in May 2026, $7,500 in January 2027, $10,000 in June 2027 and $7,500 upon completion of all duties. If the curator(s) are a collaborative duo, the total fee will be split.
All travel to and within Newfoundland and Labrador, including airfare/mileage, accommodation, and a per diem will be covered by the Biennale at the most economical rates. An additional research travel stipend of $2,500 will also be offered.
Curators at all levels are encouraged to apply; candidates should have experience working closely with artists to realize site-specific installations, new commissions, and/or community-based projects. Knowledge and experience of the arts community in Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland) and Nunatsiavut and Nitassinan (Labrador) is an asset. International candidates will be considered, but will be responsible for securing any required work permits.
Applicants should be mindful of the unique physical environment of the Bonavista Peninsula, and aware of the unique challenges presented by a remote, rural Biennale. Research, site visits and installation require driving significant distances. Installations must be carefully planned around extreme weather, site limitations, health and safety protocols and the cost and availability of materials and equipment on the Peninsula. Cell phone coverage, and access to electricity are not readily available in all parts of the Peninsula and must be factored into planning. As part of a small team, the Curator(s) will be expected to be actively and physically engaged in installation, trouble shooting, problem solving, and the transportation of artists as needed. Working in this context requires patience, adaptability, and a proactive, collaborative mindset.
Start date: May 18, 2026
To apply: Submit a cover letter (1 page maximum), CV, and contact information for two (2) professional references by email to Sue Balint, Executive Director: sue@bonavistabiennale.com. We will acknowledge receipt of your application.
Applications are due by April 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM NT.
Bonavista Biennale encourages applications from IBPOC communities, as well as those self-identifying as part of other marginalized and/or vulnerable groups. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Learn more about our organization and programs at bonavistabiennale.com.
Bonavista Biennale acknowledges the land on which we gather is Ktaqmkuk, traditional unceded Mi’kmaw territory. We respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu and Inuit of this province, and the ongoing connections with the past, present and future in our relationships with Indigenous and other peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.