Lead Public Art Coordinator

Lead Public Art Coordinator Overview

Reporting to the Manager of Community Arts & Theatre, the Lead Public Art Coordinator plans, develops and implements new permanent and temporary public art projects and related educational programs and events, and coordinates the maintenance and preservation of the City’s public art inventory.

• Plan, oversee and lead the development and implementation of the City-wide public art program, public art projects and related programs and services, in alignment with policies, cultural strategies, and community objectives.
• Provide strategic advice, expertise and guidance to City departments, developers and community partners to integrate public art into civic infrastructure, capital projects and neighbourhood plans, ensuring alignment with City priorities and objectives.
• Collaborate with engineers, architects and artists to ensure design integrity, feasibility and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct research and analysis of social, economic, cultural and artistic data; prepare reports, concept plans and recommendations to support policy, bylaw and program development related to public art initiatives.
• Lead complex planning and policy processes related to the public art portfolio, including revising existing policies and preparing draft policies and guidelines.
• Provide input into community city-wide and inter-departmental planning policies, area plans, zoning considerations and other planning initiatives related to public art.
• Develop strategies and campaigns to promote community awareness, engagement and participation in public art.
• Facilitate public consultation and advisory committee processes to gather meaningful input from stakeholders.
• Plan and convene review panels to adjudicate public art proposals and work with specialized advisory group members including Indigenous Elders, educators, community members and art experts.
• Develop artist calls and contracts with artists, contractors and specialized service providers.
• Oversee and evaluate the work of external artists, contractors and specialized service providers; provide direction, guidance and feedback throughout design, fabrication and installation to ensure compliance with project goals, budgets, schedules and safety standards.
• Build strong relationships and partnerships with a wide variety of internal and external interest holders.
• Integrate City values of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism into the public art program by developing strategies to ensure that the City’s public art collection and initiatives reflect the diversity of New Westminster and support an inclusive and welcoming community.
• Ensure accurate documentation and management of the City’s public art collection, including its upkeep through active preservation, conservation and restoration methods that use industry best practices and coordinates deaccessioning as required.
• Coordinate and facilitate unveiling event(s) and educational programs related to public art projects.
• Prepare policies, guidelines, project plans, reports and presentations related to the City’s public art program and provide research, statistical and content analysis related to public art as needed.
• Provide administration and oversight of the City’s public art reserve fund, input to associated operating and capital budgets, and monitor the same.
• Perform related work as required.

• University degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Fine Arts, Art History, Cultural Resource Management or a related discipline, plus considerable related experience in public art administration, project management or conservation; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of community development, community art and public art, including associated methods and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing the work performed.
• Considerable knowledge of the needs and interests of the community and of sectorial best practices related to municipal public art planning.
• Considerable knowledge of design, construction and fabrication processes…