Artistic Director

About Canal Projects

Canal Projects is a nonprofit contemporary art space in downtown Manhattan committed to supporting and showcasing emerging and underrepresented artists from around the globe. With a dynamic curatorial program, residencies, and public events, Canal Projects seeks to be a vital platform for bold experimentation and long-term artist development — a springboard for artists to connect with prominent institutions and collections through authentic and resonant practices.

Canal Projects builds long-term partnerships with artists through meaningful, evolving engagement that goes beyond visibility.

Position Overview

The Artistic Director will lead the curatorial, strategic, and operational direction of Canal Projects. This is a multifaceted leadership role that combines visionary curatorial thinking with strong administrative, financial, and communications skills. The Artistic Director will be responsible for driving all aspects of programming, institutional development, operations, and external relations in close collaboration with the Board of Directors.

This is not a role for someone focused solely on institutional prestige or the commercial art market — we are seeking a leader with deep subject matter expertise in international contemporary art, paired with the operational know-how and strategic mindset to grow an ambitious artist-centered nonprofit space. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and confident in overseeing gallery operations, budgeting, team management, and PR/marketing communications.

Core Responsibilities

Curatorial and Strategic Leadership

• Shape and implement a compelling curatorial strategy aligned with Canal Projects’ mission and long-term vision.
• Develop and lead an annual exhibition calendar, commissions, and public programs that reflect emerging and global perspectives.
• Mentor and collaborate with the curatorial assistant in executing curatorial research, artist engagement, exhibition planning, and interpretive development.
• Shape and oversee the gallery’s programmatic vision and strategy, including budgets for artist projects and institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with the Board and Managing Director on strategic planning, impact measurement, and long-term growth initiatives.

Operational Oversight

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the gallery, including team management, vendor and contractor coordination, and exhibition delivery.
• Lead organizational budgeting and financial tracking with accuracy and transparency.
• Supervise scheduling, installations, art handling, gallery maintenance, and visitor experience to ensure professional standards across all operations.

Partnerships & Program Development

• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with institutions, curators, artists, galleries, and academics on local, regional, national, and international levels.
• Initiate cross-disciplinary and research-based programs that elevate the visibility and influence of Canal Projects.

Marketing, Communications & External Relations

• Oversee the gallery’s public relations strategy, including working closely with external PR agencies and media partners.
• Lead the development of marketing, press, and digital communications, including social media and website content, in collaboration with internal and/or external teams.
• Serve as the primary public-facing voice of the organization and represent Canal Projects at industry convenings, panels, and events.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• A postgraduate qualification (MA or PhD) in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Visual Culture, or a closely related field.
• At least 7–10 years of curatorial experience in a nonprofit gallery or artist-centered space, with a strong record of exhibition making and artist collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a gallery or institutional space, including day-to-day operations, budgeting, staff oversight, and scheduling.
• Proven leadership experience in strategic planning and institutional growth within the arts.
• Experience working with PR agencies and leading public relations strategy.
• Experience overseeing marketing, press campaigns, and social media communications for an arts organization.
• Excellent communication skills — both written and verbal — with the ability to speak to a wide range of audiences.
• Deep knowledge of contemporary art and visual cultures, with an international and inclusive outlook.
• Working familiarity with key discourses in the art field, including equity, decoloniality, ecology, and sustainability.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to collaborate with artists, funders, boards, and partners.
• Comfort representing the institution publicly and managing high-level relationships.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with the New York art scene as well as global independent art spaces and networks.
• Experience managing residencies, commissions, or long-term artist development programs.
• Experience in grant writing, institutional fundraising, or development strategy.