News - Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Director of the Marion McCain Institute for Atlantic Canadian Art

Reports to: Executive Director and CEO, Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Direct reports: Contract curators, artists and other external partners engaged by the Institute.

Job Purpose:

Significantly build upon the Beaverbrook Art Gallery's curatorial reputation for excellence in all aspects of Atlantic Canadian art.

Work closely with the Executive Director and CEO to shape and develop both the curatorial vision and physical presentation of the Beaverbrook’s exhibitions, acquisitions, and collections relating to Atlantic Canadian art.

Produce exhibitions in a variety of formats of Atlantic Canadian art that include appropriate interpretive materials - publications, catalogues, and online features, among others.

Present in-house exhibitions in the institute’s designated galleries at the Beaverbrook.

Build and improve the gallery’s permanent collection of Atlantic Canadian art by carefully selecting new works to acquire.

Work with the Beaverbrook's education and public programs department to produce and present programs and materials that support the gallery's public education mandate.

Serve as a spokesperson for the Beaverbrook in matters relating to Atlantic Canadian art and artists.

As the Beaverbrook develops its curatorial department, work with other staff and contract curators to strengthen the gallery's mandate for excellence in curatorial matters.

Establish relationships, wherever possible, with organizations focusing on Atlantic Canadian art and artists.

Ensure, through the Executive Director and CEO, that the Marion McCain family is informed of all substantive programs and initiatives.

Facilitate, wherever possible, introductions of emerging Atlantic Canadian artists to commercial galleries both domestically and internationally.

Advise the Executive Director on best practices relating to the evolution and complexities of representing Atlantic Canadian through the Institute.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Work with the Executive Director to define the strategic plan, mandate and goals of the Marion McCain Institute of Atlantic Canadian Art both in the short term (five years) and in the long term.

Manage all aspects of the Institute, including budgets, program and exhibition scheduling, staffing, and relationships with external partners.

Prepare and present reports on Atlantic Canadian art to the Beaverbrook's Collections Committee relating to collections development, acquisitions, deaccessions and other related matters.

Develop, produce and present art exhibitions of Atlantic Canadian art within the designated galleries of the Institute at the Beaverbrook. This includes a minimum of four in-house exhibitions annually, some with national tours, online exhibitions and programs, and programs in other formats as appropriate.

The Director will build, or oversee with a guest curator, a minimum of four exhibitions of Atlantic Canadian art per year, representing, but not limited to:

Collection-based exhibitions

Historic and contemporary art from the region

Ensure Indigenous and Acadian representation in the exhibition calendar

The Director will be responsible for creating and ensuring a travelling program for the Institute’s exhibitions with a focus on Canada-wide engagement through peer institutions.

Working with the Director and CEO, the Director will be tasked with identifying and pursuing international touring opportunities for Atlantic Canadian exhibitions through the Institute.

The Director will enhance the Institute’s online presence, improving access to its existing online collections.

The Director will have editorial responsibility for Billie Magazine and will focus on national exposure for the publication.

The Director will also lead in developing web-based programming in consultation with internal and external partners.

The Institute will serve the broader New Brunswick visual arts sector as a resource for touring Beaverbrook Collection exhibitions to regional galleries across the province.

The Director will be responsible for:

The interpretation of the art exhibitions and the permanent collection of Atlantic Canadian art.

Advise the Executive Director on funding opportunities to support the activities of the Institute.

Liaising with artists, in-house and external curators, educators and other partners in support of the Institute's goals.

Advising the Executive Director on related curatorial matters and the development of curatorial capacity at the Beaverbrook.

Core Qualifications & Skills:

Education: Master’s degree in art history, Fine Arts, or Museum Studies is mandatory; a Ph.D. highly preferred.

Experience: At least 8-10+ years in museum curatorial roles, with 3–5 years in a senior leadership or management capacity.

Expertise: Deep knowledge of the museum’s specific collection area and the art of Atlantic Canada.

Leadership & Management: Proven experience managing budgets, staff, strategic planning, and exhibition logistics.

Communication: Excellent writing, public speaking, and negotiation skills for working with donors, artists, and board members.

Research & Publication: A solid record of research, publishing, and exhibition curation.

Community Engagement: Experience in fostering relationships with diverse communities, including Indigenous, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA2S+ groups.

Location:

The continuous physical location of the Marion McCain Institute of Atlantic Canadian Art

at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery will include:

The Marion McCain Gallery of Atlantic Canadian Art on the Beaverbrook's main level.

The institute’s activities and installations may also extend to the other galleries and spaces at Beaverbrook. These interventions will be developed in consultation with the Executive Director, other members of the curatorial department, the education and public programs department, and the development and visitor services department.

General:

Liaise with other departments and staff as needed.

Build or strengthen institutional relations with other visual arts’ institutions.

Adhere to the Beaverbrook's Code of Conduct, Health and Safety Policy, Harassment Policy and all other matters as outlined in the Staff Handbook.

Occasional after-hours work required.

Conduct other duties as required.

Bilingualism (English-French) is an asset.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Please submit your cover letter and résumé to hr@beaverbrookartgallery.org

(Fredericton, NB) — The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is proud to welcome Gaëtane Verna, one of Canada’s most respected and internationally recognized curators and arts leaders, for a special two-part bilingual talk celebrating contemporary art, Francophone cultural leadership, and global curatorial practice. This high-profile visit marks a significant moment for the Gallery and offers audiences a rare opportunity to engage with a leading voice shaping contemporary art in Canada and beyond.

Presented in both French and English, the talks underscore Verna’s deep commitment to Francophone culture and bilingual exchange. The French-language talk will take place on March 4, followed by the English-language talk on March 5, both from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

Over the course of her distinguished career, Gaëtane Verna has played a pivotal role in advancing Francophone perspectives within national and international art institutions. Drawing on her experience as Executive Director of the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University and her transformative decade as Director and Artistic Director of The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto, Verna will reflect on leading major multidisciplinary institutions while championing artistic innovation, cultural dialogue, and equity in the arts.

The talk will also trace her earlier leadership as Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Musée d’art de Joliette, as well as her curatorial and academic work at Bishop’s University and the Université du Québec à Montréal. As an educator, writer, and curator deeply rooted in Francophone intellectual traditions, Verna has consistently bridged scholarly research, public engagement, and contemporary artistic practice.

Internationally, Verna’s influence continues to grow. In 2024, she curated the Canada Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale, further cementing her role as a key ambassador for Canadian and Francophone contemporary art on the world stage. Across her career, she has curated and organized numerous exhibitions by Canadian and international artists, contributed widely to art publications, and stewarded institutional collections spanning medieval, modern, and contemporary art.

Gaëtane Verna’s visit represents an exciting and meaningful moment for the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the broader cultural community. Her presence highlights the Gallery’s commitment to bilingualism, international exchange, and the celebration of diverse voices shaping contemporary art today.

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About Gaëtane Verna
Gaëtane Verna is a Canadian curator, art historian, and arts leader. From 2022 to 2025, she served as Executive Director of the Wexner Center for the Arts, a multidisciplinary arts center at The Ohio State University. She previously led The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto as Director and Artistic Director from 2012 to 2022. Earlier in her career, she held senior curatorial and leadership roles at the Musée d’art de Joliette and Bishop’s University, while teaching art history at both Bishop’s University and the Université du Québec à Montréal. Verna has curated numerous exhibitions by Canadian and international artists, published extensively, and contributed to a wide range of scholarly and curatorial publications. She is also active in governance and advisory roles within the arts sector.

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery enriches life through art.

Media Contact

Rachel Forrestall

Marketing Specialist

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

703 Queen Street, P.O. 605

Fredericton, NB E3B 5A6

Email: rachel.forrestall@beaverbrookartgallery.org

We look forward to welcoming you during the holiday season! Please note our adjusted hours below:

December 24: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
December 25: Closed for Christmas
December 26–31: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Please note: We will be closed on Monday, December 29
January 1: Closed for New Year’s Day
January 2: We return to our regular hours

Wishing you a joyful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you in the gallery!

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is delighted to welcome a new work by internationally celebrated Cree artist Kent Monkman to its collection.

Gail Maurice, from Monkman’s series wâsê-acâhkosak (Shining Stars), has been generously donated to the Beaverbrook by the artist.

“Fellow trickster and Shining Star Gail Maurice inspires me. She is a Cree/Métis filmmaker and actor whose passion for sharing Indigenous stories led her to establish Assini Productions… Her knowledge of nēhiyawēwin/Michif has been invaluable to me in writing The Memoirs of Miss Chief Eagle Testickle.”

— Kent Monkman

In this portrait, Monkman places Maurice on a grand stage, celebrating her as a modern hero and reimagining the possibilities of portraiture. The wâsê-acâhkosak (Shining Stars) series is a love letter to Indigenous friends and collaborators, honouring their creativity and resilience.

To mark the arrival of this remarkable work, the Beaverbrook has curated an exhibition drawn from its collection. Now on view in Icons: Portraits of Women.

Media Contact

Curtis Richardson

Director of Communications and Visitor Services

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

703 Queen Street, P.O. 605

Fredericton, NB E3B 5A6

Email: crichardson@beaverbrookartgallery.org

www.beaverbrookartgallery.org

(Fredericton, NB) – In response to the incredible enthusiasm and support generated by the Made in NB campaign, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery is proud to announce the launch of the Made in NB Exhibition— a major showcase celebrating the depth, diversity, and innovation of artistic talent in New Brunswick. The exhibition builds on the success of the original campaign, which highlighted the power and resilience of local creativity in uncertain times.

Made in NB brings together a compelling selection of historic and contemporary works, shining a spotlight on artists whose practices reflect New Brunswick’s vibrant cultural identity. The exhibition features work by Molly Lamb Bobak, I-Chun Jenkins, Cathy Ross, Léopold Foulem, Brigitte Clavette, Gary Weekes, Claude Roussel, Thaddeus Holownia, Roméo Savoie, Roger Simon, Alex Colville, among others. Many of these works are being shown to the public for the first time.

Curated by the Marion McCain Institute for Atlantic Canadian Art, the exhibition responds directly to the cultural moment we are living in, one marked by shifting global relationships and economic uncertainties, including recent conversations around international tariffs which impact all of us. The exhibition is both a celebration of what is made here and a powerful reminder of the value of homegrown creative expression.

“This exhibition highlights the outstanding work of New Brunswick artists—a vision held by our mother, Marion (Billie) McCain, a very proud New Brunswicker, who would have been pleased to stand in support and solidarity with New Brunswick artists during this time of uncertainty.” states Ann McCain Evans, Board Member of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. “My siblings and I are delighted that the Marion McCain Institute for Atlantic Canadian Art will play a part in supporting and honouring their talent.”

A new Made in NB artwork will continue to be on view in the Harrison McCain Pavilion each week, offering visitors a powerful encounter with the original works that were chosen and shaped the successful campaign. Visitors can experience the full expansive exhibition inside the gallery.

“New Brunswick has always punched above its weight when it comes to producing remarkable art,” says Bernard Doucet, Executive Director of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. “This exhibition is a tribute to that legacy, and to the artists who continue to push the boundaries right here in our province.”

The Beaverbrook invites the public to experience the rich cultural fabric of New Brunswick and to celebrate the artists shaping its future.

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The Beaverbrook Art Gallery, located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is one of Canada’s finest art institutions. Opened in 1959, the Gallery offers a diverse range of exhibitions, educational programs, and events that foster cultural engagement. It showcases both historical and contemporary works, celebrating Canadian, Indigenous, and international artists. The Gallery serves as a cultural hub for the community, offering dynamic experiences for visitors. Its permanent collection includes over 5,000 artworks, featuring significant pieces by British, Canadian, Indigenous, and Atlantic artists, including works by renowned masters such as Salvador Dalí.

Media Contacts

Curtis Richardson

Manager of Marketing and Communications

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

703 Queen Street, P.O. 605

Fredericton, NB E3B 5A6

Phone: (506) 458-2028

Email: crichardson@beaverbrookartgallery.org

Web: www.beaverbrookartgallery.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeaverbrookArtGallery

X: www.x.com/BeaverbrookAG

Instagram: www.instagram.com/beaverbrook_ag

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/beaverbrook-art-gallery

Keep our holiday hours in mind when planning your trip to the Beaverbrook this long weekend!

Holiday hours:

Friday, April 18: closed

Saturday, April 19: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 20: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Monday, April 21: closed

Click here to view our current exhibitions!

In response to overwhelming demand, Tom Thomson: North Star has been extended for an additional week! The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is thrilled to offer visitors an extended opportunity to experience this extraordinary exhibition, which will now be on view until March 30.

This remarkable collection, showcasing the genius of one of Canada’s most iconic artists, continues to captivate and inspire, providing a unique chance to immerse yourself in Thomson’s breathtaking landscapes and groundbreaking oil sketches.

Organized and circulated by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, with exceptional support from the National Gallery of Canada. The exhibition is supported at the Beaverbrook with funding from the Government of Canada and the John E. Irving Family (Isles Foundation).

Join us on November 23 from 2 PM to 4 PM for the unveiling of the newly restored “Beavers” sculpture by Acadian artist Claude Roussel at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery!

This restoration project, in partnership with the City of Fredericton, returns this iconic piece to public view. Come celebrate this cherished part of Fredericton’s history and the rich cultural heritage it represents!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Beaverbrook Art Gallery to Host Landmark Radical Stitch Exhibition

(October 28, 2024, Fredericton, NB) – The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is thrilled to announce the upcoming presentation of Radical Stitch, the most comprehensive exhibition of contemporary Indigenous beadwork ever seen on Turtle Island (North America). Travelling to the Beaverbrook following it’s stop at the National Gallery of Canada, the exhibition will run from November 30, 2024, to March 2, 2025. This groundbreaking showcase celebrates beadwork as a central medium in Indigenous art, exploring its deep cultural, historical, and political significance. Through a remarkable collection of artworks, Radical Stitch will spotlight how beadwork serves as a powerful vehicle for storytelling, cultural preservation, and advocacy for Indigenous rights.

Curated by Sherry Farrell Racette, Michelle LaVallee, and Cathy Mattes, Radical Stitch features a diverse array of forms, including wearable art, large-scale installations, and multimedia pieces, while exploring beadwork’s role in decolonization, resistance, and healing. Organized and circulated by the MacKenzie Art Gallery, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how contemporary Indigenous artists engage with their histories and confront pressing social issues. Through a combination of traditional techniques and modern practices, the artists create works that resonate across time and geography, fostering dialogue about the resilience of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to contemporary art and society.

"It is an honor to host Radical Stitch at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. This exhibition is one of the most remarkable showcases of contemporary Indigenous beadwork that I have had the privilege of experiencing. It is truly exciting to see some of the exceptional artists and artworks I have admired for years included in this exhibition. We are incredibly fortunate to be entrusted with caring for such a significant exhibition, and as the sole venue in Atlantic Canada, we are proud to share this important cultural event with the community." Says Emma Hassencahl-Perley, Curator of Indigenous Art at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

The curators of Radical Stitch uniquely allow hosting institutions to highlight local beadwork artists within the exhibition, creating a site-specific experience that showcases the depth and diversity of Indigenous beadwork. By integrating works from Wabanakik, the Beaverbrook is excited to highlight local artists and their stories as they contribute to the national conversation on contemporary Indigenous beadwork.

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery invites the public to the official opening ceremony on November 29, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The event will feature opening remarks by the Beaverbrook’s Curator of Indigenous Art Emma Hassencahl-Perley, along with visiting curators Sherry Farrell Racette, Michelle LaVallee, and Cathy Mattes, along with special addresses from Elder Ramona Nicholas and the Wolostoqey Grand Chief, Ron Tremblay. Guests will also enjoy performances by dancers Abby Brooks and Kyana Kingbird, as well as drumming by the Muskrat Singers.

In addition to the exhibition, the gallery will host a variety of special programs throughout the run of the exhibition, including curator talks, beading workshops, and interactive events designed to foster greater understanding of the significance of Indigenous beadwork. Click here to learn more.

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Organized and circulated by the MacKenzie Art Gallery. The MacKenzie receives ongoing support from the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, SaskCulture, City of Regina, University of Regina, and Saskatchewan Arts Board. Tour supported by the Canada Council for the Arts.

Media Contacts

Curtis Richardson

Manager of Marketing and Communications

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

703 Queen Street, P.O. 605

Fredericton, NB E3B 5A6

Phone: (506) 458-2028

Email: crichardson@beaverbrookartgallery.org

Web: www.beaverbrookartgallery.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeaverbrookArtGallery

X: www.x.com/BeaverbrookAG

Instagram: www.instagram.com/beaverbrook_ag

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/beaverbrook-art-gallery

The Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre’s Red Shawl Campaign will take place from Oct. 2-4, 2024, honoring the lost lives of Indigenous women and girls and raising awareness of the violence, injustice, and systemic barriers behind the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada.

The red shawl, symbolizing protection, guides us toward healing and justice for our lost sisters. This year’s three-day campaign includes a Red Shawl exhibit and various community events aimed at fostering understanding and a commitment to creating a safer, more just world for Indigenous women and girls. Join us as we honour those we have lost and seek protection for those who remain and the ones yet to be born. Together, we can make a difference.

Beaverbrook Art Gallery Display

In an act of solidarity, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery will host a complementary installation from Sept. 22 – Oct. 6, 2024, featuring 13 red shawls in the Harrison McCain Pavilion. This partnership amplifies our message and provides an additional platform for community engagement.

On Oct. 4, 2024, at 7 p.m., a vigil at the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick will offer space for reflection and community solidarity.

For more details, visit UNB’s Red Shawl Campaign page.

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