Spaceworks Tacoma is seeking an enthusiastic Public Art Coordinator to lead the Spaceworks Artscapes program. This includes several dynamic and public-facing art projects, including the historic Woolworth Windows in Downtown Tacoma, a city-wide Rapid Mural program, community-based permanent murals, an outdoor video gallery, artist studios, creative space listings, and other special projects.
Since 2010, Spaceworks Tacoma has provided business training, public art programming, and creative activation of underutilized spaces throughout Tacoma and Pierce County. The Artscapes program provides paid exhibition and display opportunities to local artists and adds vibrant art experiences for the public. The Artscapes Coordinator supports more than 50 artists each year, empowering them through display opportunities and business training resources. To view current and past projects, please visit: www.spaceworkstacoma.com/artscapes
Qualities and Experience
The ideal candidate is passionate about making art more accessible in Tacoma and growing artists as creative professionals and small business owners. The following roles are critical to the success of this position:
- Project Manager: Balancing and organizing multiple projects while staying focused on grant and contract goals and deliverables.
- Entrepreneur: Creating novel solutions that respond to emerging community needs and opportunities.
- Problem-solver: Adapting to the unique needs of individual artists, projects, and site locations.
- Advisor: Working one-on-one with artists to help them achieve their professional goals and connecting them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Candidates with any of these backgrounds are encouraged to apply:
- Art administration
- Public art
- Social art practice
- Urban design and planning
For areas outside of one’s expertise, the coordinator is expected to collaborate, partner, and/or contract with other professionals. On-the-job training is available to develop technical skills needed for this position (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud).
Candidates should have a positive outlook and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative professional office environment. They should desire to learn new skills and grow their career. Competitive candidates should demonstrate clear written and oral communication skills, the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and a commitment to recruiting and serving diverse program participants.
This position reports to the Spaceworks Director and works closely with 3 other Spaceworks team members. Spaceworks is a program of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit.
Essential Job Duties
Administration of Artscapes Program (60%)
- Developing exhibition schedules
- Recruiting, coordinating applications, and booking artists
- Overseeing artist contracts and property agreements
- Processing payments for artists
- Creating signage and exhibition labels
- Developing content for website and social media
- Building and maintaining public rosters of local artists and listings of creative spaces (e.g., galleries, artist studios, retail display opportunities)
Technical Assistance (15%)
- Responding to requests from local artists and community partners who seek advice about public art (e.g., scope development, budgeting, application processes)
- Connecting artists with resources (e.g., funding, training, grants, exhibitions)
Other Spaceworks duties (25%)
- Participating in weekly team and individual meetings
- Providing content and ideas for social media and monthly newsletter
- Maintaining participant records in Salesforce and other databases
- Assisting with annual fundraisers and special events
- Tracking program data
Future growth opportunities within position
- Re-imagining the Woolworth Windows: Spaceworks has assigned artists to the Woolworth Windows through the end of 2022. After more than a decade of installation art programming, we have an opportunity to revisit and reimagine the goals of the Woolworth Windows and expand to other vacant retail windows.
Compensation
This is a non-exempt position. The position is full-time, 40 hours/week. Compensation is $25.50/hr. While the position requires some availability on nights and weekends, there is otherwise a flexible work schedule. This is a hybrid position, with 2-3 days in-person days based in downtown Tacoma. Benefits include:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance subsidy
- Short- & Long-term disability insurance
- AD&D insurance, dental insurance
- 10 paid holidays, 16 days of paid time off
- ORCA transit pass
License/Certifications/Special Requirements
- 3-5 years of professional work experience
- High-school diploma or GED required
- Driver’s license and auto insurance
- Proficient with MS Office Suite
- Ability to pass a WA state criminal background check
- Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud is ideal but not required
It is the policy of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber that employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and competence. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of an applicant’s or employee’s race; religion; color; national origin; age; sex; genetic information; the presence of a sensory, physical, or mental disability; marital status; military status; sexual orientation; gender identity; actual or perceived victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; or on any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, evaluation, promotion, assignment, discharge, and other terms and conditions of employment. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Application Closing Date: November 15
Interviews will be conducted through December 2, with a final decision announced shortly thereafter.
Anticipated Start Date: No later than January 2, 2023
To Apply
Please send a single PDF file that includes a cover letter and resume to:
Michael Liang – Spaceworks Director
Email Subject Line: Spaceworks Public Art Coordinator
For more information about Spaceworks, please visit: www.spaceworkstacoma.com