13 July 2018 5pm

Mercer Union, a centre for contemporary art, enjoys a unique position at the forefront of contemporary art in Toronto and Canada – a vantage point cultivated over many years, bolstered by the efforts and foresight of countless members, volunteers, staff and supporters. We are distinctive in our commitment to supporting the production of new and experimental work, assisting artists in realizing pivotal exhibitions.

As we continue to evolve as an artist-run center, Mercer Union has the will and structure to take on ambitious projects with an elasticity not found in other institutional spaces. We foster an intimate and supportive space for artists to develop and take risks with their work shaping the cultural landscape of Toronto, Canada and internationally. The next few years promise to be exciting, guided by objectives outlined in our Strategic Plan, that are flexible and responsive to the needs of diverse artists, audiences and our communities.

Mercer Union is currently seeking dynamic and dedicated Board members to serve a 2-year term (renewable) beginning in July 2018. We require persons with a variety of qualifications such as accounting, fundraising, donor relations, and communications/marketing with a curiosity for contemporary art, in addition to practicing artists. Applicants with exposure to capital projects or campaign fundraising are encouraged as Mercer Union enters a new chapter.

Mercer Union is governed by a working Board and each member is required to attend 8-10 board meetings a year; undertake work on behalf of the organization between meetings; and work collaboratively with the staff, members, and volunteers.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Board members are responsible for the operation of Mercer Union in accordance with our constitution, mandate, established policies, and Strategic Plan. In most cases, the Board will be assisted in its responsibilities by staff. Board members are volunteers and therefore cannot be financially compensated for their work, or exhibit at Mercer Union while serving their Board term.

• Attend and participate in the scheduled Board and Committee meetings;
• Attend and support Mercer Union events and special functions;
• Approve, where appropriate, budgets, policy, project proposals and other recommendations received from the Board, its standing committees and staff;
• Monitor all Board and governance policies, review the Boards structure, approve changes and prepare the necessary bylaw amendments;
• Participate in the development of Mercer Union’s annual programming and operating goals;
• Actively participate in fundraising.

If you would like to help lead a dynamic organization, please send a statement of interest along with your CV to michael@mercerunion.org by 13 July 2018. Applications will be reviewed prior to the next meeting of the Board in early June.

We encourage candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and experience. Mercer Union is committed to equity within its community and to recruiting diverse members of the Board. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates including Indigenous persons, members of racialized communities, LGBTQ-identified persons, and those with disabilities. Interested applicants who’d like to learn more about the organization and/or time commitments are encouraged to reach out to Michael (President) or Negin (Vice-President) for more information.