Stride Gallery is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. We are currently recruiting three new board members into the organization.
Over the past four years, Stride Gallery has made a transition to an entirely new board of directors. With the help of these new BIPOC board members, we are focusing our efforts on reworking the board model and processes. We require assistance in pursuing our ongoing dismantling of systematic oppression that has been historically present in artist-run centers. To do this, we need to continue onboarding perspectives into Stride Gallery.
We are seeking applications from individuals with an emphasis on BIPOC communities, persons with Disabilities, persons who are in the LGBTQ2S+ community, and people whose perspectives in arts communities have historically not been heard. We are also seeking members who are especially proficient in accounting and financials. Through these new additions, we hope to fill necessary gaps in our organization to strive towards a brighter future. Please note that Stride Gallery is welcoming of applicants with no prior Board experience.
Specific expertise we are looking for include but are not limited to:
- Local artists and emerging arts workers (institutional training not required)
- Knowledge of fund development for non-profit organizations
- Knowledge in studio management and development
- Knowledge of moving organizations and lease negotiations
- Financial proficiency in non-profit organizations
Who we are
Stride Gallery is located in Moh’kinstsis, Wîcîspa, Guts’ists’i, or what is currently known as Calgary, Alberta within the Treaty 7 region. Our activities on this land have been stewarded and cared for by the Blackfoot Confederacy comprising of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations, Tsuut’ina First Nation, and theîethka Nakoda Nations comprising of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations. This land is also home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 5 and District 6.
We are a non-profit artist-run centre that actively supports contemporary art practices with a focus on local art practices. We believe in art that addresses our current realities with urgency, criticality, and respect through which contemporary art can reintroduce or propose new ways of thinking and being. For these emergent practices, we provide various platforms such as exhibitions, studio residencies, public programs, performances, workshops, publications, and gatherings. Through our programming, we aim to foster community participation and conversations around art.
What is upcoming at Stride
Stride Gallery is in an exciting moment of transition. Our next two years will be focused on our move as an organization into a permanent space that seeks to identify and support programming initiatives for local artists, as well as production support through studio rentals. We are looking for individuals who are curious and committed to going on an experimental journey with Stride staff and fellow board members to re-envision power, consensus, and equity within an artist-run centre context.
We are looking for applicants who have the willingness and capacity to participate in being an active board member. Our next two years will need involved board members who are committed to advising and supporting staff to achieve Stride’s collective vision.
This year we are focusing on policy and structural work, re-envisioning our programming structures, and seeking a new, permanent space for Stride. We are currently at an exciting moment in Stride’s history; we are at the cusp of defining a more sustainable, responsive, and supportive structure for our community.
What we need from you as a board member:
- Serve a two-year term, renewable, starting October 2024.
- Attend 10 board meetings a year, via Zoom. The frequency of meetings may change depending on the urgency of the conversation and work. Our meetings are typically from 6 pm-8 pm MST with scheduled breaks for rest. Speech captions can be activated over Zoom as part of our meetings, and an “on” camera is not required to meaningfully participate.
- Actively take part in board visioning sessions in a collective and collaborative mindset.
- Support Stride’s commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, and inclusivity in all of its activities and internal structures.
- Share your expertise, vision, perspectives, and skills to support Stride’s future
- Be a peer mentor to our group. (peer-mentorship does not need refined skills or extensive qualifications, but an openness to share your resources and experience on your terms)
- Be a liaison for Stride Gallery to the local arts community and beyond
- Support our exhibitions, programming, and events
- Assist with fundraising activities including casinos
Reciprocal support for you:
- Commitment to hear and support your voice in how we together envision the organization moving forward
- Onboarding one-on-one support for new board members with the Co-Directors Peer mentorship from staff and fellow board members in areas of your artistic interest
- Shared resources around navigating bureaucratic systems such as artist grant applications and artistic pursuits (such as residency/exhibition applications)
- Please note board membership is voluntary. Board members will not receive financial compensation or other benefits (such as health benefits).
How to apply
Email Co-Director Dan Cardinal McCartney at dan@stride.ab.ca with:
- Subject line “Board of Directors Application.”
- A brief statement of interest that describes your relevant experience and why you want to join Stride Gallery’s Board (Under 500 words)
- An optional CV
- Our Annual General Meeting will be hosted on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 6 pm MST, via Zoom. When applying, please be sure you will be available to meet this day.
Deadline to send in a letter of interest: July 8, 2024, 11:59 PM MST
Any questions or general inquiries regarding the board call also can be emailed to Dan Cardinal McCartney, at dan@stride.ab.ca