Outsiders and Others Art Society
Board Member Posting
The Outsiders and Others Art Society Board of Directors is seeking candidates with accounting, legal, and/or fundraising experience to fill Board vacancies.
ABOUT US
The Outsiders and Others Art Society (OOAS) is a not for profit with a focus on bringing non-traditional artists to the forefront. This includes outsider, folk, self-taught, visionary, intuitive, naïve, and artists with disabilities.
OOAS is the only art gallery in Vancouver dedicated to showing a wide range of Outsider art, a genre of art not commonly recognized in Canada even though there are art galleries and museums around the world dedicated to the genre. With two locations, our main gallery is at 716 East Hastings Street where we host a new exhibition every month. The other is a window gallery located at #100-938 Howe Street where we host a new exhibition every other month.
We pay exhibiting artists an exhibition honourarium, we retain low commission on art sales, we assist artists with framing costs when needed, and we offer practical advice through the entire exhibition process. Many of the artists we show have never shown their art in a gallery before so we want to make the experience as easy and rewarding as possible.
PURPOSE
The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance of the OOAS and the development of the 3-year strategic plan. Through the strategic plan, the Board establishes goals for various committees including one specifically to get OOAS registered charity status. Board members are expected to join working committees.
The Board of Directors is guided by the Executive: a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. As supervisor of the staffing team, the Artistic & Executive Director (A&ED) reports to the Board of Directors during regular board meetings. The A&ED is responsible for delivering and implementing the programming and initiatives detailed in the strategic plan and day-to-day activities of the organization. The Board of Directors is comprised of up to 50% artists.
TERMS
Board members are elected for two-year terms. Board members may also be appointed by the Board between Annual General Meetings and will come up for election at the next scheduled AGM (annually in May).
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
● Board experience with charitable and/or not-for-profit organizations
● Specifically searching for individuals who have experience with the procedure of filing as a registered charity
● Excellent teamwork, communication, and time management skills
● Confident in participating in a dynamic group environment
● Comfortable attending public events to promote or represent the OOAS
● Volunteers must be at least 19 years of age for this position
BENEFITS
● Engagement with a dynamic and motivated Board of Directors in governing the society
● Contributing to the organization’s vision of bringing non-traditional artists to the forefront
● Expanding your professional and personal network
● Making a difference in your community and meeting others along the way
● Supporting artists
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
● To govern OOAS with clear policies and objectives
● To ensure OOAS financial health
● To monitor the Society’s programs and activities
● To support and promote fund development
● To enhance the public image of OOAS
● To assess its own performance
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Regularly attend board meetings
● Being prepared at board meetings, participating in discussions and decision-making
● Working collegially with other Directors and the Artistic & Executive Director
● Participating actively in committee work, task groups and fund development
(events and sponsorship)
● Maintaining board business confidentiality
● Attending OOAS events to stay informed about their quality, their popularity and to ensure a wide acquaintance among the membership
COMMITMENT
● 3-10 hours/month, varies depending on position and fluctuations in workload
● Attendance at 5 (five) Board meetings per year which includes the AGM in May
● Ability to respond to emails/requests within a reasonable timeframe
Our Board of Directors should reflect the diversity of the community we serve (particularly underrepresented and marginalized people) and that this diversity is central to both the health and vitality of our community and the work we do. We strongly encourage applications from people of underrepresented and marginalized identities in East Vancouver, particularly people that identify as Indigenous, person of colour, living with a disability, and LGBTQ2S+.
HOW TO APPLY
Expressions of interest including a 150-word bio is appreciated.
Applications can be submitted anytime via email outsidersandothers@gmail.com