Assistant Curator of Provenance, European Art

Temporary Full-Time; 2 year contract

(35 hours per week)

ART + AUDIENCE + LEARNING

Posted on August 13, 2025

Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.

AGO Values:

• Respect:We foster belonging and appreciate each other.
• Openness:We interact with an open mind and thoughtful engagement.
• Collaboration:We believe in the power of together.
• Accountability:We own our actions and outcomes.

We are currently seeking a Temporary Full-Time Assistant Curator of Provenance, European Art to join our Curatorial team. Working with the Associate Curator, European Art and the Registrar, Collections Information and with the Provenance Restitution and Repatriation Committee, the Assistant Curator of Provenance, European Art, leads self-directed, in-depth research related to the history of ownership of art in the AGO collection, proposed purchases, and gifts offered to the AGO for donation. The Assistant Curator works with donors, dealers, and colleagues internationally to navigate ownership disputes over works of art, and make recommendations to the AGO’s Collections Committee on the ethical accessioning and de-accessioning of European art. The Assistant Curator must organize their own work based on urgency of matters as they arise, and work with a high level of discretion when communicating sensitive information internally and externally. The Assistant Curator comes to the position with highly-specialized training and knowledge of provenance research and has a demonstrated period of prior experience in this field.

Key responsibilities include:

• Facilitates acquisition processes through research, provenance checks, and documentation. Conduct thorough research on the provenance of proposed gifts and purchases. Work closely with donors and dealers to procure necessary information in order to establish clear and certain ownership histories for artworks. Identify and resolve missing periods in ownership histories. Identify and pursue digital and physical archives to establish new and thorough provenance data. Maintain confidentiality and discretion while undertaking sensitive research. Make recommendations to relevant curators and committees on potential acquisitions. Advise curators on best practices for acquisitions and de-accessioning of works with complex provenance histories.
• Conduct in-depth research on existing collection items and prospective acquisitions, including provenance research, scholarly articles, and cataloging descriptions. The assistant curator must coordinate and plan their own work: establish a schedule and plan to undertake research on AGO collection artworks, building upon past work in this area, consulting relevant databases, archives and associated people. This work is continuous and ongoing, prioritizing research inquiries and claims made by third parties on AGO collection objects. Identify potential claimants and engage them and field experts to pursue ethical resolution to claims. Liaise with external legal counsel as needed.
• Document all research according to AGO protocols and standards. Present findings to the Provenance Restitution and Repatriation Committee and relevant Curatorial Committees, making recommendations about the acquisition and de-accessioning of works of art.
• Provide research support to external scholars and researchers who seek provenance information from the AGO. Collaborate with domestic and international partners to promote provenance research.
• Ongoing study to remain current with Holocaust looted art and stolen art resources, claims and legalities. Share new knowledge with peers across the institution and at neighbouring institutions through educational programing.
• Other duties as assigned

Our ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, skills, and experience:

• Minimum MA in art history, with demonstrated knowledge of European sculpture and decorative arts; preference for PhD in art history or relevant field
• Completed coursework or non-degree training in provenance research
• Provenance research is a highly specialized field of research. The candidate must have at least three years demonstrated prior work experience related to provenance research
• Proficiency in English and German plus another relevant language (Italian, Dutch, French for example)
• Current knowledge and experience related international research with Holocaust claims and restitution, including relevant databases and archives, national and international policies, and legislation, which inform your research, summary and recommendation(s).
• High level of discretion in maintaining confidentiality
• Exceptional organizational skills

Language of Work

• English

Location of Work

• Art Gallery of Ontario

317 Dundas Ave West

Toronto, ON

M5T 1G4

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly rate from $42.82 - $53.51 CAD, based on qualifications, skills, and experience
• Annual wage increases are available
• Medical Benefits, Dental Benefits, Vision Care Benefits
• Long term disability insurance and Life Insurance Benefits
• Group insurance benefits
• Pension Plan upon completion of one (1) year of service
• Paid vacation days after one (1) year of service
• Relocation allowance to be considered
• Discounts from the Provincial/City Reciprocal Agreements (Free admission to museums, the CN Tower & discounts off amusement parks, city attractions, hotels, wine tours, Second City, the Ontario Science Centre, and much more!)
• Discounts to GoodLife Fitness
• Free tickets to every major exhibit at AGO

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, apply now!

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility:

At the AGO, we lead global conversations from Toronto through extraordinary collections, exhibitions, and programs, reflecting the diverse community we serve. Committed to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, we embed these values into our strategic plan and ongoing priorities.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications online at https://jobs.jobvite.com/ago/jobs/viewall. If you prefer to submit an application in person, please leave it at the Shipping Dock (next to the Jackman Hall entrance on McCaul Street), addressed to the People Division. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Contact Information:

Abigail Campbell

Abigail.campbell@ago.ca

416 979 6660 x6300

Mailing Address:

Art Gallery of Ontario

317 Dundas Ave West

Toronto, ON

M5T 1G4

Fax:

416-979-6645

The Art Gallery of Ontario is an Equal Opportunity Employer.