Organizer Information
SAVAC (South Asian Visual Arts Centre) is Canada’s only non-profit, artist-run centre dedicated to increasing the visibility of culturally diverse artists. Founded to be staffed by people of colour, SAVAC curates and exhibits work, provides mentorship, facilitates professional development, and builds a community for artists of colour. For over 30 years, SAVAC has partnered with galleries, institutions, and museums to integrate artists and curators of colour into curatorial and programming practices, addressing histories of people of colour alongside post-colonial and imperial legacies.
Title & Description
Executive Director – SAVAC
SAVAC seeks an Executive Director to lead strategic and administrative operations, oversee finances and staffing, and champion the artistic vision of the centre. The ED will also represent SAVAC on the Commons at 401 Executive Committee, and collaborate with local and international arts organizations to advance equity, diversity, and professional development for racialised artists.
The Role Overview
- Salary: $68,000 CAD per annum
- Contract Type: Permanent, existing position, 30 hours per week (hybrid)
- Reporting To: Board of Directors
- Location: Toronto, Canada (hybrid – The Commons at 401 Richmond and remote work)
- Fee: None
- Programme/Focus: Leadership, Arts Management, Advocacy, Grant Development
Position & Tasks
- General oversight of SAVAC operations
- Manage and supervise a small professional team
- Financial management, budget oversight, and audit coordination
- Stewardship of artistic vision and curatorial direction
- Fund development and grant-writing
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Marketing, communications, and sectoral relationship management
- Community engagement and public relations
- Active participation in the Commons Executive Committee
- Support organizational governance and staff mentorship
- Maintain alignment with PACBI and advocacy for racialized artists
Categories
Arts Management, Visual Arts, Curatorial, Leadership, Community Engagement, Nonprofit Management
Eligibility
- Minimum 5 years in the non-profit arts sector with leadership/management experience
- Experience in grant writing and financial oversight
- Knowledge of artist-run centres and South Asian arts practices nationally/internationally
- Commitment to anti-racism, equity, and accessibility principles
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and strategic planning skills
- Flexible and responsive to community needs
- Novice fluency in a South Asian language is an asset but not required
Program Benefits
- Competitive salary ($68,000 CAD) + benefits
- Three weeks of paid vacation
- Hybrid work flexibility
- Leadership and advocacy platform in arts administration
- Mentorship and transition period with outgoing ED and senior administrators
- Opportunity to maintain personal artistic practice (negotiated)
- Recognition as a leader in professional development for racialised artists
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining alignment with the position
- Current CV/Resume
- Optional: supporting documentation of artistic or managerial practice
How to Apply?
Submit application as a single electronic file to: board@savac.net
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 4 March 2026
- Anticipated Start Date: April 2026
Location
Toronto, Canada – Hybrid
Additional Details
- Some weekend/evening hours may be required
- Light lifting may be required
- SAVAC emphasises diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Applicants with disabilities receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.
- Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews