The basic structure and philosophical direction of The New Gallery, is provided by its board of directors, which is elected from the general membership at a special general meeting (SGM) or an annual general meeting (AGM). Contact the board if interested in joining. They will walk you through the application process.

Common Purpose

The role of the Board of Directors of The New Gallery (the Board) is to govern the organization in accordance with the Bylaws and applicable laws, to establish the organization's direction and monitor its performance.

All Board Members have a responsibility to carry out the organization's Vision and Mission while adhering to all Policies, Procedures and By-Laws. This is facilitated by a board which is very committed to and familiar with the concept of the Artist-run Centre: the basic principal is one of co-operative, community-based organization which can respond to the needs of the art community as well as to new trends in art.

The Board member is expected to take his/her commitment of time and energy to the gallery, seriously, but every effort is made to make this commitment efficient, limited and enjoyable for those involved. The New Gallery has adopted, by convention, the "consensus-trust model" for decision making, and all meetings and discussions are guided by this principal. Board & committee members should be in support of the principle of collaborative discussion and group action, and should be willing to contribute the extra measure of tolerance, good-will, and effort required to make this system work effectively.

Benefits of Being on The New Gallery Board

• Become affiliated with Calgary's original artist-run centre
• Support a non-profit charitable society that provides free access to contemporary visual and performative art
• Contribute to and guide the evolution and development of the Gallery
• Share your skills and knowledge with an organization committed to making a difference in our community
• Work with other dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate people
• Gain insight into the Artist-run Community and key community issues
• Access opportunities for personal development
• Work with a Board committed to the Governance as Leadership model

Responsibilities

In meeting its purpose, Board Members will:

1. Provide strategic leadership - develop and approve the vision, mission, strategic direction, and values of The New Gallery.
2. Exercise fiduciary responsibility to ensure the financial viability and sustainability of the organization and the setting of limits to minimize risks.
3. Be accountable to stakeholders (artists, members, volunteers, funders).
4. Ensure development of the policy framework to guide the Administrative and Programming Director in operating the organization.
5. Employ the Administrative and Programming Director and evaluate their performance.
6. Monitor and evaluate organizational performance.
7. Determine annually the committee structure required to execute the Board Workplan.
8. Participate in fund development activities, specifically by giving your own personal gift through membership, work with staff to identify and recruit new funders and participate as appropriate, be aware of and acknowledge the organization's key donors, participate in donor recognition and stewardship activities, and act as enterprise champions.
9. Understand and demonstrate that the Board sets policy and does not become involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization.
10. Be knowledgeable about the values, mission, programs and performance of the organization.
11. Treat any information acquired in the role as a Board member in a confidential and professional manner.
12. Act as an ambassador, promote the values and work of the organization and speak with one voice once decisions are made.
13. Support gallery programming by attending monthly openings, artist talks and special events as often as possible. If we're not going, why should anyone else show up?
14. Support the staff and recognize that they do all the dirty work. The Board should also consider ourselves as regular volunteers, and as such respond whenever possible to staff requests for help at openings, hanging shows, manning events, administrative tasks etc.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated passion for artist-run culture and contemporary art
• Past voluntary committee or board experience is an asset
• Demonstrated competence in several key competencies which may include: leadership, fundraising, finance, human resources, communications, governance, community/volunteerism, community investment, membership and customer service, corporate or nonprofit executive experience and strategic planning.
• Possess strengths that enable working effectively within a team.

Commitment

A member of the Board of The New Gallery agrees to:

1. Participate as a member of the board for a one-year term (estimated monthly time commitment is approximately 10 hours).
2. Attend Board meetings and annual planning meetings, and participate on at least one additional committee.
3. Prepare for Board and Committee meetings and contribute to the decision making process.
4. Participate in board development activities: orientation program, on-going Board development activities and individual growth and development opportunities as outlined in the Board Development policy.
5. Attend special events as individual schedule permits.
6. Demonstrate commitment to the growth and sustainability of the organization by making a personal donation through an annual membership.

Evaluation

A Board Member's performance is evaluated annually based on the performance of assigned Board responsibilities and duties.

Not ready to commit to a Board Position? Consider joining a Standing Committee

Any member interested in being involved in the Society through one of our standing committees (Programming, Development, Finance & Human Resources) are encouraged to attend each Annual General Meeting (AGM). Contact the board to enquire about joining.