Griffith Baker

I am passionate about the dissemination of art, culture and heritage into the public sphere and I hold over a decade of experience in working with cultural institutions, federal, provincial and municipal governments, businesses and the general public. I also have first-hand knowledge of administrative procedures, financial management and fund development, social media and web-based marketing, graphic design and an extensive knowledge of museological systems, materials, practices and procedures.

After completing my Master’s degree with a specialization in studio arts (sculpture), my professional record has taken me to three different cities to direct and curate public art galleries / museums. In each of my appointments I integrated myself into the local community; developing relationships with individuals from all levels of government, business, education, not-for-profit, and arts sectors. It was a pleasure to provide immersive public programming and to host people from diverse backgrounds who gather out of curiosity and excitement to see exhibits, meet cultural professionals, socialize and be inspired.

Several highlights of my professional history include working towards the completion of ambitious, community-based cultural projects. As Director / Curator of the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum (Estevan, SK), I was head researcher, in which I planned and executed several new exhibits in Estevan’s Woodend Post, a North West Mounted Police Museum housed in nationally designated historic building. The updates included redesigning exhibitions, working with local historians to gather knowledge and develop interpretive materials and supervising the development of educational materials. As Director / Curator of the Mann Art Gallery (Prince Albert, SK), I worked towards the acquisition and installation of Mahihkan, a six-foot-tall, thousand-pound bronze wolf sculpture by internationally recognized sculptor Joe Fafard which is installed permanently adjacent to the parking lot of the gallery, overlooking the Diefenbaker bridge and gateway to the city of Prince Albert, SK. As Director / Curator of the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie (Grande Prairie, AB), I coordinated with the Carlstrom family to develop and implement The Carlstrom Family Green Space; an interactive gallery and self-directed studio space that encourages diversity and inspires creative learning. The space changes quarterly and is directed by the current exhibitions on display in the gallery. I also completed Night School, a permanent installation on the exterior of the gallery space, produced by nationally recognized artist, David Hoffos.

Throughout my career, I have contributed to several provincial and federal arts and heritage juries, facilitated workshops, served as a mentor, worked on a number of Boards, and offered my skills and expertise as a consultant. These additional responsibilities have given me experience and insight in the areas of public art, art production and preservation, First Nations programming, museums, archives, exhibition design, heritage programming, city beautification and performing arts development. These experiences have contributed to a well-rounded understanding of Canadian arts, culture and heritage and have allowed for the contribution of a greater cultural community in which I live as well as the possibility for future collaborative and integrated projects and programs.

2009 | Master of Fine Arts (With Honour) | Concordia University | Montreal, QC

2004 | Bachelor of Fine Arts (With Distinction)| University of Regina | Regina, SK