Curatorial and Public Programs Assistant
- Program stream:
- Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
- Job title:
- Curatorial and Public Programs Assistant
- Organization name:
- The Art Gallery of Peterborough
- Job location:
- Peterborough, Ontario
- Length of assignment:
- 2024-06-03 to 2024-08-30 (13 weeks)
- Hourly wage:
- $17.85
Application Deadline: Thursday, May 9, 2024
How to apply:
Apply through the Young Canada Works portal with a cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the position along with a current resume or CV.
Applicants must be YCW eligible.
The Art Gallery of Peterborough is seeking a Curatorial and Public Programs Assistant through the Young Canada Works Program. Candidates must be full-time students who are returning to studies on a full-time basis in the next academic year as is the requirement of the YCW program.
The AGP strives to reflect the whole of our community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly those from equity-seeking groups. We are committed to building an inclusive and barrier-free environment for staff, volunteers, artists, visitors, and patrons. We actively work to reflect the diversity of our community. As such, applicants will not be discriminated against for any reason, including but not limited to issues of race, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or class.
About the AGP:
The Art Gallery of Peterborough (AGP) is a non-profit gallery with a history of ground-breaking exhibitions and programs. Located in the heart of the city of Peterborough, we are rooted in the Kawartha region yet reach across the nation to present and collect contemporary Canadian art. We develop programs that support our exhibitions and encourage discourse through talks, workshops, and publications. We are committed to providing multiple access points that are welcoming and inspiring while remaining challenging.
Applicants are encouraged to explore our website, agp.on.ca for insight into our operations, including our five-year Strategic Plan.
Project & Job Objectives:
2024 marks the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s 50th anniversary year. We have several special projects and programs planned to engage the whole of our community, animate our rich history, and propel us into the future. The Curatorial and Public Programs Assistant will be involved in many of those projects including onsite exhibitions, archival research, an oral history project, a digital exhibition, and special events.
The AGP was founded by a group of dedicated volunteers who saw the need for a regional gallery in Peterborough in the mid-1970s. The stories of our founding members and volunteers are crucial to the history of our organization. We want to share those stories with our public. The Curatorial and Public Programs Assistant would support an oral history project that documents the stories of our earliest members. The successful applicant will assist with research and information gathering, scheduling interviews, and documenting each story. This project will culminate in a celebratory video to be shared on the gallery’s website and social media platforms.
Though temporary, the Curatorial and Public Programs Assistant is an essential part of the AGP team and will work closely with the Director and Curator during a crucial year. The AGP provides important programming and access to art with a small staff, which will allow the successful candidate to integrate quickly into most aspects of curatorial work and make a strong contribution to the gallery through outreach and engagement programming. The AGP is a prime environment in which to gain hands-on experience with art handling and an in-depth understanding of the behind-the-scenes work required to present exhibitions and engage the public.
The Curatorial and Public Program Assistant’s will work closely with the Director and Curator to:
• Assist in the preparation of exhibitions.
• Assist with the development and implementation of special programming, such as outreach and engagement programming, and anniversary celebrations including opening a major exhibition, supplementary programs (artist talks and tours), and our 50th Anniversary Party event.
• Contribute to a body of research on the history of the Art Gallery of Peterborough, an Oral History Project, and the development of an online exhibition utilizing our archives
• Assist with visitor service operations and special events (i.e., interacting with the public during open hours, event set up and preparations) as needed.
Orientation and Supervision will primarily be carried out by the Curator and Director though job shadowing and support will be provided periodically by all AGP staff.
Our ideal candidate will have a background in contemporary art and an interest in pursuing a career in the field and will have prior experience volunteering or working in a gallery setting. They will be in their second or third year of a University degree in an arts or arts-related program. As this work plan centers around three main tasks – handling, research, and public engagement – the ideal candidate will demonstrate experience and interest in each area. Knowledge of studio or curatorial practice, art history, or arts administration would be an advantage. Research and critical thinking skills from a related field of study will also be considered an asset (arts education, history, Canadian studies, Indigenous studies, cultural studies, and literature). This position requires working with artists, the public, and volunteers. Strong interpersonal skills and experience dealing with the public in Visitor Services and group dynamics courteously and effectively are essential. The successful candidate will have organizational and problem-solving skills and be computer literate.
Characteristics of city/region:
Peterborough is a diverse and active community with a population of approximately 81,000 people and offers excellent opportunities with both Trent University and Fleming College located in the City. The community and region are culturally rich, with many festivals and activities happening throughout the year.
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