Exhibition and Collection Assistant
- Program stream:
- Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage
- Job title:
- Exhibition and Collection Assistant
- Organization name:
- Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art
- Job location:
- North Vancouver, British Columbia
- Length of assignment:
- 2024-09-16 to 2025-03-17 (24 weeks)
- Hourly wage:
- $25.64
About the Organizations:
The Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation for Young Artists, in North Vancouver, was founded in 2002 by the visionary team at the North Vancouver School District and Artists for Kids (AfK) Trust to build an endowment fund to provide art enrichment opportunities for the children of British Columbia. Since then, the Smith Foundation has expanded its role to encompass the curation of exhibitions and the development of public programs at the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art. We work in collaboration with, and provide financial support to, the North Vancouver School District’s award-winning Artists for Kids program. Together the Smith Foundation and AfK ensure a gallery space where education is not an afterthought in curation but the purpose of each step we take.
The Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art (the “Gallery”) is home to the acclaimed Artists for Kids teaching collection. Artists for Kids has been acquiring masterworks from Canada’s leading artists for more than 26 years. The almost 50 artists represented in the collection are the essential and primary supporters of Artists for Kids and its distinct hands-on, artist- and teacher-led art programs. The permanent collection includes works from modern artists such as Bill Reid, Jack Shadbolt, and Gordon Smith to conceptual artists such as Rodney Graham and Geoffrey Farmer.
During the school year, AfK selects works from the collection that share a common theme and speak to pertinent art historical, social, cultural, political, or environmental issues in a way that is accessible, sparks great conversation, and encourages interaction with Canadian Art. Students from across the North Shore spend an entire school day at the Gallery, learning about some of our country's most celebrated artists and developing an understanding of the art and their response to it. More than 2,000 elementary and secondary students and their teachers participate. These Teaching Exhibitions offer essential tools to inform audiences’ diverse opinions and learning experiences.
During the Spring months, the Smith Foundation curates an exhibition that engages students and the community at large.
The Smith Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We support diversity and inclusion in our workplaces; we welcome and respect the diverse backgrounds, experiences and talents of all our employees and partners. We value the opportunity to learn, share and grow on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish people, specifically the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
Job Description:
As an intern, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the management of the Gordon Smith Gallery's collection, ensuring its organization, documentation, and preservation. Additionally, you will contribute to the digitization of the collection, making it accessible as an online resource with the potential to create online exhibitions and link to educational resources. Your role extends to supporting communication efforts through social media, email marketing, copywriting, and website management. You will also be involved in public programming and exhibition coordination, enriching the cultural offerings of The Smith Foundation and Artists for Kids.
An individual may be eligible for an internship if they:
are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent resident status are not eligible);
are legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid social insurance number);
are between 16 and 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment; and
are a college or university graduate (certificate, bachelor's, master's or doctorate).
Note: Priority will be given to graduates that have not previously participated in YCW internship programs and that are unemployed or underemployed.
Qualifications:
We seek a dynamic individual with strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, capable of thriving in a collaborative team setting. Adaptability is key, as the role involves diverse responsibilities that may evolve. Problem-solving prowess, meticulous attention to detail, and effective time management are essential attributes. We value initiative and expect the intern to proactively contribute ideas and solutions. Professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to maintaining a positive organizational representation are also key.
Completion of a diploma or degree in a relevant field such as Museum Studies, Art History, Cultural Heritage, Communications, Digital Media, Education, or a related discipline. A combination of relevant education and practical experience will be considered.
Candidates with strong computer skills and experience in database management will be prioritized.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Copy-writing experience is a plus.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Photography skills and experience documenting artwork and/or artifacts is an asset.
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about contributing to the Canadian art community, expanding access to quality art education, and meet the qualifications outlined above, kindly submit your resume, cover letter, and any pertinent portfolio materials to info@smithfoundation.ca by August 30, 2024. Please use "Gordon Smith Gallery Intern Application" as the subject line.
Join our dynamic team in fostering cultural enrichment and advancing art education!