Curatorial and Public Engagement Assistant
- Program stream:
- Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
- Job title:
- Curatorial and Public Engagement Assistant
- Organization name:
- The Art Gallery of Peterborough
- Job location:
- Peterborough, Ontario
- Length of assignment:
- 2026-05-27 to 2026-08-30 (13.57 weeks)
- Hourly wage:
- $18.99
Job Title: Curatorial and Public Engagement Assistant
Duration: 14 weeks; 35 hours per week
Schedule: Wednesday to Sunday with some flexibility
Application Deadline: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Position Start Date: May 27, 2026
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.
Eligibility Criteria:
A student may be eligible for employment 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 high school, college, CEGEP or university student.
Note: Priority will be given to students who have not previously participated in the YCWHO employment program.
The Art Gallery of Peterborough is seeking a Curatorial and Public Engagement 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, and 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 long 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 make significant contributions to a local culture that is already rich with talented artists. We develop programs that support our exhibitions and encourage discourse through lectures, workshops, and publications. Our curatorial strategies are informed by current practices, art theory and criticism, and guided by a commitment to presenting work by diverse artists. The Permanent Collection now numbers over 1,800 artworks, including contemporary and historical paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, installations, photographs and mixed media works, both Canadian and international in origin.
The AGP is now in the final stages of our current strategic plan, the focus of which is to renew our commitment to our mandate, and offer a framework for the development of annual operational plans with measurable goals and objectives. This plan has allowed us to amplify our profile through dynamic communications, engaging exhibitions, and inspiring educational programs.
Project & Job Objectives:
Though temporary, the Curatorial and Public Engagement Assistant (CPEA) is an essential part of the AGP team, and will work closely with the Director and Curator. The AGP provides important programming and access to art with a small staff, which will allow the CPEA 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 and an in-depth understanding of the behind-the-scenes and public work required of a public art gallery. Core staff will be able to continue day-to-day activities, while the contributions of the CPEA will allow for the creation of additional access points to exhibitions, programming, and the collection beyond our regular capacity.
The CPEA’s work will centre on the following tasks: public engagement, collection research, and exhibitions support. The CPEA will work closely with the Curator to:
• Assist with the development and implementation of supplemental programming, such as outreach and engagement programming (digital and in person programs and engagement activities, offsite programming, onsite educational programs, onsite Collection and exhibition related activities, and partnered summer programming)
• Support public-facing outreach and promotional initiatives by working closely with the Communications and Volunteer Coordinator on social media content and interpretive documents.
• Assist with distributing promotional materials in the community, and help promote gallery programming and activities through both digital and in-person engagement.
• Assist with visitor service operations and public programs (i.e., interacting with the public during regular hours and special events) as needed.
• Assist in the preparations for fall exhibitions (shipping, installation planning, and promotion)
• Contribute to the body of research on the Permanent Collection
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, an interest in pursuing a career in the field, and 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 centres 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 in a courteous and effective manner is essential. The successful candidate will have organizational and problem-solving skills and be computer literate in Microsoft Word and Excel. Photoshop is considered an asset. Comfort with remote working software such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams is also an asset.
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 is culturally rich, with many festivals and activities happening throughout the year.