Curatorial Assistant
- Program stream:
- Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
- Job title:
- Curatorial Assistant
- Organization name:
- The Art Gallery of Peterborough
- Job location:
- Peterborough, Ontario
- Length of assignment:
- 2018-11-19 to 2019-01-25 (9.57 weeks)
- Hourly wage:
- $16.15
Job Title: Curatorial Assistant
Duration: November 19, 2018 to January 25, 2019
24 hours per week
Application Deadline: November 9, 2018
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 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 is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from all qualified candidates.
About the AGP: The Art Gallery of Peterborough (AGP) is a non-profit gallery with a forty year history of groundbreaking 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 choices 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 1,700 artworks including contemporary and historical paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, installations, photographs and mixed media works, both Canadian and international in origin.
A recent Facility Upgrade Project (2015) included new HVAC systems, improved environmental controls and upgrades to our vault storage systems allow us to maintain our Category A collecting status and our ability to manage exhibitions. Through this process we were able to update records and digitize 80% of the Collection creating new opportunities for research.
Applicants are encouraged to explore our website, agp.on.ca for insights into our programming, including our five-year Strategic Plan.
Project & Job Objectives: The Curatorial Assistant (CA) is an essential part of the AGP team and will work closely with the Director and Curator during a high profile season. The AGP provides important programming and access to art with a small staff allowing the CA to integrate quickly into many aspects of curatorial work and make a strong contribution to the gallery. 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. Contributions of the CA will allow us to create additional access points to exhibitions and our permanent collection.
The CA’s work will centre on three tasks: art handling, collection research, and public engagement. The CA will work closely with the Director and Curator to:
• Work with installation crew on exhibitions
• implement supplemental programming (including artist talks, docent orientation, and the annual general meeting)
• assist in the preparations for fall exhibitions (shipping, installation planning, promotion)
• contribute to a new body of research on the Permanent Collection
• assist in the development of public engagement tools including social media content and interpretive content for the education program and docent training
• assist in the preparation and delivery of public events
• interact with the public at events and during open hours
Orientation and Supervision will primarily be carried out by the Director and Curator.
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. As this work plan centres on three main tasks: handling, research, and art interpretation/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 (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 and group dynamics in a courteous and effective manner is essential. The ideal candidate will have organizational and problem solving skills and be computer literate. Computer skills required: Word, Excel. Photoshop is considered an asset.
Characteristics of city /region
Peterborough is a diverse and active community with a population of approximately 81,000 people, 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.
Deadline for applications is no later than November 9, 2018.
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