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Collection Assistant

Program stream:
Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
Job title:
Collection Assistant
Organization name:
McIntosh Gallery
Job location:
London , Ontario
Length of assignment:
2018-05-07 to 2018-08-03 (12.57 weeks)
Hourly wage:
$15.00
McIntosh Gallery, Western University
London ON


Collection Assistant
16 weeks, 35 hours per week
Start Date: 2018 – 05 - 07
End Date: 2018– 08 – 24
Language of work: English


McIntosh Gallery is seeking a postsecondary student with an interest in art history and museum work for a position as a Collection Assistant.
Under the direction of the Collection Manager and Registrar, the Collection Assistant will:
a) gather, analyze, verify and organize information from a variety of sources including accession records, donor files, published monographs, art historical references, artist files held by the McIntosh, commercial galleries and public institutions, conversations with artists and public gallery colleagues, and websites. Following consultation with and approval by the Collection Manager and Registrar, the student will also enter the newly-researched information into the appropriate fields utilizing the strict protocols established for data entry;
b) create two new Virtual exhibitions using the PastPerfect database format after researching the subjects and current methods of delivery;
c) document the artworks with digital photography and link the digital files with the database;
d) research and write texts on each collection and individual objects on display through out the campus using artist files, gallery reference library, and personal interviews with the artist where applicable.
The employment period is 12 weeks from 7 May to 3 August 2018 at a salary of $15.00 per hour plus applicable benefits.


A university student with some art history education
Above average written and oral communication skills
Above average research and organizational skills with attention to detail
Above average computer experience and skills in word files, spreadsheets
Ability to work independently
Ability to research and write clear, concise texts quickly
This position requires the ability to be self-motivated, take initiative and work collaboratively with administrative staff, students, and volunteers.
This position is funded by Young Canada Works in Heritage Institutions. Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years, Canadian citizens, or Permanent Residents entitled to work legally in Canada. Candidates must be high school, college or university students who have been a full-time student from January – April 2018 and will be returning to full-time studies in September 2018.
Western University is committed to Employment Equity, welcomes diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of visible minorities, aboriginal persons and persons with disabilities.


Deadline to apply: April 30, 2018
Applications sent to attention of
James Patten, Director/Chief Curator
McIntosh Gallery,
Western University
London ON N6A 3K7


General Information:
As a public gallery on the campus of Western University, one of the McIntosh Gallery’s responsibilities in the public trust is to collect, maintain and preserve a Permanent Collection of art objects pertaining to the visual heritage of London. Currently, the Collection numbers over 4,000 works and has its strengths in contemporary and historical Canadian art. A rich resource for the promotion and appreciation of local, regional and national artists, it is featured regularly in curated exhibitions and to demonstrate the depth of cultural and visual heritage in this city. McIntosh Gallery also holds collections of archival materials related to local artists Greg Curnoe and Gillian Saward, and a body of historical photographs and ephemera documenting the London art scene over the last four decades of the twentieth century.


Characteristics of City/Region:
London is part of the densely populated region of Southwestern Ontario. Over 5 million reside within a 200 mile radius. London is also midway between Detroit and Toronto on a direct well-used corridor. McIntosh Gallery audiences include: the University community of 32,000 students, faculty and staff; the broader London area community of 400,000; a general audience which is increasingly exposed to images of the contemporary art world and seeks access, analysis and understanding; the more specialized community of artists, elementary and secondary school teachers, art and museum professionals, critics, writers and collectors who also support and contribute to the dialogue.
Audiences are developed through programs that draw upon the unique resources at Western and are shared in outreach and collaborative projects.
During the summer, London is home to several festivals including the Home County Music and Art Festival and Sunfest, international music and performance weekends. Tourist attractions include Museum London, Fanshawe Pioneer Village, and Budweiser Gardens which offers a continuous program of concerts, theatre performances and sports events.

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