EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Oxygen Art Centre is currently looking for candidates to fulfil one (1) summer employment opportunities: Gallery Assistant (YCW). More information about the position and how to apply, below.

Gallery Assistant — Young Canada Works Employment Opportunity

Oxygen Art Centre is an artist-run centre located on the tum xula7xw of the sn̓ʕay̓ckstx (otherwise known as Nelson, B.C.) engaging communities throughout Nelson and the West Kootenays, and wider audiences regionally and nationally. Oxygen Art Centre provides space and programming for artists and the public to engage with the creation, study, exhibition, and performance of contemporary art in all disciplines. Oxygen Art Centre’s activities include: Exhibition & Residency Program, Adult Arts Education, Children and Youth Arts Education, and a Presentation Series which consists of literary, film, music, and theatre events. We are currently looking for a Summer Gallery Assistant to add to our dynamic team.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Gallery Assistant will assist with day-to-day arts administrative duties, as well as conduct contemporary art research to support the Exhibition & Residency program and assist with the production, installation, and implementation of exhibitions, catalogues, residencies, and adjunct educational materials. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gallery Assistant will conduct the following tasks and responsibilities both remotely and in person (if applicable), utilizing their personal computer to access online platforms such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Zoom, as well as digital platforms such as Word and Excel, of which will be provided by the organization. The Gallery Assistant will also have access to the Centre’s facilities and equipment, if applicable. This position is funded by Young Canada Works. Additional administration through the YCW portal will be required at the beginning and end of employment contract. Candidates are required to state their eligibility for the YCW program in their Cover Letter and/or email.

Tasks + Responsibilities:

Oxygen’s Gallery Assistant will develop skills in arts administration, contemporary art research, and exhibitionary contexts. This project involves independent work and research with the opportunity to collaborate with artists and experts in the field. The Gallery Assistant will be able to focus the project to best suit their interests, aspirations, and background. Arts Administration The Gallery Assistant will assist with day-to-day duties at the Centre including gallery hosting, exhibition and facility maintenance, arts writing, communication, and outreach. The Gallery Assistant will directly engage with the production of an exhibition catalogue for Angela Glanzmann and Stephanie Yee’s exhibition (April 2022), assist in the run of a group exhibition entitled dig a hole in the garden (June – July 2022) in which participatory practice and activism will be explored through slow curating, and prepare and research for the forthcoming residencies and exhibitions with Lucie Chan (September – October 2022) and Tyler Wright (December 2022 – January 2023). Contemporary Art Research Contemporary art research regarding artists and topics explored in Oxygen’s Exhibition & Residency program will form the foundation by which the Gallery Assistant will conduct this project. Developed with the Executive Director, theoretical texts, lectures, and artworks will be determined as a “reading” list. Final Report A final report will summarize their research findings. This report can include creative and/or interactive aspects, should such forms be applicable to the project and candidate. Communication The Gallery Assistant will be responsible for communication with their supervisor, as well as liaising with fellow employees, artists, and mentors in their field of enquiry. This position will be multi-faceted and offer experience throughout all aspects of Oxygen Art Centre under the supervision of the Executive Director. Due to the pandemic aspects of the position have been altered to ensure a safe working environment for the employee. The Gallery Assistant will be responsible for working in a hybrid fashion, which includes working from home, tracking hours and workplans, maintaining Google Doc files and documentation, virtual and phone meetings with supervisors, and facilitating digital administration from a far, as well as conducting on site labour (if applicable). Necessary alterations will be made to the employee’s workplan should pandemic restrictions alter during the employee’s contract. Oxygen Art Centre is an artist-run centre located on the traditional territory of the Sinixt peoples that engages communities throughout Nelson and the Kootenays, and wider audiences regionally and nationally. Oxygen Art Centre provides space and programming for artists and the public to engage with the creation, study, exhibition, and performance of contemporary art in all disciplines. Oxygen Art Centre’s activities include: Exhibition & Residency Program, Adult Arts Education, Children and Youth Arts Education, and a Presentation Series which consists of literary, film, music, and theatre events. Oxygen is unique in its structure and provides vital arts and cultural programming. We are currently looking for a Gallery Assistant to add to our dynamic team.

Nature + Scope of the Position:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Gallery Assistant will develop arts administration skills and conduct research into contemporary art practices.

The ideal candidate:

  • Is enrolled in a post-secondary program in Art History, Art Education, Visual and/or Media Arts, Museum Studies or a related discipline;
  • Demonstrates a keen interest in contemporary art and/or museum practices;
  • Is responsible, hard-working, enthusiastic, and dynamic;
  • Has a proven ability to communicate effectively.

The Summer Gallery Assistant position is funded by the Young Canada Works program. Candidates for the position must:

  • Be legally entitled to work in Canada;
  • Be a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (unfortunately, non-Canadian students holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible);
  • Be between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;
  • Create a profile on the Government of Canada Young Canada Works page;
  • Intend to return to Full-Time studies in Fall 2022

Employment Details:

$17.00/hour 9 week contract 30 hours/week Position duration: June 20, 2022 – August 19, 2022

Application deadline: 16 May 2022, by 5:00 PM

Please submit a cover letter and resume to info@oxygenartcentre.org with the subject line: “ATTN: Summer Gallery Assistant Application”. Oxygen Art Centre is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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