Paid Summer Internship

_Stretch & explore, make meaningful connections, practice craft & skills in the field of art and design through The Works Art & Design Festival’s paid summer internship program._

**Start date**: May 2, 2025

Works to Work participants may return summer after summer to encourage ongoing skill development, progressing from Assistant through to Lead Supervisor level in a particular stream.

This is an in-person work opportunity. Remote work is not available.

**About the Festival**

Entering our 40 anniversary year, The Works International Visual Arts Society presents The Works Art & Design Festival—a unique, free event that showcases everything from visual art to cutting edge design, digital art, and new media technology. The Festival advances the development, awareness and appreciation of art and design in Canada and provides artists, designers, and the public a forum for exchanging ideas.

**Responsibilities**

Placements available in the following 5 streams:

- Exhibit Production & Technology:_ Oversee the physical aspects of 20+ exhibits and installations including venue preparation, artwork handling, install & dismantle, construction techniques, resource management, inventories, and special projects. Five positions available.
- Curatorial:_ Administer and document festival presentations including curatorial research, registration, reporting, archiving, contracts, insurance, communications, curatorial intent, exhibit interpretation, and audience development. Work closely with the Production team to conduct artwork handling, exhibit install & dismantle. One position available.
- Marketing, Public Relations, Special Events_: Develop and implement public and media outreach strategies, administer and deliver special events throughout the festival season including the media launch, artist events, stage presentations, and celebration events. One position available.
- Volunteer Administration:_ Recruit, orient, schedule, and develop event and appreciation programs for The Works volunteers. Maintain and develop relationships with volunteer organizations and community supporters. Operate volunteer headquarters during festival. One position available.

**Who Should Apply**

Engaged, adaptive, challenge-seeking individuals who are excited to stretch and explore in the field of art and design. This includes:

- Students and graduates of visual art and design programs, marketing, communications, public relations, and arts and cultural management programs.
- Students in related fields (museums, theatre production, heritage, recreation, etc.).
- Emerging artists interested in building and expanding their careers.
- Persons considering a career in arts and culture.
- Persons committed to learning with a desire to share and develop their skills in art preparation, event coordination, program delivery, marketing and communications, and/or festival production.

**Skills / Highlights**
- Exhibit Production & Technology:_ Students seeking careers as artists or cultural workers will gain hands-on, practical knowledge in construction, art handling, and exhibit preparation. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and basic construction are considered assets. Carpentry experience is considered a strong asset. The ability to conduct physically demanding labour is required for this role, including but not limited to lifting and moving objects, using hand and power tools, painting walls, and using ladders.
- Curatorial: _Ideal applicants will have strong skills in written and verbal communication, organization, and time management. Skills with Office 365 (especially Microsoft Excel) and experience with Squarespace and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) are considered assets. Experience in artwork handling, administration, and grant reporting are considered assets. Working closely with the Production Team to install and dismantle exhibits, this role can involve physical labour including but not limited to lifting and moving objects, using hand and power tools, painting walls, and using ladders.
- Design:_ Graphic design and technical skills with Adobe Creative Suite are necessary in this role. Experience with Squarespace, photography and video editing skills are considered strong assets.
- Marketing, Public Relations, Special Events:_ Strong professional writing skills and comfort in communication are necessary in this role. Experience in graphic design, photography, or video editing are considered a strong asset.
- Volunteer Administration: _The Volunteer Administration Assistant works in a dynamic team environment where interpersonal skills, cooperation, and communication are imperative. Time management, scheduling, and conflict resolution skills are considered strong assets. Demonstrated commitment to volunteering and previous management experience are considered assets.

**How to Apply**

Upload the following:

- Cover letter
- Resume or CV
- Contact information for 2-3 references
- First Nations, Mé