Studio Faculty, Ceramics

The National accessArts Centre is seeking a Ceramics Facilitator for a short term, one month contract position, with the possibility of extension.

This role is ideal for someone with a solid understanding of clay, the ability to fire a kiln, and an interest in building hands on teaching experience. You'll be working in a fun, fast paced studio environment alongside a dynamic team of artists.

This position involves supporting and collaborating with artists with disabilities, offering a meaningful opportunity to develop experience in accessible arts practices, adaptive facilitation approaches, and inclusive studio support.

It's a wonderful fit for an emerging ceramics practitioner who is passionate about community-engaged artmaking and cultivating a welcoming, barrier conscious creative space.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

All Studio Faculty positions work closely with the Director, Visual Arts and with each other as peers to understand and support the artistic/creative needs of our participants. The Director, Visual Arts relies on the studio team to help implement a program plan that looks at the advancement of each of our artists through self-directed studio sessions, media-specific training and creation programs, and artists-in-residence initiatives.

A. Studio Operations & Administration

1. Ensure that artists are equipped with the necessary tools and supplies specific to their creative goals.

2. Assist and provide inspirational resources to artists developing ideas and respect their autonomy over

their creative process.

1. Identify possible areas for artist skills training; facilitate skills training for artists as required.

2. Ensure the studio is well equipped and ready to meet the needs of our artists and their projects by

assisting teammates with:

i. Proper set-up, tear down, and clean up of tools, supplies, chairs/tables at the end of each

session;

ii. Identification of areas that need further clean-up from janitorial staff reported to the Coordinator, Artist Services;

iii. Stock appropriate supplies, and re-stocking/ sourcing/ ordering supplies as needed within the boundaries of the studio budget; ensuring artists have what they need to execute their projects;

iv. Report safety concerns to the Safety Officer or the Manager, Operations;

v. Work with volunteers and practicum students to keep studio storage, supplies, and common workspaces clean and well organized; supervise volunteers and practicum students in the delivery of day-to-day studio sessions and report progress to the Administrator, Artist Services;

vi. Diligent and careful storage of finished artworks and works in progress;

vii. Accurately and fairly valuate the cost of materials and present to the Coordinator, Artist Services to process project payments;

viii. Ensure all processes and tasks within the Ceramics department are executed within a reasonable timeframe (project tracking, mixing glazes, firing regular kiln loads, equipment maintenance, mitigating dust, etc.); report any setbacks to the Director, Visual Arts immediately.

1. Support other members of the Studio Faculty team by actively engaging in shared studio tasks (general cleaning/ organization, daily announcements, studio progress or ISP notes, etc.)

2. Uphold and adhere to all direct service polices and procedures and studio processes and protocols.

3. Assist in the planning and implementation of exhibitions and other social and fundraising events.

4. Provide minimum 3 days notice for anticipated absences; in consultation with the Director, Visual Arts actively support finding studio coverage for all absences.

5. Advocate for the agency and equitable treatment of NaAC artists; be able to hold difficult conversations with various stakeholders when NaAC values and artists' rights are compromised or at risk.

6. Stay up to date on current artistic trends and practices, especially as they pertain to artists living with disabilities.

B. Artists

1. Engage artists in all elements of the artistic cycle including:

i. Conduct annual meetings with assigned artists to identify their goals and professional aspirations; thoroughly document meeting notes and report to the Administrator, Artist Services for PDD reporting; submit documents within a minimum of 2 days post-completion.

ii. Assist in conceptualizing and realizing new artworks.

iii. Assist/ instruct/ facilitate the creation of artworks.

iv. Coordinate proper framing or display of artists' finished works.

1. Provide input to initial artist assessments and complete weekly tracking of goals/objectives for artists

2. Advocate artists' right to autonomy over their artwork.

3. Report any suspected mental or physical health challenges faced by artists via Contact Note or Incident report to the Director, Visual Arts immediately.

4. Report any behavioral concerns that negatively impact the artist and other surrounding participant artists to the Director, Visual Arts immediately.

D. Exhibitions and Other Event Assistance

1. Assist with all National accessArts Centre exhibitions and other events as requested. Tasks may include:

i. Planning, including the determination of placement of art pieces.

ii. Event set up and tear down.

iii. Hanging of art pieces.

iv. Other tasks specific to the event at hand

D. Expected Behaviours

• Adhere to the NaAC's Code of Conduct at all times; behave respectfully and without discrimination
• Actively support and participate in the NaAC's initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Take initiative to learn about the NaAC, its goals, and its artists
• Demonstrate willingness to adapt communication and teaching style to meet unique and individual needs
• Demonstrate a commitment to artists' autonomy over their creative decisions
• Actively attend, engage, and participate in meetings as required
• Respond to all organizational email correspondence in a timely manner
• Complete all mandatory training on time
• Participate in team-building events
• Respond to NaAC surveys and requests for information
• Demonstrate a positive attitude; be willing to resolve conflicts respectfully and in a timely manner

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills + Abilities

• Formal training in the visual arts. Relevant experience can be also considered.
• 2-5+ years in a facilitator, mentor, collaborator role in the arts.
• Ability to speak and write effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrable attention to detail.
• Basic skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and online meeting platforms.

Additional Skills + Abilities Considered Assets

• Experience working with individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities.
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills.

Required Personal Characteristics

• Patience.
• Passion for helping artists achieve their goals in all elements of the artistic process.
• Mature attitude and ability to work autonomously in a collaborative environment.
• Desire and ability to work as part of a team – collegial attitude towards working on a team; conflict management resolution; committed to no conflict but not avoiding – instead resolving as it comes up
• Desire and will to support artists' learning of specific mediums or styles while accounting for their unique abilities and access needs.
• Curious about hearing or learning from others as well as sharing ideas.
• Able to think beyond the scope of what is known (e.g creative solutions to adapting tools to different
• physical/ sensory challenges).
• Highly organized and capable of following up on assigned duties in a timely manner
• Proactive, positive, and solutions‑oriented, with a willingness to take initiative.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: From $24.45 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• On-site parking

Experience:

• facilitation: 2 years (preferred)
• ceramics: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person