Gallery Assistant (Young Canada Works) (Deadline)
The School of Art Gallery is looking for a Gallery Assistant to join our team for the 2025–26 season! This full-time, paid opportunity is perfect for recent grads eager to launch a career in galleries, museums, or the arts sector.
Employment Period: September 15, 2025–March 13, 2026
Salary: $23.13–$27.49
Hours: Full time, 35 hours/week
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.umanitoba.ca/art/gallery
About the School of Art Gallery
The School of Art Gallery (SOAG) serves students, faculty, and staff at the School of Art (SOA), University of Manitoba, and the public. Located on the main floor of ARTlab—a state-of-the-art facility—the gallery functions as a site of both research and presentation. The Gallery also houses a Permanent Collection of over 5,000 artworks spanning historical and contemporary periods. Programming in the Main and Collections Galleries reflects a diversity of artistic practices and perspectives, supporting exhibitions, collections care, publishing, and outreach initiatives.
About the Position
Reporting to the Director/Curator and working closely with Gallery staff, the Gallery Assistant will support projects related to collections management, exhibitions, and outreach.
Primary responsibilities include:
– Assisting with a Permanent Collection audit, including documentation, condition reporting, and data entry
– Supporting conservation efforts by matting works and constructing archival containers
– Assisting with the installation and takedown of four exhibitions, including artwork handling, crating, and documentation
– Providing support for two offsite curatorial projects and associated events
– Creating visual descriptions to support accessibility for visitors with vision impairments
– Leading tours for School of Art classes and community groups
– Supporting public programming and workshops
– Facilitating meaningful visitor experiences during exhibitions
This position offers hands-on experience in a professional gallery setting and supports the development of transferable skills relevant to careers in arts administration, curatorial practice, and museums.
Education and Experience
Required:
– Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art, Art History, or a related field
– Strong reading, writing, and verbal communication skills
– Proficiency in Microsoft Office
– Eligibility for the Young Canada Works program
Assets:
– Knowledge of Canadian contemporary and historical art
– Experience with DSLR photography and Adobe Photoshop
– Art handling and installation experience
– Familiarity with database management
– Experience with public speaking or gallery tours
– Prior work or volunteer experience in galleries, museums, artist-run centres, or libraries
Abilities
The ideal candidate will be:
– Detail-oriented and organized
– A strong communicator
– Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
– Able to manage deadlines under pressure
– Friendly and professional in visitor interactions
Young Canada Works Eligibility
To qualify, candidates must be:
– A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada
– Legally entitled to work in Canada
– Between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
– A recent college or university graduate
– Unemployed or underemployed
– Not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits during the internship
– Willing to commit to full-time work and not hold another full-time job during the internship
Note: Priority will be given to graduates who have not previously participated in a YCW internship.
Working Conditions
The Gallery Assistant will work in an open office with regular team interaction. The role requires occasional physical activity:
– Light to moderate lifting
– Use of hand tools
– Manual dexterity
– Occasional evening hours for events (until 8:00 pm)
To Apply
Email your cover letter and resume with the subject line “Gallery Assistant” to:
Donna Jones
Administrative Assistant
Deadline: August 15, 2025
You may also apply via Young Canada Works:
https://young-canada-works.can...
Note: All applicants must register at:
https://young-canada-works.can...
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University of Manitoba is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and individuals identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.