Grounded in photography, The Polygon Gallery creates space to challenge how we see the world. It is committed to a culture that is curious, bold, and generous. Operating for over forty years, the organization has produced over 300 exhibitions and numerous publications, earning a reputation as an adventurous public art institution. The Polygon’s expansive programming has featured acclaimed Vancouver photographers, world‐renowned as well as emerging artists, and innovative exhibitions of historic and vernacular photography.

As The Polygon prepares for a series of significant exhibitions, outreach, and programs over the next year, the organization seeks one Public Programs Assistant.

In particular, the Public Programs Assistant will work with The Polygon’s programming team to prepare and deliver the gallery’s expanded outreach. Primarily, this involves the Kids First Weekends taking place on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month, featuring family-friendly activities based on current exhibitions; as well as assisting with preparation of public outreach for the Fall 2023 season, with a focus on youth and school programs including Chester Fields and Gallery School.

The Public Programs Assistant will also support the Education Programmer and Outreach Coordinator with the execution of The Polygon’s summer and fall events, and activations of the exhibitions on view. They/he/she will be familiar with exhibitions and able to lead tours for classes and other groups.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will have completed a diploma or degree program from a university or college in history, art history, cultural studies, curatorial studies, museum studies, or a related discipline, with an interest in and/or familiarity with contemporary visual art.

They/he/she will have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly and accessibly, in addition to punctuality and organizational skills. Hands-on artmaking experience and/or a background in education, workshop facilitation, or K-12 classroom experience would be an asset. The candidate will have a positive attitude with an ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple tasks.

Candidates must meet the following requirements: be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada; be legally entitled to work in Canada; be registered with Young Canada Works online; be between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment; and do not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) at the time of applying for this job. Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as a member of an underrepresented community (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour). This position is funded through the Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage (for a complete list of candidate eligibility criteria, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html)

The position will begin August 11, 2023 and end February 9, 2024.

Salary / Hours
$22.50 per hour, 28 hours per week, flexible hours including weekends

To apply, please visit the Young Canada Works (YCW) login page and click on the “Sign up” link (or “Sign In” if you already have an account). You will be required to enter contact information and details on your educational and work history. Once you have created your account, you can browse job opportunities via the “Search for a job” link in your YCW account. To express interest in this position, click on the Curatorial Assistant job title for The Polygon Gallery and then on “Express interest in this job”.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, July 21, 2023 at 5pm. Questions can be directed to Elliott Ramsey at e.ramsey@thepolygon.ca.

Image: Alison Boulier