Studio and Exhibition Assistant Job Posting

Willow Arts Community is hiring a Studio and Exhibition Assistant for the months of May and June 2025. This position is funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program.

Willow Arts is a diverse community. We understand and celebrate the intersections of lived experiences for people living with mental illness/substance use in Niagara. Of our 300+ current membership:

• *100% have lived or living experience of mental illness/substance use
• * 76% are on social assistance, unemployed, or retired (low income)
• * 45% identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community
• * 47% identify as being neurodiverse (ADHD/autism)
• * 35% live with a physical disability (visible and invisible)
• * 23% identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of colour

We prioritize hiring people who reflect the diverse makeup of our membership. Having leadership, staff, artists, and instructors who reflect these diversities and lived experiences is essential and foundational to creating a space that feels inclusive and safe for all.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting to and working alongside the Director and the Program Coordinator, the Studio and Exhibition Assistant will work closely with arts facilitators, members, and volunteers to support the administration, planning, and execution of Willow Arts Community’s studio programming, community programming, and annual Members’ Exhibition.

Duties:

• Prepare the Willow Arts studio and other venues in preparation for programs
• Assist Willow staff and instructors during programs and open studio sessions
• Assist the Program Coordinator in the planning and delivery of in-community programming at the Manchester Street Regional Housing site
• Work with Willow and Marilyn I Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts staff on the curation and installation of the annual Willow Members’ Exhibition at the MIWSFPA Gallery
• Assist in the planning, promotion, and execution of the Opening Reception for the annual Members’ Exhibition (June 5, 2025)
• Work with Willow staff and contract photographer and graphic designer on the contents, design, printing, and binding of the exhibition catalogue for the Members’ Exhibition

A candidate for this position should demonstrate the following

• A love of the visual arts
• Experience in a visual arts studio setting as an artist and/or arts educator
• Experience in speaking with unfamiliar people to build new connections
• Experience in using Google Cloud systems
• Spoken and written English proficiency sufficient to have conversations and email exchanges with program participants and partners; and to ensure accuracy in the content of written and spoken messages.

Other qualities and skills that are not required but are considered an asset:

• Volunteer or employment experience in the professional visual arts sector
• Visual arts curation training and/or work experience
• Knowledge of the Niagara Region’s communities
• Volunteer or employment experience interacting with people with lived experience of mental illness / substance use

Position Details:

• Contract Period: May 5, 2025 to June 27, 2025 (8 weeks)
• Hours: 30 hours per week (240 hour contract)
• Rate of Pay: $17.20 per hour + 4% vacation pay
• Primary Work Location: downtown St. Catharines

PLEASE NOTE

This position is funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program and to meet the requirements of that program the successful candidate must be

• between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment
• a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, S.C. 2001, c. 27 (note: international students are not eligible; recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or permanent residents)
• legally entitled to work according to the relevant Ontario legislation and regulations.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send both your resume and a cover letter to [email protected] addressed to Director Leigh MacLeod explaining your interest in the role.

Applications must be received by 11:59pm EST on April 23, 2025 to be considered. Interviews will be conducted in person or by video call on April 29 and 30. We thank all those who apply, but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you have any questions about this position, posting, or Willow Arts, please email Leigh MacLeod, Director, at [email protected].