Organizer Information
The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington (VAC) is a not-for-profit art gallery and arts education centre in Bowmanville, Ontario. With approximately 50 years of community engagement, VAC presents contemporary art by Canadian regional and national artists while providing educational and public programs for children, youth, and adults. The Centre operates from a four-story 1905 mill containing exhibition and studio spaces, including pottery and painting facilities and a loft gallery. VAC is committed to inclusive arts programming, employment equity, and community engagement.
Title & Description
Assistant Curator – Visual Arts Centre of Clarington
The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington is seeking an Assistant Curator for a 22-week paid position supporting exhibitions, curatorial research, contemporary arts administration, public engagement, and community programming. Working alongside the Curator, the successful candidate will contribute to the development of VAC's 2026–2027 exhibition programs, community exhibitions, public-space projects, educational resources, and gallery activities.
The position offers an opportunity for a recent post-secondary graduate to gain practical experience in curatorial practice and arts administration within a community-based contemporary art centre. The role combines research and exhibition development with hands-on coordination, public-facing gallery work, and collaboration with artists, preparators, contractors, volunteers, interns, and education staff.
The Role Overview
- Position: Assistant Curator
- Contract Type: Fixed-term, 22-week internship/work placement
- Program: Young Canada Works – Building Careers in Heritage
- Start Date: October 26, 2026
- End Date: March 26, 2027
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week
- Wage: CAD $19.35 per hour
- Supervisor: Curator
- Work Setting: Visual Arts Centre of Clarington, Bowmanville, Ontario
- Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
The position is intended to provide professional experience in curating, contemporary arts administration, exhibition development, and community engagement.
Position & Tasks
- Coordinate and develop VAC's 2026/2027 exhibition programs with the Curator.
- Develop curatorial plans for community exhibitions and exhibitions in public ancillary spaces.
- Coordinate installation and takedown logistics.
- Liaise with preparators and exhibition contractors.
- Research and prepare exhibition-related reading materials for education staff.
- Assist with marketing, brochure, and web copy for exhibitions.
- Supervise and animate the gallery during public hours five days per week.
- Welcome visitors, lead tours, and provide information about VAC.
- Support events, tours, and ongoing public programming.
- Train volunteers and interns on exhibition content.
- Evaluate exhibitions and provide recommendations for future programming.
Categories
- Curatorial
- Visual Arts
- Art Management
- Jobs
Eligibility
Applicants must be post-secondary graduates in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Visual Arts, Visual Studies, or a related discipline. Strong communication, research, organizational, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required.
Because this position is funded through Young Canada Works, candidates must meet its eligibility requirements. Applicants must generally be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons with refugee status in Canada; be legally entitled to work in Canada; be 16–30 years old at the start of employment; be a college or university graduate; and be unemployed or underemployed. Applicants must commit to the entire 22-week assignment and cannot hold another full-time job exceeding 30 hours per week during the placement. Priority may be given to graduates who have not previously participated in YCW internship programs.
French-language ability is an asset.
Program Benefits
- Paid professional experience at CAD $19.35/hour.
- 37.5 hours of work per week for 22 weeks.
- Practical experience in curatorial practice and exhibition development.
- Experience in contemporary arts administration and public engagement.
- Direct collaboration with a professional Curator.
- Experience coordinating exhibitions, installations, tours, and programs.
- Opportunities to develop research, writing, presentation, and arts-management skills.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 18 September 2026
- Position Start: October 26, 2026
- Position End: March 26, 2027
- Duration: 22 weeks
Location
Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
Additional Details
Applicants should have strong public-speaking and presentation abilities and be comfortable working independently and collaboratively. Proficiency with standard office and communications tools, including Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive, is expected.
VAC is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates from diverse communities, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and people with disabilities. The organization notes that its historic building is not fully accessible but seeks to provide accommodations throughout the hiring process.