Organizer Information
The Art Museum at the University of Toronto is a leading academic and public-facing art institution in Canada, formed through the collaboration of two key entities: the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery and the University of Toronto Art Centre. Located in Toronto, Ontario, the museum operates within the University of Toronto ecosystem and is dedicated to advancing contemporary art discourse, supporting research-led curatorial practice, and fostering inclusive public engagement with visual culture.
The institution is embedded in one of Canada’s most significant academic environments, which enables it to function as both a scholarly platform and a public cultural space. Its programming spans exhibitions, educational initiatives, public engagement strategies, and partnerships with major cultural events such as the Toronto Biennial of Art. The museum places a strong emphasis on accessibility, equity, and diversity in both staffing and audience development, actively supporting underrepresented communities in the arts sector.
Through its outreach and educational programming, the Art Museum aims to expand participation in contemporary and Canadian art while building meaningful relationships between artists, audiences, students, and broader communities.
Title & Description
Outreach Assistant – Art Museum, University of Toronto
The Art Museum at the University of Toronto is seeking an Outreach Assistant to support the development, coordination, and implementation of its outreach, public engagement, and educational programming strategies.
This role is designed to strengthen the museum’s connection with diverse audiences by contributing to innovative engagement initiatives that enhance accessibility and participation. The selected candidate will work closely with the Assistant Director and curatorial team to design and implement outreach strategies connected to exhibitions, collections, and public programs.
A key focus of the position is supporting the museum’s Fall programming partnership with the Toronto Biennial of Art, working with nationally and internationally recognized artists. The Outreach Assistant will contribute to shaping audience experiences, developing educational content, and ensuring that museum programming reaches broad and diverse communities, including those facing barriers to access.
This is a hands-on professional opportunity within a dynamic museum environment, offering practical experience in public programming, museum education, visitor engagement, and institutional outreach strategy.
The Role Overview
- Position Title: Outreach Assistant
- Institution: Art Museum, University of Toronto
- Contract Type: Fixed-term employment
- Duration: June – December 2026
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time)
- Salary: $25.45 per hour
- Reporting To: Assistant Director and Curatorial Team
- Programme Context: Museum outreach, public programming, educational engagement, Toronto Biennial partnership
- Employment Framework: Young Canada Works internship eligibility applies
Position & Tasks
The Outreach Assistant will be responsible for supporting and implementing a range of museum engagement activities, including:
- Designing and developing accessible outreach strategies for exhibitions and collections
- Creating educational programming for diverse audiences and learning needs
- Supporting implementation of new audience engagement initiatives
- Assisting with front-of-house operations, including guided tours for varied audiences
- Collecting, organizing, and analyzing visitor feedback and participation data
- Contributing to equitable outreach strategies targeting underserved communities
- Collaborating with internal teams and external partners across the University of Toronto network
- Supporting student and youth engagement programs through tours and workshops
- Assisting in outreach planning for the museum’s fall program in collaboration with the Toronto Biennial of Art
- Evaluating audience engagement metrics and reporting findings to the curatorial and administrative teams
The role requires strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, independent working capacity, and collaborative communication skills.
Categories
- Museum Studies
- Curatorial Practice
- Art Education
- Public Programming
- Contemporary Art
- Canadian Art
- Cultural Outreach
- Audience Development
- Arts Administration
Eligibility
- Background in art history, museum studies, curatorial studies, education, or related fields
- Experience (academic, volunteer, or professional) in museum outreach or programming preferred
- Knowledge of contemporary and/or Canadian art is an asset
- Experience as a docent or in event planning is advantageous
- Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Additional eligibility requirements (Young Canada Works framework):
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada
- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada (valid SIN required)
- Must be between 16 and 30 years old at the start of employment
- Must be a college or university graduate (certificate, BA, MA, or PhD)
- Priority may be given to applicants who have not previously participated in YCW internships and are unemployed or underemployed
Program Benefits
- Paid employment at $25.45/hour
- Full-time professional museum experience (June–December 2026)
- Hands-on involvement in public programming and outreach strategy
- Direct collaboration with curatorial and museum education professionals
- Exposure to institutional partnerships, including the Toronto Biennial of Art
- Experience working in a major academic and cultural institution
- Opportunity to build expertise in museum audience engagement and programming development
- Contribution to equity-focused cultural initiatives
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Single PDF document preferred
- Subject line: “Young Canada Works Outreach”
- Email submission required
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via email to: artmuseum@utoronto.ca
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 6 May 2026
- Employment Period: June – December 2026
- Notification Date: Not specified (shortlisted candidates contacted after deadline)
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Additional Details
This position is part of a federally supported internship initiative and is intended to provide early-career professionals with structured experience in the cultural sector. The museum strongly encourages applications from equity-seeking groups, including racialized individuals, Indigenous applicants, disabled applicants, and LGBTQ+ communities.
The institution is committed to inclusive hiring practices and seeks to address systemic barriers within the arts and museum sector by prioritizing accessibility, representation, and community engagement.
The Outreach Assistant will play a key role in shaping how audiences experience the museum’s programming, particularly during a high-profile collaboration with the Toronto Biennial of Art.