Gallery Animateur (2 positions) - Varley-mckay Foundation

Applications are now being accepted for the Gallery Animateur positions in the Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship Department, Development Services Commission.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume by May 3, 2024 to:

Francesca Dauphinais, Development Officer
Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham
fdauphinais@markham.ca
(905) 477-7000 ext.3264

Join us and make a lasting difference!

Start and End Dates: Monday, June 17 - Monday, September 2, 2024 (12 weeks)

Number of Hours per Week: 30

Work schedule: Sunday - Saturday (shifts divided equally between both successful candidates)

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham is seeking a Gallery Animateur to support the Varley Art Gallery of Markham in providing educational and public engagement programs through the delivery of tours and gallery activities. This year, the Varley is looking to develop meaningful ways to connect with visitors and expand its community outreach by offering in-person and virtual tours and programming that enhance the gallery experience.

The Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham supports the Varley Art Gallery as a vital cultural hub in the GTA. Our mandate is to support the Varley Art Gallery's strong visual arts program through our activities and investments. We provide funding to assist with art acquisitions, the conservation of the Gallery's art collection, educational programming and exhibition research. We also administer the volunteer program on behalf of the Varley Art Gallery, providing additional support for their programs and events.

Duties include:

• Monitor gallery spaces during Varley Art Gallery public hours of operation and safely engage with the public
• Conduct research surveys to evaluate exhibition displays and clarity of information to visitors
• Research and develop self-guided tours and interactive and/or virtual educational programs for members of the public who visit the gallery or access the gallery exhibitions online
• Develop in-house activities and program plans to engage families and members of the public while educating about the exhibitions at the Varley
• Lead visitors on public tours of exhibitions with groups or individuals, to broaden their knowledge on the exhibition subject matter
• Facilitate informal talks with groups or individual visitors to the gallery
• Establish relationships with local service organizations to offer free in-person tours to organizations such as the Welcome Centre Immigrant Services, March of Dimes, Centre for Dreams, York Region Living South, among others
• Complete intensive training with Varley Art Gallery of Markham Programs Assistant

This position is on-site at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham, located in Unionville, ON.

Requirements:

• Educational background in a visual arts related field such as visual arts, art history, arts administration, or museum studies.
• Have good knowledge of and keen interest in visual art and museum practices
• Have a proven ability to communicate effectively in English (fluency and proficiency in Cantonese and/or Mandarin is an asset)
• Be comfortable interacting with members of the public and delivering tours to groups of visitors
• Outreach component requires travel to other locations within York Region
• Standard First Aid with CPR 'C'
• Clear and Valid Police Vulnerable Sector Check

Note: This position is contingent to grant funding received through Canada Summer Jobs.

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment (age requirement needed for this role as part of government recruitment);
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and,
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.

Core Behaviours

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

The Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham is committed to employment equity and building strength through diversity as per the City of Markham's Diversity Action Plan. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage women, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Indigenous peoples to apply.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.