OCAD U CAREER LAUNCHERS

Art Metropole,
Programs, Publications and Shop Assistant

OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Art Metropole is a non-profit visual arts centre with a focus on contemporary art in formats predisposed to circulation and dissemination:artists’ books and art publications, video, audio, electronic media, and multiples. Art Metropole distributes works through its space at 896 College Street, pop-up and satellite locations, and online. Art Metropole produces exhibitions, talks, screenings, performances and other programming that feature and/or intersect with distributed art practices; and manages a public art collection and archive pertaining to these practices. 

The centre was founded in 1974 by the artist collective General Idea, as a division of Art-Official Inc. (1972). Art-Official’s mission is to facilitate and document collaboration and exchange of ideas between artists. The company had served as the non-profit business entity for General Idea’s File Magazine (1972–1989). Art Metropole was conceived as a related artist-run centre and collection agency devoted to the documentation, archiving and distribution of all the images.

OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to announce a recruited placement in partnership with Art Metropole for the role of Programs, Publications & Shop Assistant. The Programs, Publications & Shop Assistant will join Art Metropole’s team to support activities at their 896 College Street space, at pop-up locations, and online. This is a fantastic opportunity for OCAD U students and recent graduates interested in building skills and knowledge in an artist-run-centre with a focus on artist’s publications and related programming. The role will be a combination of remote and in-person work. 

Art Metropole is actively taking measures to ensure better representation of equity seeking culture workers throughout the organization, particularly in leadership and governance. We strongly encourage and will prioritize applications from those who are Black, Indigenous, people of colour, Queer, Trans, disabled, and from other self-identifying applicants. Artists and other cultural workers often face precarious working conditions, lack of job security, and below average wages. Art Metropole has committed to addressing these issues, and is proud to be a certified Living Wage Employer, with all staff at Art Metropole earning at least $23.15 per hour, the living wage calculated for Toronto.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Shop (Approx. 40%)
  - Fulfilling online shop orders, including packaging inventory and facilitating shipping and/or curbside pickups from AM’s shop
  - Assisting with retail duties in-person at AM’s College St shop location, and/or at pop-up events as needed
• Programming (Approx. 25%)
  - Working closely with the Executive and Assistant Directors to contribute to programming planning; including supporting grant applications, coordinating artist contracts, communicating with artists and partner organizations, as needed
  - Assisting with the coordination of program logistics, including in-person and online book launches, talks, and/or other artist projects
• Publications (Approx. 25%)
  - Supporting the planning, production, and promotion of Art Metropole publications
  - Working alongside Art Metropole staff to support publication distribution logistics
• General administration (Approx. 10%)
  - Assist with general office duties and tasks, as needed

VACCINATION POLICY

Art Metropole operates in a small space that does not always allow for staff to distance from each other at all times. In order to protect employees from health and safety risks during the current pandemic, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required for the selected candidate prior to their start date. Accommodation requests for new hires that are unable to get vaccinated against COVID-19 on medical or other legally protected grounds must be provided in writing.

APPLICATION SUPPORT

The OCAD U RBC CEAD is committed to promoting substantive equality for equity-seeking groups that are under-represented in the creative sector. We encourage applications from first-time applicants to the program and graduates of equity-seeking communities including racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities / expressions. Applicants are welcome to advise the CEAD of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. 

Applicants who need assistance with their submissions are invited to connect with the RBC CEAD for Advising support. Click here to learn more about how to book an advising appointment.

ACCESSIBILITY

Applicants who have concerns about meeting a Career Launcher application deadline are invited to connect with the CEAD in order to discuss possible alternatives. We encourage all who might require assistance with the application process to reach out to determine available support. Outreach of this nature should be undertaken at least one week prior to the published application deadline.