Job Description
Position:
The Artistic Summer Program Lead is responsible for the facilitation and implementation of summer arts programming at the gallery. This leadership role includes the direct supervision of fellow summer experience staff.
Timeline:
Full-time summer student employment 8 Weeks (35 hours per week) *Some evenings and weekends required.
Compensation: $22/hour
Start Date: June 15, 2026 * start date negotiable
Duration: 8-10 weeks
To apply:
Send brief cover letter and resume to: info@durhamartgallery.com by May 15, 2026 at 6:00pm.
Join our immersive summer mentorship program for emerging arts professionals! Contribute to high-impact community arts programs and launch your career in the arts. Kickstart your arts career with the Durham Art Gallery Summer Experience Program! Work hands-on with youth, seniors, and community programs, while gaining mentorship and real-world experience in arts administration, digital tools, and creative programming. Build your skills, portfolio, and professional network in a supportive, inclusive environment. Open to emerging arts professionals from all backgrounds—make an impact in your community this summer!
The Durham Art Gallery is an inclusive workspace and we are committed to providing opportunities and support to young artists from diverse backgrounds, identities, abilities, cultures, skills, perspectives and experiences. We are a wheelchair accessible space and we can provide any additional accommodations as required.
Who Should Apply:
Emerging arts professionals from all backgrounds, including students or recent graduates in visual arts, arts administration, museum studies, design, theatre, dance, or related creative fields. DAG encourages applicants from marginalized and underrepresented groups.
These employment opportunities are funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program and in order to be eligible for the positions, candidates must:
• Be between the ages of 15-30 at the start of the position.
• Be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or someone to whom Refugee Status has been granted/conferred.
• Have a valid SIN.
International students, and those who are here in Canada on a work, youth, or visitor visa/permit are not eligible for the program.
The ideal candidates will have the following skills/experience:
• Some post-secondary education in visual arts, art history, arts-administration or art education.
• Interested in developing their arts practice at the gallery.
• Leadership experience
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Organizational and time-management skills
• Creative problem-solver
• Experience working with children or facilitating children’s programs
• Visual or new-media art experience
• Adaptable with the ability to think critically and creatively
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide leadership, project management and program oversight for summer programs and staff.
• Engage directly with youth, children, and seniors through the facilitation of workshops, camps, and community programs.
• Collaborate with DAG staff on arts program design, implementation, and facilitation, including exhibitions and public events.
• Gain hands-on experience with digital tools, and arts administration tasks such as
budgeting and planning.
• Contribute to a diverse, inclusive, and culturally responsive workplace, supporting reconciliation, equity, and accessibility initiatives.
• Build transferable skills and a professional track record in the arts sector, preparing for careers in curatorial studies, contemporary art, design, theatre, museum studies, arts management, and related fields.
Note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted and we thank all applicants for their interest.
Company Description
Durham Art Gallery (DAG) is a non-profit, exhibition-driven space for contemporary art and culture in
West Grey, Ontario. From its earliest incarnation in the local Carnegie library to its current purpose-built
home, the Gallery’s 40 years of growth have been marked by an engaged community and diversifying
landscape.
Our mandate is to inspire, educate and delight people of all ages through access to a wide range of
contemporary art. We embrace a multidisciplinary view of cultural practice and present visual and
media art together with literary and performance events. From our earliest incarnation in the local
library to our current purpose-built home, the Gallery’s evolution has been marked by transformation
and innovation.
Durham Art Gallery rests on the traditional land of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which is represented
by the communities of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
