Works Art & Design Festival: Paid Summer Internships

Deadline for applications: March 18, 2025 

Start date: May 2, 2025 

About the Festival 

Entering our 40 anniversary year, The Works International Visual Arts Society presents The Works Art & Design Festival—a unique, free event that showcases everything from visual art to cutting edge design, digital art, and new media technology. The Festival advances the development, awareness and appreciation of art and design in Canada and provides artists, designers, and the public a forum for exchanging ideas. 

The Works to Work Summer Internship program is a one-of-a-kind leadership and professional development program designed for emerging arts professionals. Beginning in May and running throughout the summer, this paid program is fast-paced and connects theoretical learning with real-world applications through in-class instruction and up to 450 hours of practical work experience in delivering The Works Art & Design Festival. Participants benefit from working with experienced arts presenters and world class artists, while learning in a variety of ways including assignment modules, group discussions, collaborative assignments, peer mentorship, guest lectures, professional exposure, and hands-on experience. 

Works to Work participants may return summer after summer to encourage ongoing skill development, progressing from Assistant through to Lead Supervisor level in a particular stream. 

This is an in-person work opportunity. Remote work is not available. 

Placements available in the following 5 streams: 

Exhibit Production & Technology: Oversee the physical aspects of 20+ exhibits and installations including venue preparation, artwork handling, install & dismantle, construction techniques, resource management, inventories, and special projects. Five positions available. 

Curatorial: Administer and document festival presentations including curatorial research, registration, reporting, archiving, contracts, insurance, communications, curatorial intent, exhibit interpretation, and audience development. Work closely with the Production team to conduct artwork handling, exhibit install & dismantle. One position available. 

Design: Assist with the design of The Works Art & Design Festival marketing collateral, apply festival campaign to print and web outputs including festival guide. One position available. 

Marketing, Public Relations, Special Events: Develop and implement public and media outreach strategies, administer and deliver special events throughout the festival season including the media launch, artist events, stage presentations, and celebration events. One position available. 

Volunteer Administration: Recruit, orient, schedule, and develop event and appreciation programs for The Works volunteers. Maintain and develop relationships with volunteer organizations and community supporters. Operate volunteer headquarters during festival. One position available. 

Who Should Apply 

Engaged, adaptive, challenge-seeking individuals who are excited to stretch and explore in the field of art and design. This includes: 

• Students and graduates of visual art and design programs, marketing, communications, public relations, and arts and cultural management programs. 
• Students in related fields (museums, theatre production, heritage, recreation, etc.). 
• Emerging artists interested in building and expanding their careers. 
• Tradespeople with carpentry experience seeking creative settings to apply their skills. 
• Persons considering a career in arts and culture. 
• Persons committed to learning with a desire to share and develop their skills in art preparation, event coordination, program delivery, marketing and communications, and/or festival production. 

Skills / Highlights 

Exhibit Production & Technology: Students seeking careers as artists or cultural workers will gain hands-on, practical knowledge in construction, art handling, and exhibit preparation. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and basic construction are considered assets. Carpentry experience is considered a strong asset. The ability to conduct physically demanding labour is required for this role, including but not limited to lifting and moving objects, using hand and power tools, painting walls, and using ladders. 

Curatorial: Ideal applicants will have strong skills in written and verbal communication, organization, and time management. Skills with Office 365 (especially Microsoft Excel) and experience with Squarespace and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) are considered assets. Experience in artwork handling, administration, and grant reporting are considered assets. Working closely with the Production Team to install and dismantle exhibits, this role can involve physical labour including but not limited to lifting and moving objects, using hand and power tools, painting walls, and using ladders. 

Design: Graphic design and technical skills with Adobe Creative Suite are necessary in this role. Experience with Squarespace, photography and video editing skills are considered strong assets. 

Marketing, Public Relations, Special Events: Strong professional writing skills and comfort in communication are necessary in this role. Experience in graphic design, photography, or video editing are considered a strong asset. 

Volunteer Administration: The Volunteer Administration Assistant works in a dynamic team environment where interpersonal skills, cooperation, and communication are imperative. Time management, scheduling, and conflict resolution skills are considered strong assets. Demonstrated commitment to volunteering and previous management experience are considered assets. 

How to Apply 

Interested applicants must apply through the online form: https://theworksfest.wufoo.com/forms/2025-works-to-work-summer-internship-application/ 

Determine which stream(s) you would like to apply for (please indicate in your cover letter) 

Upload the following: 

• Cover letter 
  • If your application is for a practicum or co-op position, please indicate this in your cover letter and email education@theworks.ab.ca after submitting your application to ensure that co-op deadlines are not missed
• Resume or CV 
• Contact information for 2-3 references. 

Do not apply twice. Any questions or changes to an initial online application can be emailed to Taiessa at education@theworks.ab.ca 

We value all applications to the Works to Work Summer Internship Program. Due to the high volume of applications, only applicants who are selected for interviews will be contacted. 

The Works is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity, including, but not limited to 

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples; 
• members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin; 
• persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities; 
• persons who identify as women; and 
• persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.