Gallery Animateur (2 positions) - Varley-McKay Foundation

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham is seeking Gallery Animateurs to support the Varley Art Gallery of Markham by providing educational and public engagement programs through the delivery of tours and gallery activities, including outreach to other community groups. In 2025, the Varley Art Gallery welcomed a record attendance of 67,000 visitors. This year, the Varley will continue to build on the success of 2025 by engaging with visitors, and further expanding its community outreach by offering in-person tours and drop-in art activity programming. 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. Applications will only be accepted by email. To apply , please submit your cover letter and resume by Friday, April 24, 2026 to: Francesca Dauphinais, Development Officer Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham fdauphinais@markham.ca (905) 477-7000 ext.3264

Start and End Dates:

Thursday, June 25 - Monday, September 7, 2026 (12 weeks) Number of Hours per

Week:

35 Work schedule: Sunday - Saturday (shifts divided equally between both successful candidates, including a minimum of one evening shift per week) Duties include: Engagement and Visitor Interaction Actively monitor gallery spaces during Varley Art Gallery public hours of operation and safely engage with the public. Conduct surveys to gather data on audience demographics, exhibition impact, and visitor experience. Lead interactive gallery tours, providing engaging insights into exhibitions to enhance visitor understanding and appreciation. Facilitate informal talks and group discussions to deepen audience engagement. Educational Program Development Research and design self-guided tours and educational content tailored to diverse audiences. Collaborate with the Varley Art Gallery s Public Programs Coordinator and Culture Programs Assistant to create outreach initiatives. Plan, develop, and deliver free drop-in art activities for the public on Friday evenings and weekends, encouraging hands-on creativity and connection to the gallery s exhibitions. Community Outreach and Partnerships Develop and maintain relationships with local organizations (e.g., Welcome Centre Immigrant Services, Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association, seniors centres and retirement residences) to offer free tours and programming. Actively promote the gallery s offerings to underserved groups, including seniors, youth, and persons with disabilities. Training and Professional Development Participate in intensive training sessions with gallery staff, focusing on the gallery s exhibitions, history, and roles a s cultural hub in Markham. Use Microsoft Office digital tools for program reporting. Event and Program Support Assist exhibition-related public engagement programs. Support the gallery team in delivering programming for high-traffic events in Unionville and surrounding areas. Lead the setup and facilitation of weekend and evening drop-in art sessions, ensuring an engaging and inclusive experience for attendees. Reporting and Evaluation Maintain detailed records of interactions and outreach activities to support evaluation metrics for gallery programs. Assist in preparing reports on visitor engagement, community impact, and program effectiveness.

Requirements:

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

Note:

This position is funded by Canada Summer Jobs. To be eligible, candidates must: Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment. Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act . Be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations 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.