Copyright & Licensing Assistant
Temporary Full-Time
(35 hours per week)
ART + AUDIENCE + LEARNING
Based in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is among the largest art museums in North America, drawing close to one million visitors annually. With a collection of over 120,000 works—ranging from contemporary art to celebrated Indigenous and Canadian works and European masterpieces—the AGO offers something for everyone.
Join a leading cultural institution where people, creativity, and community come together.
At the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), we are committed to preserving and sharing art while respecting the rights of artists, creators, and copyright holders. We are seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative, and service-focused Copyright & Licensing Assistant to join our Collections Information Resources team.
Reporting to the Registrar, Collection Information & Image Resources, you will provide research and administrative support for rights and reproductions, copyright, and licensing activities. You will play an important role in supporting AGO publications, exhibitions, Retail initiatives, and external clients by assisting with copyright clearances, image licensing requests, and the administration of agreements with artists, estates, and rights holders.
The salary range for this position is $54,818 - $68,541 per annum.
What You'll Do
- Conduct research and provide support for rights and reproductions and copyright activities across the Gallery.
- Assist with the administration and negotiation of licensing agreements with artists, estates, and rights holders for works in the AGO Collection and Library & Archives.
- Support rights and reproductions research for publications, exhibitions, Retail, and other AGO initiatives.
- Monitor copyright matters related to artists' estates and associated rights.
- Process external client requests for licensing agreements and copyright clearances for works of art in the AGO Collection.
- Perform independent research using a variety of sources to locate artists and rights holders.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to copyright, licensing, and reproduction requests.
- Assist with departmental projects and recommend creative solutions to operational challenges.
- Negotiate reproduction fees and conditions with copyright holders for the use of materials in AGO projects.
- Deliver exceptional client service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the Gallery to support access to collection images and intellectual property while ensuring compliance with copyright requirements.
What You Bring
- Working knowledge of the Canadian Copyright Act and the ability to interpret and apply copyright principles.
- Knowledge of international copyright legislation and jurisprudence.
- Experience administering rights and reproduction requests.
- Knowledge of digital image formats and photographic materials.
- Experience working with collection management and digital asset management systems, including TMS (The Museum System), and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
- Strong research skills and the ability to locate artists and rights holders using a variety of resources.
- Demonstrated project management skills and the ability to assess operational requirements and propose creative solutions.
- Experience negotiating reproduction fees and licensing conditions with copyright holders.
- Strong customer service, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
- Knowledge of art and museum practices.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
- Reading and speaking French is considered an asset.
Why Join the AGO
At the AGO, we're driven by art, people, and ideas. As part of the Collections Information Resources team, you will contribute to preserving and facilitating access to the Gallery's extraordinary collections while supporting the responsible use of artistic and intellectual property.
We also offer a range of perks designed to help you enjoy art and life beyond the Gallery, including:
- Discounts to GoodLife Fitness.
- Free tickets to every major exhibition at the AGO.
- Discounts to major attractions through Provincial and City Reciprocal Programs.
- Free AGO admission for friends and family, plus discounts at the AGO Shop, Bistro, and Learning Centre.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
At the AGO, we lead global conversations from Toronto through extraordinary collections, exhibitions, and programs that reflect the diverse communities we serve. We are committed to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility and embedding these values into our strategic plan, workplace culture, and daily practices.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process upon request.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications online at https://jobs.jobvite.com/ago/jobs/viewall. We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
