Summer Assistant Positions
Klondike Institute of Art & Culture (KIAC) is seeking two summer assistants based in Dawson City, Yukon, to join our team:
- Arts Programming & Festival Assistant
- Gallery & Administrative Assistant
Arts Programming & Festival Assistant
Under the direction of the Programs Manager and the Artist Engagement Manager, the Arts Programming & Festival Assistant is responsible for supporting arts and festival programming at KIAC.
The position plays a vital part in coordinating and supporting the Yukon Riverside Arts Festival, including festival prep, planning, promotions, and event support. This role also supports drop-in art programs, workshops, and multi-day camps, geared towards youth, seniors, and adults. The position assists with delivering fun, age-appropriate activities by preparing supplies, supporting program leaders and volunteers, managing setup and cleanup, and ensuring necessary materials are stocked and available. This is a dynamic position suited to someone who is organized, enthusiastic, community-minded, and passionate about the arts.
About the Arts Programming & Festival Assistant Position:
Ideal Start Date: June 2, 2026 (or sooner, if possible)
Duration: Summer Position until August 31, 2026
Work Hours: 30 hours per week during office hours Tues – Fri 10am – 5pm. Some flexible work hours are required, including some weekends and evenings (schedule to be negotiated with the successful candidate). Must be available to work the weekend of June 11-14, 2026 for the Yukon Riverside Arts Festival.
Wage: $27.50 per hour
Requirements: Must be between 15-30 years old. Must be eligible to work in Canada.
Location: Dawson City, Yukon
Job Description: For more information on the scope of duties and responsibilities, click here to view the detailed Arts Programming & Festival Assistant job description, or request a copy from [email protected].
To Apply: Provide a Resume or CV and Cover Letter sent via email to [email protected] (see additional instructions below).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday May 13, 2026 at 11:59pm YT
We’re looking for someone who has:
- A strong interest in contemporary art, public engagement, and inclusive community programming
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively
- Friendly, professional and culturally sensitive interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate with various KIAC departments and volunteers.
- A commitment to fostering diverse, equitable, and accessible programming that reflects values of inclusivity and cultural engagement
- Education or experience in the areas of visual arts, arts-programming or related fields
- Experience coordinating community or arts-based programs, camps or special events
- Experience working directly or indirectly with children and/or youth and seniors
- A clean criminal & vulnerable sector check
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with the public
- Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively
Gallery & Administrative Assistant
Under the direction of the ODD Gallery Manager and the Admin & Communications Manager, the Gallery & Admin Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the visitor experience at KIAC, ensuring that the space is welcoming, engaging and responsive to the needs of artists, audiences and the public.
This position combines hands-on assistance with gallery exhibitions, installations, events and artist talks with friendly and knowledgeable reception services. This role includes greeting visitors, responding to inquiries, event promotion, communications, facility upkeep, and filing management. This role will contribute to the Yukon Riverside Arts Festival and the Camera Obscura. This is a dynamic, creative role suited to someone who enjoys working with both people and art in a collaborative, community-driven environment.
About the Gallery & Administrative Assistant Position:
Ideal Start Date: June 2, 2026 (or sooner, if possible)
Duration: Summer Position until August 31, 2026
Work Hours: 30 hours per week during office hours Tues – Fri 10am – 5pm, and Saturdays 12pm – 4pm. Some flexible work hours are required, including some weekends and evenings (schedule to be negotiated with the successful candidate).
Wage: $27.50 per hour
Requirements: Must be between 15-30 years old. Must be eligible to work in Canada.
Location: Dawson City, Yukon
Job Description: For more information on the scope of duties and responsibilities, click here to view the detailed Gallery & Admin Assistant job description, or request a copy from [email protected].
To Apply: Provide a Resume or CV and Cover Letter sent via email to [email protected] (see additional instructions below).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:59pm YT
We’re looking for someone who has:
- A strong interest in contemporary art, public engagement, and inclusive community programming.
- Self-motivated with excellent time management skills.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively.
- Friendly, professional and culturally sensitive interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate with various KIAC departments and volunteers.
- A commitment to fostering diverse, equitable, and accessible programming that reflects values of inclusivity and cultural engagement.
- Computer literacy for word processing, spreadsheets, email and internet use.
- Education or experience in the areas of visual arts, arts programming or related fields.
- Experience with front-of-house or reception-related duties.
- Experience managing positive relationships with members of the public.
- Experience with or interest in learning professional gallery installation, art handling, packaging, and logistical hands-on skills.
Application Information about both Assistant Positions:About KIAC:
KIAC is a vibrant artistic and cultural centre at the edge of the Arctic that cultivates creativity through film, music, visual, literary, and performing arts. We host a variety of festivals, events, exhibitions, and arts education programs out of the Dënäkär Zho building on Tr’ondek Hwech’in Territory in Dawson City, Yukon.
KIAC’s mission is to increase the quality of life of Yukoners through the creation, presentation, and celebration of art. We believe arts and culture create strong and empowered communities. KIAC’s vision is that every Yukoner thrives through creativity and connection. KIAC’s work is guided by the following values:
- We nurture creativity.
- We are welcoming.
- We uplift one another.
- We are open and transparent.
- We decolonize how we work.
About the Hiring Process:
- Candidates will be assessed by the Hiring Team consisting of 2-3 KIAC staff members.
- During the hiring process, a review metric shall be created that aligns directly with the duties and responsibilities outlined in the Job Description. This review metric will be used to determine the suitability of all candidates.
- All candidates who submit an application shall be notified if they were not successful in moving forward for an interview before the successful candidate is announced. All candidates who participate in an interview and are not successful shall be similarly notified.
- Additionally, all candidates who are being seriously considered following an interview may be asked to complete an assignment to demonstrate their skills or provide an example of previous work.
- Candidates will be asked to provide a minimum of two professional references who can speak to their suitability for this position.
How to Apply:
- Applications will be accepted until May 13, 2026.
- Candidates are asked to provide a Resume or CV and Cover Letter sent via email to [email protected].
- Please clearly state which job you are applying for in your cover letter and also in the subject line of your email, with ”[YOUR NAME] Arts Programming & Festival Assistant” or ”[YOUR NAME] Gallery & Admin Assistant”
- In your cover letter, applicants should speak to:
- How your experience and skills align with the duties and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Demonstrating this alignment will help support a strong evaluation against the hiring criteria.
- Your connection to the Yukon, including how your professional and lived experience could contribute to this role, and how your values align with the values at KIAC.
Employment Equity:
KIAC is dedicated to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where individuals are valued and appreciated for their unique perspectives and contributions. We are committed to considering equity in all aspects of our programming and employment. As such, we invite all applicants to self-disclose in their cover letter as a member of an equity-deserving group* that faces barriers when gaining meaningful employment. This is completely voluntary. Those who disclose their status as members of equity-deserving groups in their cover letter will be prioritized for this position as long as they meet the minimum requirements
*KIAC is committed to supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion in our programming. KIAC defines equity-deserving groups as groups of people who are directly impacted by systems of oppression and violence. In this case, these groups can be said to be subject to barriers to equitable employment in Canada. These groups may include, but are not limited to:
- Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, particularly those who belong to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation;
- Black
- People of Colour
- 2SLGBTQ+
- Transgender and/or Non-Binary
- Person with a disability (physical or neurodivergent)
If you have questions on how KIAC defines equity-deserving groups, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $27.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Dawson, YT: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Location:
Work Location: In person
