Xpace Cultural Centre is seeking to hire an OCAD U IWSP Archival Research Assistant 2026/27. 

This position is only open to OCAD U students who meet the Institutional Work Study Plan criteria.

About us

Xpace Cultural Centre is a not-for-profit artist-run centre supported by the OCAD U Student Ancillary Fees. We are dedicated to providing emerging and student artists, designers, curators and art writers with opportunities to showcase their work in a professional setting. 

Xpace Cultural Centre is committed to maintaining an anti-oppressive, queer positive environment, prioritizing marginalized, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour.

The Role

The Archival Research Assistant will work in collaboration with the Executive Director, in researching, cataloguing and archival practices towards the remounting of the Xpace Zine Library. The Archival Research Assistant will have the opportunity to explore unique publications and ephemera within the Xpace archive, cataloguing and digitizing all zines and co-creating a unique archiving and display system for the Zine Library alongside the Gallery and Programming Coordinators.

This position also encourages a creative response to the archival material, such as a zine, digital feature, or other arts-based project,  that helps share the Zine Library with the broader community. The role also involves occasional support for general operations at Xpace.

✱ This position is a part-time 20-week contract (excluding Reading Weeks and Winter Break) commencing October 2026 and ending March 2027

✱ Compensation is $20.10/hour (inclusive of 12% in lieu of vacation and benefits) for 10 hours a week with the exact days TBD upon hiring

✱ The position will operate in a hybrid format.  

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Archival Research Assistant will:

• Conduct research into Xpace’s Zine Library and associated ephemera;
• Develop a cataloguing system for zines featuring categories such as title, author, genre, etc.
• Digitize zines, organizing them using standardized metadata and file-naming conventions
• Curate a rotating display of zines, tailored to the current exhibitions and/or calendar year themes.
• Collaborate with the Communications Lead to develop content from the zines (e.g., social media posts, publications, or physical ephemera)
• Format and upload exhibition essays, workshop recordings, and archival content for online access
• Support in maintaining accurate records, storage and preservation of zines
• Attend and assist at all Xpace events (e.g., documentation, event and visitor support, data entry)

 The ideal candidate:

• Is currently enrolled in a post-secondary art and/or design program at OCAD University, and qualifies for the IWSP program
• Is creative, curious, goal-oriented, and able to work both independently and collaboratively 
• Has strong time-management, administrative, verbal, and written communication skills
• Has knowledge of and interest in contemporary visual art and design practices
• Has an interest in or experience with archival or library sciences (asset, not required)
• Is comfortable working in a Mac environment
• Is comfortable with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office.

IMPORTANT NOTE: IWSP Eligibility

This position is partially funded by the Institutional Work Study Plan and students must meet all of the following criteria. 

Students may apply for an IWSP job if they:

• Are Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents or Protected Persons
• Are registered in full-time studies (as defined by OSAP)
• Are an Ontario resident who has submitted an error-free OSAP application for 2026/27 and qualify for funding; OR
• Are an out-of-province student receiving funding through your province/territory student assistance program; OR
• Are an Indigenous student who is band funded or sponsored
• Demonstrate financial need through one of the above methods 

Please note: Students who are not in receipt of the above financial assistance programs are not eligible.

To verify eligibility, students must submit an OCAD U Work Study Application Form for the Fall/Winter semester to the Financial Aid & Awards Office. Please visit OCAD U Student Employment Services for more information. 

Click here to register for Work Study 🔗 https://ocadu.topdesk.net/tas/public/ssp/content/detail/service?unid=92793d781c51431389b15d8ec128db4d&from=106a7d3d-8863-44f7-8daf-26246dfe94e1 

Due to a high volume of applications only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews. We thank all applicants for their interest, and the time taken to apply.