Xpace Cultural Centre is seeking to hire an OCAD U IWSP Archival Research Assistant 2025/26. 

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

The Archival Research Assistant will work in collaboration with the Executive

Director, Gallery Coordinator and Communications Lead in researching, digitizing and

archival practices. The Archival Research Assistant will have the opportunity to explore

rare images, publications and ephemera within the Xpace archive and create ephemera

and programming that contributes to the Xpace legacy. The role also involves

occasional support for general operations at Xpace.

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 archive with

the broader community. The role also involves occasional support for general operations at Xpace.

✱ This position is a part-time 20-week contract commencing October 2025 - March 2026. 

✱ Compensation is $20.05/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 and Gallery Coordinator, the Archival Research

Assistant will:

- Conduct research into Xpace’s historical programming, exhibitions, operations and ephemera;

- Digitize archival material, including photographs, publications, records, and exhibition documentation

- Organize digital and physical archives using standardized metadata and file-naming conventions

- Collaborate with the Communications Lead to develop content from archival materials (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 of archival materials and ensure proper storage and preservation

- 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 literary practices (asset, not required)

- Is comfortable working in a Mac environment

- Is comfortable with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This position is partially funded by the OCAD U Institutional Work Study Plan and students must meet all of the following criteria: 

   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 residents who has submitted an error-free OSAP application for 2025/26 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.

🔗https://www.ocadu.ca/services/financial-matters/student-employment