Art Therapist

Sault Ste. Marie

Social Services, Education, Other

POSTED: 3 weeks ago

Art Gallery of Algoma

16055

December 07, 2024

56900

Full Time , Temporary

Art Therapist, full time position
Art Gallery of Algoma, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
The AGA is acknowledging the support for this position received from Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Fund.

This is a full-time position for 52 weeks with the possibility to become permanent, 35 hours per week exclusive of breaks, 7 hours per day - flexibility with working hours is required. The gross pay is $56,900 per year (including MERCs and vacation pay). The probationary period is three months.
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About the Art Gallery of Algoma
The Art Gallery of Algoma (AGA) is the regional public art gallery serving the city of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma region and the surrounding area. Housed in 10,000 square feet building in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, the Gallery has a permanent collection of over 5,500 artworks and presents a year-round program of exhibitions, educational activities and special events. As the cornerstone of culture for Algoma and Sault Ste. Marie, the AGA is a gathering place, a destination for visitors from across the province, Canada and the USA. The AGA offers a dynamic work environment that encourages creativity, cooperation and growth.

About the Job
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Art Therapist will be responsible for developing and carrying out public programming for people with health issues such as patients at the Sault Area Hospital, people with mental health issues, addiction, chronic pain, Alzheimer's disease, dementia and any other illnesses. The program will include discussions about art, tours of art on display and hands on art activities. It will include developing tours and art activities for various age groups and abilities based on the nature of the patients' illnesses and overall abilities. The workshops will be carried out in person, at the Hospital, and at the Art Gallery of Algoma. Planning, organizing, carrying out, and project managing art workshops and art classes for people with various health issues will promote their healing process and help with their wellness. There are scientific proofs about art helping with wellness and recovery from various health issues including pain management and mental health issues. The Art Therapist will be working closely with the Public Programming and Education Coordinator at the AGA and the staff at the Hospital. This is an exciting new opportunity and a new partnership between the AGA and the Sault Area Hospital.

Job Responsibilities
Maintain close working relationship with the staff at the Sault Area Hospital.
Develop programs and work closely with the AGA's Executive Director, Public Programming and Education Coordinator and the staff at the Sault Area Hospital.
Conceptualize, produce and present art workshops and classes for patients in different wards at the Hospital, considering the needs of patients in each group.
Develop and execute exhibition tours and art activities at the AGA for various patients as needed.
Develop and execute educational outreach activities in the community and in Algoma region related to Art Therapy Program at the AGA.
Prepare and administer budgets pertaining to the Art Therapy Program to be approved by the Executive Director.
Investigate and prepare grant applications and reports for Art Therapy projects.
Provide innovative and inspiring custom tours and hands-on art activities with a goal to improve the wellness of the attendees.
Supervise contract employees, student interns, and volunteers related to the Art Therapy Program.
Advise and contribute to drafting of policy related to the Art Therapy Public Program.
Maintain familiarity with education practices and standards in Canada and maintain contact with art therapy educators locally, provincially and nationally.

Degree in Art Therapy, or master's degree in art, art history or art education or combination of education and experience with minimum 5 years of experience in a public art museum/gallery field.
Knowledge of art - historical and contemporary.
Ability to carry out hands on art activities.
Excellent communication skills, social skills and interpersonal skills.
Excellent written and oral ability.
Experience in project management.
Ability to exercise sound judgement, to work independently and in cooperation with staff, volunteers, and the public.
Computer proficiency.
A driver's license and access to a vehicle is a must.

The successful candidate will be required to supply a current criminal record check with vulnerable sector police screening before work can commence.