Preparatorial Practicum | Walter Phillips Gallery

Overview

The Walter Phillips Gallery Preparatorial Practicum program offers the participant hands-on opportunities working alongside the gallery’s preparator and curator. Direct mentorship and support is provided to develop the participant’s skills in preventative conservation, art handling, installation techniques, and museum standards in environmental conditions (including appropriate humidity, temperature, and lighting levels).

The practicum participant will also have the opportunity to gain expertise in crate building, art packing, and framing of artwork, and will assist in storage, packing, and unpacking of artworks relating to Walter Phillips Gallery exhibitions and the permanent collection. 

Learning opportunities will also arise through attendance at formal and informal lectures and discussion groups. Practical experience will primarily focus on activities that complement the program’s learning objectives through various ongoing activities of Walter Phillips Gallery.

What does the program offer?

Benefits to the participant include practical experience installing exhibitions within a public institution, technical problem-solving skills, enhanced communication skills, and teamwork. 

The participant will further hone their building and carpentry skills, attention to detail, and strategies in exhibition layout and design. They will also have the opportunity to work in Sketchup and Past Perfect collections management software. 

In addition to the work component of the program, outside of exhibition installation periods participants have one day each week dedicated to personal research activities as outlined in their individual learning objectives.

Who should apply?

This practicum placement is appropriate for recent graduates of studio-based programs interested in pursuing a career in gallery installation to gain professional experience and develop their careers and capabilities. Candidates for the Preparatorial Practicum must possess a foundation in studio art, art history, or museum studies with some previous experience working with tools and building materials. This program requires a full-time commitment. 

Practitioners from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with a special invitation to individuals of Indigenous descent.

Application Deadline:May 29, 2019
Program Dates: August 05, 2019 - September 07, 2020