The Society for the Study of Architecture (SSAC) seeks a student intern to assist with research on the Society, as well as producing materials on its history for the 50th annual conference being held in Ottawa, Ontario from May 27 – May 30, 2025. The student intern may also assist in conference planning.
Brief description of organization:
The SSAC is a learned society and registered charitable organization dedicated to the study of the Canadian built environment. It has a varied membership that includes students, historians of architecture, architects, heritage practitioners and cultural planners. Founded in 1974, it has encouraged the collection and preservation of the country’s architectural records, stimulated and supported important scholarly publication, and, through both its members and its Journal, has fostered the understanding and preservation of the built environment.
Description of placement:
The SSAC annual conference is a dynamic forum that brings together historians, architects, professors, heritage professionals, and architectural enthusiasts to discuss all aspects of the Canadian built environment. At the conference, a wide range of topics will be explored using historical and contemporary approaches at the scale of the building, city, and wider landscape.
The successful applicant will be supervised by and work closely with the SSAC’s Conference Organizers and will play an important role in setting a commemorative tone through the production of histories that will be shared throughout the event.
The student may also assist in organizing aspects of conference and documenting events.
Tasks may include:
• Carrying out research on the Society and past conferences
• Write histories aimed at a general audience about the Society, which may be shared at the conference and online
• Work with organizers and a design student in the production of materials about the Society’s history to be displayed during the conference
• Support conference organizers at the conference (subject to funding) and document activities
• Produce reflections on the activities to be shared with Society
Pending funding, the successful applicant will be invited to attend the SSAC conference in Ottawa, and events associated with it, where they will have the opportunity to network with professionals from a variety of architectural fields.
Additionally, the intern will receive all benefits of society membership for one year.
Requirements: Participation in this opportunity is expected to take place remotely, with the exception of attendance at the conference in Ottawa from May 27-May 30, pending funding. Please note that your own laptop is required for this internship.
Timing/hours of placement: The placement is up to a maximum of 12-15 hours per week for 8 weeks during the first summer 2025 semester (May-June). Placement begins the week of May 5. Timing of the placement throughout the week is flexible and will be discussed with the placement supervisor.
Credit: Half credit (0.5). This internship is for pass/fail course credit at the University of Toronto through the Department of Art History. This is not a paid position.
Interested students should send an application by March 28, 2025 to Professor Jessica Mace (jessica.mace@utoronto.ca). Applications should include 1) a letter of interest (including any relevant coursework or experience) and 2) a resume. Please indicate to which posting(s) you are applying. If you are interested in multiple postings, you only need to submit one application.