About the gallery:
Franz Kaka is a contemporary art gallery based in Toronto, Canada. Founded in 2016 as an artist-led gallery, it has grown from the city’s history of artist-run and DIY spaces into a platform for contemporary art with an expanding international reach. The gallery is dedicated to exhibitions that are materially curious and conceptually complex, providing opportunities for sustained engagement and reflection. The gallery represents artists whose practices span painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation. These artists often work fluidly across media, exploring themes including embodiment, transformation and the passage of time. Franz Kaka works closely with its artists, supporting their development and facilitating collaborations that complement the natural evolution of their work. Many of the gallery’s artists have been featured in major biennials and exhibitions at leading international institutions, and their works are represented in notable public and private collections in Canada and abroad. In addition to its year-round programming in Toronto, the gallery participates in prominent international art fairs, including Art Basel, Frieze London, and Art Basel Miami Beach. It maintains close relationships with curators, collectors, and institutions, fostering exhibitions, acquisitions, and context-driven projects that enhance its artists' global presence.
About the placement:
We are seeking a reliable and engaged Gallery Intern to support day-to-day operations and visitor experience. The role suits someone attentive and organized, comfortable speaking with artists, collectors, and the public, and keen to learn the inner workings of a contemporary gallery through hands-on experience.
Key responsibilities include:
- Greet visitors, maintain a welcoming environment, and share information about current and upcoming exhibitions
- Open and close the gallery, monitor the space, and maintain cleanliness and printed materials
- Staff front desk duties including answering inquiries and email messages, and logging visits
- Support basic sales and registrar tasks including contact logging, checklists, and artwork documentation
- Assist with installation, deinstallation, packing, and condition notes under supervision
- Update website checklists and press pages, prepare simple social media posts, and track press mentions
- Coordinate communications, including draft clear copy for website and social; coordinate basic press lists and email send-outs; compile press coverage and maintain contact records
- Maintain supply inventories and coordinate occasional errands and deliveries
- Support fair and event preparation, including guest lists and hospitality
Interested students should possess:
- Familiarity with contemporary art and artist-run culture in Toronto
- Strong verbal and written communication, comfort speaking with visitors
- An outgoing, confident, and welcoming manner, with good judgment
- Detail orientation, reliability, and discretion
- Basic competency with Google Workspace, Adobe Suite, and image handling
- Ability to follow artwork handling protocols and lift moderately weighted objects safely
- Previous gallery or museum experience is an asset but not required
Important note on accessibility:
Franz Kaka is located on the second floor with gallery access only available via a staircase.
Timing or hours of placement: The placement is up to a maximum of 8-10 hours per week for 12 weeks during the winter 2026 semester (January to April). Note: the gallery is open Thursday to Saturday 12 - 5pm, and Tuesday & Wednesday by appointment. Please consider your availability when applying. Placement begins the week of January 5.
Credit: Half credit (0.5). This internship is for pass/fail course credit at the University of Toronto through the Department of Art History. Only University of Toronto students are eligible. This is not a paid position.
Interested students should submit an application here by Friday, November 28, 2025. Applications can be addressed to Professor Jessica Mace and Professor Christy Anderson, and 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.