Art and Design Working Group Production Assistant

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day, with the possibility of extension.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

The Production Assistant plays a dual administrative and technical role focused on the coordination of arts-based exhibitions, public events, and participatory research projects. The core mission of this role is to support artists, researchers, and participants while assisting in overseeing health, safety, and accessibility requirements across both in-person and virtual spaces for the Art & Design Working Group(ADWG)—one of three interdisciplinary teams within iSMART’s Smartwear Revolution project, a groundbreaking, transdisciplinary research initiative. Smartwear Revolution aims to co-create innovative, fabric-based “smartwear” technologies that enhance strength and reduce injuries for older adults, healthcare providers and individuals with disabilities, enabling them to stay active and engaged in their homes and communities. As part of the Smartwear Revolution project there will be two Art & Technology festivals that will include exhibitions, fashion shows, live performance, symposiums and open lab events. The artists, designers and performers in the festivals will be selected through open calls and supported as artists in residence in the project. Festival participants will be selected in order to represent a diverse range of experiences of people with lived experience of musculoskeletal weakness. This role will work closely with the administrative team led by Senior Research Administrator, and follow the direction of the Art and Design Working Group leads.

Event & Exhibition Production

• Coordination & Logistics: Schedule, facilitate, and set up in-person, online, and hybrid events, meetings, workshops, and virtual festivals.
• Artist Support: Provide technical and administrative support to artists, choreographers, performers, and designers (e.g., managing venue access, sourcing materials/supplies, gathering CVs).
• Health & Accessibility: Assist in overseeing safety, health, and accessibility standards for all public art events, artist residencies, team interactions, and audiences.

Administration & Research Support

• Contracting & Finance: Assist Senior Research Administrator, and Financial Specialist, in drafting artist contracts, processing reimbursements, managing consent agreements, and handling credit card reconciliations.
• Institutional Liaison: Act as a bridge between various working groups, project coordinators, and team members; assist in gathering information for research assistantships (GRAFs).
• Research Ethics: Assist with writing and amending research ethics applications and maintaining participant communications.
• Data Management: Maintain a multimedia database and organize submissions for open festival calls. Follow procedures for data management regarding team meetings, videos and data.

Communications & Media

• Content Creation: Assist with video/image editing for research and promotional materials, as well as the production of catalogues and publications.
• Digital Upkeep: Assist with website and app design, development, and maintenance. 
• Publicity & Print: Communicate with iSMART Communications, University Marketing Specialists and other arts promotional channels to publicize events and prepare accessible print materials for workshops and symposia.

Education & Experience

• Degree: Minimum of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA).
• Industry Experience: Proven experience mounting large exhibitions/performances, working in art studio environments, and a strong familiarity with diverse artistic techniques.
• Research Familiarity: Knowledge of arts-based and/or participatory research methods.

Technical & Soft Skills

• Digital Proficiency: Digital skills including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Adobe Suite (specifically for graphic design, web design, and image/video editing).
• Hybrid Events: Knowledge of virtual festival setup, mirroring live performances online, and creating virtual artworks.
• Communication: Academic and plain-language editing skills (bilingual English/French is ideal).
• Safety: First Aid/CPR certification is considered a strong asset.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• List of publications

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.