TASKS

Programming & Touring

• Maintaining gallery archive: Inputting exhibition materials and media coverage regarding the 23 Days at Sea Residency into Access’ archives
• Research on potential touring sites: Conducting research on potential international art galleries/spaces for the summational touring exhibition for the 23 Days at Sea residency
• Research on potential contributors to the summational publication for the 23 Days at Sea residency program

Auction Fundraiser

• Writing artist bios: Performing research on the 25 artists/writers/thinkers who contributed to the “Message in a Bottle” feature and summarizing information into short artist bios to accompany the work during the auction
• Research on artist connections: Searching archives to find artists contributing work to the auction who have previously exhibited at Access, compiling this information into a document
• Creating artwork labels: Using Adobe Illustrator to create labels indicating the artist, title, and medium for the works up for auction
• Preparation of materials for auction night and restoring post-auction: Preparing supplies (glassware, liquor, clipboards, plinths, ice coolers, etc) for set up and making decorations, then moving supplies and artwork back into storage post-auction
• Managing coat check during the auction
• Following up with winning bidders: Conducting phone calls to follow up with winning bidders of artwork that had to be picked up
• Wrapping artwork post-auction to be ready for storage/transportation
• Assembling post-auction mail: Sending out thank you notes/tax receipts to artists who contributed to the auction

Administrative/Miscellaneous

• Gallery sitting: Opening, supervising, and closing gallery and providing information about the gallery/current exhibition to guests
• Updating membership list: Inputting names, contact information, and membership status in the member spreadsheet

I spent 4-5 hours at Access Gallery every Wednesday, initially focusing on research and archiving, eventually shifting focus to the fundraiser auction as the date became closer, then follow-up/administrative/misc tasks once the auction was over and preparation for the next exhibition began. Additional time was spent at Access during the night of the auction fundraiser on November 19 (~7-8 hrs) as well as gallery sitting during which I did research-related tasks/archiving on October 15 (5 hrs). I also spend approximately 5 hours (collectively) outside of the gallery working on my research/writing tasks.

PROGRESSION OF MY ROLE & SUMMARY

My role as the “Programming and Touring Intern” initially started out with a focus on potential programming regarding the 23 Days at Sea residency. A significant aspect of my role was dependent on organizational skills as well as research & writing skills, something that is both a pre-existing and continually developing skill of mine as I utilize it throughout my academics. Although my role did eventually somewhat shift as time went on, being able to effectively research and organize information remained quite constant. Through doing research in the context of my experience at Access, it reminded me of the recurrent nature of art—the way we rely and build upon the past and how it shapes the current contemporary trajectory.

As the date of their annual auction fundraiser loomed closer, I eventually shifted focus to assisting with preparing for the event, event production, and support the night of. Being their biggest event of the year, with this year being particularly significant as it marked Access’ 25th birthday, this became the priority. Even after the night of the event, there were follow-up tasks that needed to be done to wrap up the auction and move forward with the installation of the following exhibition. I consider myself a very adaptable and flexible person, so I was happy to provide support in any way that was needed. I think adaptability is an inevitable aspect of being a part of an artistic community in a contemporary context. The auction ended with extreme success, and I found great joy that I had a role in this, as well as Access’ future presence as a an artist-run centre in Vancouver.

My overall experience at Access was extremely insightful. I learned a lot about the functioning of an artist-run centre and self-initiated nature of a smaller organization like Access. Their mandate is something that resonates with me, so it was meaningful that I was able to contribute to something that I personally support. It was interesting to gain insight on the administrative and behind-the-scenes aspect of an artist-run centre, with many seemingly little, tedious tasks that are ultimately so collectively vital for the operation of the space. Witnessing the amount of work put forth by Kim, her curatorial assistant Jenn, and the Board of Directors, and seeing my (as well as Natasha’s) position relative in this system of functioning, fundamentally to support a space and platform for art, was very eye-opening. I have previously considered getting involved in working within some type of art space in the future, and my experience with Access has further enticed my interest in this direction. Access’ particular focus on emerging artists/practices prompted me to consider my own potential presence as an artist in a community as well. Ultimately, the understanding and knowledge I have gained as a product of my time with Access has become invaluable to me.

RESUME

Intern, September 2016 – December 2016

Access Gallery, Vancouver, BC

Conducted and disseminated research on artists and art spaces for future programming

Assisted in event production for the annual auction fundraiser including set up of materials and administering coat check

Maintained, organized, and updated gallery archive and membership list

Link to Access Gallery Handout

My partnership with Access Gallery will mainly focus on conducting research surrounding the 23 Days at Sea Residency and the resulting exhibition. As the residency is a three year initiative, the plan is to have a culminating exhibition that will potentially tour across various locations in Canada, the USA, Europe, Asia, and Australia. My main task, working alongside director/curator Kimberly Phillips, is to research potential sites in these locations for the exhibition. I am to assist in compiling a list of art spaces that would be suitable for this exhibition both physically/spatially and conceptually, i.e. critical contemporary galleries, perhaps with a specific focus on emergent art practices and artists like Access. The exhibition is potentially eligible for a grant (due November 30), and thus, establishing a concrete pitch for touring sites that align with Access’ vision and mandate is vital. I think this will provide excellent insight on how grants work. It will also allow me to learn more about art galleries and spaces on an international scope.

Another one of my main initial tasks is to update the archives, specifically relating to the recent media coverage of the 23 Days at Sea Residency. This will allow me to utilize my organizational skills while giving me experience in the methodology of archiving in an artist run centre.

My plan is to be at Access once a week, although research-related duties may be completed remotely. Kimberly is not at Access every day, but we have established a clear approach to communication/organization through email and Google Docs.

As the date of their Annual Auction Fundraiser approaches (November 19), their biggest event, I will also provide support when needed.