Job Call: Sketchbook Project Librarian
Terms: This is a part time, term contract position, for a total of 88 hours @ $30/hr. The schedule will be determined between the successful applicant and Wonder’neath, based roughly on two days per week for six weeks.
DEADLINE for applications is the end of day Jan.14, 2024.
Start Date: Jan 23, 2024 or as soon after as possible
About Wonder’neath:
Wonder’neath Art Society is a vibrant arts center and charitable artist-led organization based in Kjipuktuk (Halifax) that offers community-engaged art programming, workshops, training/mentorship, and specialized, accessible visual arts studios. Our vision is a neighbourhood deeply connected through the arts – although our work extends well beyond peninsular Halifax. We believe in the transformative powers of art for individuals and communities, as a tool for expression, connection, and social transformation. Wonder’neath works to shift the perception of who can be involved in the arts, supporting artistic exploration at all levels of experience, with a focus on those facing barriers to accessing artistic programming. Through creative partnerships, programming and collaborative projects Wonder’neath explores ways of integrating professional arts with the community, sharing its learnings with other organizations locally, regionally, and nationally. In 2021 Wonder’neath was recognized with Arts Nova Scotia’s Creative Community Impact Award.
About the Project:
The Sketchbook Project Halifax Launch is an exciting new initiative that will introduce local audiences to the practice of sketchbook art inspired by the arrival of 2000 crowdsourced, original sketchbooks from Brooklyn Art Library’s international sketchbook collection, following The Sketchbook Project’s permanent closure after 17 years. Wonder’neath was selected as sole steward of the Canadian artist collection and is currently building custom shelving systems and dreaming of possibilities to grow and animate the collection locally in Kjipuktuk/Halifax and then throughout the Atlantic region.
The Halifax Launch will highlight books from the collection, and have a range of drawing, painting, collage, writing and textile materials available for folks to explore observational drawing, storytelling, idea generation, reflection, and exchanges in themed sketchbooks of their own. As we emerge from the pandemic, sketchbook exploration creates a gentle context for gathering together and addresses a need for meditative and familiar activities like drawing. Project outreach began this summer in HRM with Art Bikers, taking a Mobile Sketchbook Project into several different neighbourhoods with a focus on Nature Journaling. Our vision is to expand outreach regionally through partnership during pop ups, festivals, and with organizations that prioritize equity seeking groups, newcomers, and rural communities.
About this position:
The Sketchbook Project Librarian will develop systems and prepare the sketchbooks for public circulation. The position responsibilities will include:
Becoming familiar with the Sketchbook Project and ongoing Wonder’neath programming
Selecting an appropriate system for the scale of the project, based on experience and research gathered by Wonder’neath
Creating an inventory to track the sketchbook collection
Creating manuals/guidelines to instruct others in the library operating procedures
Installing/organizing the books, as shelving system is available
Collaborating with Wonder’neath staff in developing plans to animate the project with regular public open hours.
Working both independently, and collaboratively with other staff and volunteers
The ideal candidate will have:
a library science degree, or experience with collections, or library experience
passionate interest or experience in the arts and/or community engaged arts
Systematic thinking, and an ability to share that with others
How to Apply: Please send your current resume and a cover letter, including three references and their contact information to general@wonderneath.com. Please reach out before the deadline if you would like to submit your resume and cover letter in an alternative format such as audio/video/or other visual formats. Wonder’neath Art Society is an inclusive employer committed to employment equity and contributing to a diverse workforce. We encourage all qualified persons to apply and self-identify. If you require an accommodation, we will confidentially address your needs. Send questions by email to heather@wonderneath.com.