Program Dates: October 15 – December 31, 2026

The Shumka Centre for Creative Entrepreneurship is happy to announce the return of Art Apprenticeship Network (AAN), a program that funds student apprenticeships with established artists, curators and cultural workers in partnership with TD. Through this program, Student-Apprentices will assist Mentors (established artists, curators and cultural workers) with studio work and project production. Developed to build and strengthen the local art ecosystem through a part-time apprenticeship model, the program aims to create opportunities for paid work, social connection, and hands-on experience for emerging practitioners. 

AAN is seeking 11 qualified students for Research Assistant (RA) positions for the 2026 Cohort (October 15 – December 31, 2026). Student-Apprentices will work 8-15 hours/week (up to 150 hours maximum), depending on the project schedule that will be determined by the partnering Mentors.

Examples of the types of work student-apprentices may experience through this program include research and administrative support, as well as hands-on tasks such as fabricating artworks; assisting with the production or post-production of film and other creative works; and supporting packaging, shipping, and handling. Student-Apprentices may work in an artist/filmmaker’s studio or on-site at an exhibition installation.

View the full call on The Leeway

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 11:59 PM PT on September 20, 2026

How it Works

• We circulate a public-facing call to the art community and receive applications from established artists and practitioners, including cultural workers who are associated with not-for-profit organizations;
• We circulate a call for student participation that lists the established artists and describes the nature of the work;
• You apply to the opportunities that interest you most;
• We help match successful candidates with an opportunity that has been submitted to us by established artists from the community;
• You work as a part-time apprentice (8 – 15 hours/week OR up to 150 hours maximum) depending on the scope of the project;
• You will be paid through Emily Carr University.

Eligibility Criteria + Required Qualifications

Candidates must possess the following to be considered for this position: 

• Be enrolled in any 3rd or 4th year undergraduate program or Graduate studies at Emily Carr University of Art + Design with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduate students;
• Must reside in British Columbia for the entire duration of the program (October 15 – December 31, 2026) and hold valid work authorization;
• Be available to work off-campus 8-15 hours/week (up to 150 hours maximum), depending on the project schedule that will be determined by partnering mentors;
• Be available to attend additional workshops or training offered by the Shumka Centre in preparation for the role, if necessary;
• Have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and a flexible, creative attitude;
• Have the ability to work independently with an adaptable and professional approach;
• Where applicable to the needs of a specific project scope, some candidates may be required to have the ability to push up to 25 pounds

We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Eligible undergraduate students may also apply to receive work experience credit for participating.

International students applying for the program will need to obtain a valid SIN (Social Insurance Number) before the program start date. 

Please note that this program is competitive and limited to 11 spaces in 2026. While you may apply for more than one opportunity, you can only work for one mentor/project.

Selection

Applications will be reviewed and selected by participating mentors. Selections are based on fit with contextual requirements and availability to commit to the program.

Please note that each apprenticeship opportunity has specific requirements: see project details for more information and ensure you include documentation requested per project in your application. Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the requirements of each opportunity.

View the full call on The Leeway

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 11:59 PM PT on September 20, 2026