The Toronto Society of Architects is looking for a student intern to assist in the development of a new tour (whether virtual or in-person) as part of the TSA’s architectural tours program.
About the organization
Established in 1887, the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) is a non-profit volunteer-led organization dedicated to bringing people together to discuss, learn and explore around our shared passion for the built environment.
We are committed to the betterment of our city and have played an important advocacy role throughout Toronto’s history. We do this through a wide range of programs which foster welcoming and inclusive forums for debate and the exchange of ideas, stimulating critical thinking about the design and building issues of our time. Our public programming is complemented by initiatives supporting the personal growth and professional development of over 2000 TSA members. Membership is open to everyone and welcomes design professionals, students and the general public.
Learn more about the TSA at www.torontosocietyofarchitects.ca
About this Placement
As part of our educational and public outreach initiatives, the TSA runs a series of year-round thematic tours showcasing the stories behind the Greater Toronto Area’s buildings and landscapes. Our tours are delivered in a variety of formats including our well-established seasonal TSA walking tours led by volunteer tour guides, as well as our new on-demand virtual tours hosted on Instagram Stories. No matter the format, all our tours share a commitment to engaging storytelling and deep research.
Working closely with the Programming Director and TSA volunteers, the successful applicant will participate in the development of a new tour as part of the TSA’s roster. Depending on the candidate and selected area, this tour may be virtual or in-person. Current tours under consideration include:
- St Lawrence and the Distillery District (Old Town, New City)
- The Village (Queer Toronto)
While the exact tasks will depend on the format chosen, activities may include:
- Research and curate possible tour stops, including verifying architectural credits, relevance to tour and assessment of current condition.
- Conduct walkthroughs of the proposed tour routes and participate in the image/video collection process.
- Participate in the preparation of tour notes and scripts, including development of training material for tour guides. (In-Person Tours)
- Prepare storyboards of tours including development of the draft narrative. (Virtual Tours)
- Coordinate external image/video acquisition with diverse groups, including archives, volunteer groups and architectural studios. (Virtual Tours)
- Prepare custom graphic elements for inclusion in the tours, including maps, animations and short videos as required. (Virtual Tours)
The student intern will also have opportunities to participate in our summer walking tours program, shadowing experienced TSA tour guides, and in other TSA programming including networking opportunities with professionals from across the GTA working in a variety of practices.
Requirements
While this position is largely expected to take place remotely, the ideal candidate would be based in Toronto in order to visit the buildings and participate in TSA events. Availability in the weekends to attend some of our summer walking tours would be a plus.
Timing or hours of placement: Hours per week can be flexible up to a maximum of 120 hours for 8 weeks. This opportunity can extend to two semesters up to a maximum of 240 hours for 16 weeks. Flexible timing throughout the week. Placement begins the week of May 9, 2022.
Credit: Half credit (0.5) or full credit (1.0). Applicants must indicate their preference in the application—changes cannot be made partway through the internship. (Half credit would run May-June, full credit would run May-August.) This internship is for course credit at the University of Toronto through the Department of Art History. This is not a paid position.
Interested students should send an application by April 11, 2022 to Dr Jessica Mace (jessica.mace@utoronto.ca). Applications should include a letter of interest (including any relevant coursework or experience), and 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.
This project is supported by the Learning & Education Advancement Fund at the University of Toronto
Canada constructed: architecture, landscape, history 