Founded in 2020, Simon Bentley Fine Art is devoted to seeking out artworks of quality and aesthetic interest, with a primary focus on Post-Modern Canadian Abstraction. Located in the historical building of 401 Richmond St. West, the gallery is a leading space for Canadian secondary art.
Simon Bentley is an alumnus of the University of Toronto, and is excited to be working with the Department of Art History.
About the organization:
Simon Bentley Fine Art is committed to the promotion of Canadian art both in Canada and abroad, as well as protecting and nurturing Canadian heritage and cultural sovereignty. With nearly a decade of experience in the Canadian secondary market, we specialize in estate planning, cultural properties donations and exports, as well as appraisals and insurance valuations.
About the placement:
The intern will assist in daily gallery tasks such as, front desk reception, and proprietor work. The intern’s main task will be researching and populating the galleries website with information about each artist. This includes going to the library, researching databases, and creating timelines for exhibitions, shows, and important dates in the artist’s career.
In addition to the aforementioned tasks, there will be light work surrounding the Art Toronto International Art Fair. Simon Bentley Fine Art will be participating in the fair at the end of October, and the intern will help create price lists, inventory lists, and ensuring that all art is accounted for.
This is an opportunity to learn about assisting in a commercial art gallery that specializes in Canadian art. The intern will take home valuable skills in: managing databases, populating websites, researching exhibitions and artist timelines, and working firsthand in preparation for an art fair. The intern should have strong writing and research skills, and an interest in Canadian art, or art history. They should be able to work independently as well as follow instruction.
Requirements: Participation in this opportunity is expected to take place onsite. The candidate should be based in or near Toronto. Please note that your own laptop is required for this internship.
Timing or hours of placement: The placement is 8-10 hours per week for 12 weeks during the Fall 2023 semester (September-December). Flexible timing throughout the week 11:30 – 5:00 pm Wednesday-Saturday. Placement begins the week of September 11, 2023. Please note Saturday availability is an asset.
Credit: Half credit (0.5). This internship is for pass/fail 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 August 28, 2023 to Dr Jessica Mace (jessica.mace@utoronto.ca). Applications should include 1) a letter of interest (including any relevant coursework or experience), 2) the bursary eligibility form, and 3) 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.
Simon Bentley Fine Art is a member in good standing of the Art Dealers Association of Canada. This placement has been made possible in collaboration with the ADAC.
This project has been funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning program and CEWIL Canada’s iHUB.
This project is supported by the Learning & Education Advancement Fund at the University of Toronto.
Canada constructed: architecture, landscape, history 