The Toronto Society of Architects is looking for a student intern to conduct research on the history of our Society, one of the oldest architecture advocacy groups in Canada, and help tell the stories of those who have shaped the GTA through this community organization.
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 the placement:
Working closely with the Programming Director, the successful applicant will provide research and documentation support to identify and review historical records of the Society and fill some of the historic gaps of our history. The goal is to provide a more complete history of those involved with the TSA, important moments in the Society’s history, and how it intersects with the development of Toronto in general. Information will then be integrated into the new TSA website which contains a dedicated section for the TSA’s history.
Tasks may include:
- Visiting local archives, sifting through historic documents, and making a record of their content.
- Coordinating image selection and acquisition for select historical items to help tell the story of the Society.
- Conducting interviews with architects, Past Chairs and Executive members of the Toronto Society of Architects.
- Assisting in the development of a list of all past Executives of the Society.
- Writing short, public-friendly descriptions of important moments or documents in the TSA’s history.
The student intern will also have opportunities to participate 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.
Because many archives in the city only operate Monday to Friday during regular business hours, it is expected that the selected candidate would have some availability during weekdays to make visits to the archives.
Timing or hours of placement: Placement begins the week of May 8. Hours per week can be flexible up to a maximum of 120 hours per semester (typically 12-15 hours per week). This opportunity can extend to two semesters—please indicate in your application if you prefer the internship to last one or two terms (one term is 8 weeks, May through June; two terms is 16 weeks, May through August).
Credit: Credit: Half credit (0.5) or full credit (1.0) — please see the note about duration above, and indicate your preference in your application. 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 April 7, 2023 to Dr Jessica Mace (jessica.mace@utoronto.ca). Applications should include 1) a letter of interest (including any relevant coursework or experience), 2) a 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.
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 