Works to Work
Summer Internship
The Works to Work (W2W) Summer Internship Program is a paid, full-time internship offering hands-on experience in festival production, art and design, marketing and communications, or volunteer coordination. The program includes training, mentorship, and team-based learning using a popular education approach that values shared knowledge and collaboration. Since 2000, nearly 400 interns have completed the program, with 88% continuing careers in the cultural sector across Canada.
Who Should Apply?
W2W is designed for students, recent graduates, and emerging professionals in visual art and design, marketing, communications, arts and cultural management, and related fields including museums, theatre, and cultural heritage. Students seeking spring or summer practicums to meet post-secondary program requirements are encouraged to apply, as are emerging artists and tradespeople interested in creative work environments.
Read testimonials from past interns have to say about their experience.
Hours and Pay
Running May to August (30–40 hours/week, in person), the program requires a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends. Interns are paid $17/hour.
Internship Positions
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Bring artists’ visions to life! Working in a team, undertake the physical aspects of public exhibits and installations including venue preparation, artwork handling, install & dismantle, basic construction techniques, resource management, inventories, and special projects. Assist with daily site operations and maintenance and engage patrons as a public face of the festival during peak programming.
Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and basic construction are considered assets. Carpentry experience is considered a strong asset. The ability to conduct physically demanding labour is required for this role, including but not limited to lifting and moving objects, using hand and power tools, painting walls, and using ladders.
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Support the development and execution of marketing and communication initiatives, including publicity, strategic communications, social media, digital email newsletters, and professional writing. Provide hands-on support for events, including planning, coordination, ensuring successful engagement, seamless logistics, and a polished attendee experience.
Strong communication and writing skills are required. Experience with website platforms and digital newsletters is a strong asset.
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Coordinate and execute the design and production of marketing collateral, for both print and digital platforms. Assist with video editing and file management and collaborate closely with the Communications & Special Event Assistant to create social media graphics, festival and exhibit signage, and other materials.
Experience working with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) and Canva (or equivalent), are required. Strong graphic design skills are required, and experience in videography and editing is a strong asset.
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Administer and document festival presentations including contracts, insurance, artist communications, registration, reporting, and archiving. Additional Curatorial responsibilities include research, exhibit interpretation, audience development, and artwork handling.
Working closely with the Production Team to install and dismantle exhibits, this role can involve physical labour including but not limited to lifting and moving objects, using hand and power tools, painting walls, and using ladders.
Strong professional writing skills are necessary in this role. Ideal applicants will have strong skills in written and verbal communication, organization, and time management.
Skills with Office 365 (especially Microsoft Excel) and experience with Squarespace, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) and Canva, are considered assets.
Experience in artwork handling, administration, and grant reporting are considered assets.
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Support the recruitment, orientation, scheduling, and development of event and appreciation programs for volunteers. Maintain up-to-date databases of contacts and professional communication with donors, recruitment sources, and volunteers. The Volunteer Team also ensures the smooth running of volunteer headquarters during the festival.
The Volunteer Administration Assistant works in a dynamic team environment where interpersonal skills, cooperation, and communication are imperative.
Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills are required for this role.
Time management, scheduling, and conflict resolution skills are considered strong assets.
Demonstrated commitment to volunteering and previous management experience are considered assets.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be 18 years or older by May 1 of the internship year.
Be eligible to work in Canada (you do not need to be a Canadian citizen).
Be able to commit to a full-time (30–40 hours per week), in-person internship in Edmonton, from May – August.
Additional information:
Applicants under 30, and who are Canadian citizens, and residents will be considered as part of Canada Summer Jobs program. While candidates over 30 are not eligible for the Canada Summer Jobs program they are encouraged to apply – there is not an age limit to be eligible for the W2W internship.
How to Apply
Applications are now open and must be submitted through an online application form.
It's recommended that applicants complete the form on a laptop or desktop computer using the Google Chrome browser, and with your resume and cover letter in pdf format ready to go.
Each application includes:
Answers to a series of questions, including a skills self-assessment
A cover letter (pdf. format)
Résumé (pdf. format)
Optional: Supplementary materials as a single pdf. document. This may include writing samples, external links, photos, letters of recommendation, or other relevant work
Two references (professional or personal)
Deadline
Application deadline: March 13, 2026
All applicants will be notified by April 15 regarding the status of their application.
Questions?
Visit our Works to Work Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. If you experience any issues with the application or have additional questions, please email education@theworks.ab.ca.
Works to Work Testimonials
