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Apply: Communications & Cultural Content Placement


Term: Flexible start, 8–12 week unpaid placement
Location: Remote or hybrid (Toronto-based candidates may access in-person collaboration opportunities)
Application Deadline:  Rolling until filled
Hours: Minimum 8–10 hours per week (flexible around academic and/or placement requirements)

About STEPS Public Art

STEPS Public Art is an award-winning Canadian charity and social enterprise that transforms public spaces through public art management, artist capacity building, cultural planning, and placemaking programs. We collaborate with artists, municipalities, developers, and community organizations to foster vibrant, inclusive communities across Canada.

Our office is located on the Ancestral Wendat territory and the shared territory of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples, now home to many diverse Indigenous communities. We are committed to cultivating spaces where Indigenous voices are heard and respected.

Learn more at stepspublicart.org

About the Placement

The Communications & Cultural Content Placement is an unpaid experiential learning opportunity designed for post-secondary students in journalism, professional writing, communications, or cultural studies. Working as part of STEPS’ Communications Team, the placement student will support content creation and storytelling efforts that highlight the role of public art in building equitable and vibrant communities.

This opportunity provides a unique lens into the nonprofit arts and culture sector, and includes mentorship, feedback, and access to professional development resources. More information about STEPS placements in general can be found on our Placement & Volunteer Opportunities webpage.

Placement Objectives

This role is ideal for students seeking hands-on experience in nonprofit communications, storytelling for impact, and arts and culture journalism. Responsibilities may include:

  • Writing articles, blog posts, or social media content profiling STEPS’ artists, projects, or public art initiatives
  • Conducting research and interviews to support storytelling projects
  • Assisting with newsletter, campaign, and web content updates
  • Supporting content planning and archiving in collaboration with the Communications Coordinator
  • Participating in meetings and training opportunities, as relevant to learning goals
  • Pitching and developing content pieces aligned with STEPS’ Fieldnotes blog or editorial calendar

What You’ll Gain

  • Mentorship from experienced nonprofit communications professionals
  • Opportunities to publish your work with byline credit on STEPS’ blog or digital channels
  • Behind-the-scenes exposure to public art production, placemaking, and community engagement initiatives
  • Enhanced understanding of inclusive and ethical storytelling in the arts sector
  • A reference letter upon successful completion of the placement
  • Optional support for fulfilling academic internship/placement requirements

Who Should Apply

We are looking for applicants who are:

  • Enrolled in a post-secondary program related to journalism, writing, communications, arts administration, or cultural studies
  • Passionate about storytelling, community arts, and public space
  • Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a remote environment
  • Interested in learning about public art, placemaking, and equity-driven nonprofit work
  • Strong writers who are open to feedback and editorial development
  • Available to commit a minimum of 8–10 hours per week for the duration of the placement

Fluency in French or other languages, and lived experience as a member of equity-deserving communities (including but not limited to Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomer, disabled, or 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities) are considered strong assets.

 

How to Apply

Submit the following materials via our Placement Application Portal

  • Responses to the questions in the placement portal
  • A resume
  • 2+ writing samples (journalistic, blog, or creative nonfiction preferred)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please indicate any academic placement requirements or deadlines in your portal submission.

For accessibility accommodations or questions about the process, email Amanda Wand (Operations Manager) at amanda@stepspublicart.org.

Apply