GET INVOLVED
The Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) was founded in 1941 by working artists, including members of the Group of Seven, with a vision of building community through art.
The Federation of Canadian Artists exists to advance the knowledge and appreciation of art and culture among all Canadians. Through education, exhibition, and communication in the visual arts, we open the door to creative discovery for audiences and artists across the country.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to artists at every stage of the journey. From emerging talents taking their first steps to established professionals, we support, promote, and champion the people who shape Canada’s visual arts landscape.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the backbone of our community. Your time and talents directly enable exhibitions, events, mailings, and outreach that benefit artists and art lovers nationwide. We offer flexible, rewarding roles suited to different schedules and skill sets. Contact [email protected] to get started.
Large Exhibition Installations
Help prepare major shows by patching walls, hanging artwork, labeling, and spackling. Sessions run 10 AM–12 PM on Mondays for larger exhibitions (we host around 24 per year). A great way to contribute hands-on to professional displays.
Art Avenue Mail-Out Team
Four times a year, join a lively group to label and stuff envelopes with our popular magazine, Art Avenue. This social role is ideal for artists wanting to connect with others while supporting distribution to members and organizations worldwide.
FCA Gallery Ambassador
Serve as a welcoming face for visitors (Monday–Sunday shifts: 10 AM–1 PM or 1–4 PM, extended to 5 PM in summer). Greet guests, discuss exhibitions, assist artists with artwork check-in/out, and handle basic inquiries. Perfect for those with strong interpersonal skills and a love for art conversation.
Special Skills Volunteers (Remote)
Leverage professional expertise from anywhere. Opportunities include copywriting, grant research, content editing, sponsorship outreach, or catalogue production. Your specialized skills amplify our impact without requiring in-person time.
Special Event Volunteers
Support opening receptions, family days, youth programs, and fundraisers on various dates in Vancouver. These roles offer a dynamic way to engage with the community during exciting moments.
No prior experience is required for most roles—just enthusiasm and reliability. Training and a supportive team environment are provided.
Job Opportunities
We periodically seek dedicated professionals to support our gallery operations, exhibitions, education programs, and community initiatives. Current openings include hands-on roles that combine artistic care with operational excellence in our dynamic Vancouver location.
Art Handler (Part-Time)
Location: Federation Gallery, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC (on-site)
Schedule: Part-time, approximately 24 hours per week (Saturday–Monday), with occasional additional shifts.
Compensation: $24–$28 per hour, commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and extended health benefits after a three-month probationary period.
This role focuses on the safe handling, preparation, installation, storage, and shipment of artworks. Responsibilities include managing inventories, condition reporting, coordinating shipments (domestic and international), assisting with exhibition installs/deinstalls, and maintaining gallery and studio spaces. Ideal candidates have experience in art handling or gallery/museum logistics, strong organizational skills, and the physical ability to manage large-scale works. Custom framing or conservation experience is a plus.
Administrative Assistant (Full-Time)
Location: Federation Gallery, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC (on-site)
Schedule: Full-time, Saturday–Wednesday, with occasional additional shifts.
Compensation: $42,000–$45,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus extended health benefits after a three-month probationary period.
This position supports daily gallery operations as a key point of contact for artists, members, students, and visitors. Duties include processing memberships and submissions, managing databases and records, providing technical support for online programs, assisting with events and exhibitions, and handling general administrative tasks. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential; experience in arts administration or customer service is preferred, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with design or database tools.
The FCA is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, and other underrepresented candidates. To apply for either position, email your resume and cover letter as a single PDF to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Art Handler – [Your Name]” or “Administrative Assistant – [Your Name]”. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
We welcome inquiries about future opportunities even when no positions are listed—talented individuals passionate about supporting visual arts often find a fit within our team.
Newsletter Subscription
Stay connected with the latest from the FCA by subscribing to our targeted newsletters. Customize your preferences to receive only the updates that matter most to you—whether exhibitions, educational opportunities, submission deadlines, or broader arts insights.
Current newsletter categories include:
- FCA eNewsletter: Our flagship twice-monthly update featuring member news, exhibition highlights, events, and organizational updates for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
- Submission Reminders: Timely alerts for exhibition calls, membership deadlines, and open opportunities to ensure you never miss a chance to participate.
- Federation Education Newsletter: Details on workshops, critiques, lectures, online programs, and professional development offerings through the Federation Academy.
- Exhibition Preview Newsletter: Early access to upcoming shows, artist spotlights, and behind-the-scenes previews at the Federation Gallery.
We will integrate a subscription form that connects directly with our email marketing platform, allowing you to select one or more categories. Each will include a brief description and sample content to set clear expectations. Manage your preferences easily at any time.
Advertise With Us
Reach a highly engaged audience of artists, collectors, dealers, historians, and art lovers through our advertising options.
- FCA eNewsletter: Delivered twice monthly to our members, this is an effective channel for targeted promotion.
- Art Avenue Magazine: Our bimonthly print publication distributed to the full membership and partner arts organizations across Canada and beyond.
Advertising with the FCA places your message in front of a dedicated visual arts community. Contact us for rates, specifications, and upcoming deadlines to discuss how we can help amplify your reach.
Your involvement—whether through employment, volunteering, subscriptions, or advertising—strengthens the cooperative spirit that has defined the FCA for over eight decades. Explore how you can contribute today and help shape the future of Canadian visual arts.