Gallery Assistant, Salon Des Bananes, Montréal

Temporary Exhibition Position
Salon Des Bananes – Old Montréal

Location: 220 Rue Saint Paul O., Old Montréal
Term: June 1 – August 16, 2026
Employment Status: Full-time, temporary (30 – 35 hours/week)
Schedule: Monday to Sunday, between 11:00am and 8:30pm
Compensation: $24.50 – $32.50 per hour
Application Deadline: Open until filled

About Salon Des Bananes

Salon Des Bananes is an Ottawa-based contemporary art gallery owned and run by Artist Rich Loen. It’s one of the coolest and most vibrant art galleries in Canada.

They’re opening a pop-up gallery in Old Montréal this summer, which will feature Databells, a large-scale kinetic sound installation.

The gallery is looking for amazing, vibrant, fun, and exciting people to help them run the gallery this summer.

They want people who make all the gallery patrons feel like they have just walked into one of the most interesting galleries they’ve ever seen; people who make their visitors feel happy and excited to be there, and really excited about the art and exhibits that are presented.

The gallery needs people who can properly interpret the art and help visitors understand just how amazing every piece is, and the thoughts behind its creation.

Visitors will feel excited and moved by the works they have seen. Salon Des Bananes has shown these recent works in Ottawa for months now. They’ve seen patrons laugh, cry, be astonished, and some just zen out on a couch, immersed in the experience. And, they’ve seen people return, again and again, with their friends and family, just to share with them what they’ve seen.

Salon Des Bananes wants their Montréal staff to help bring this experience to the people of Montréal and to the visitors there this summer.

Position Summary

Reporting to the exhibition coordination team, the Gallery Assistant supports the day-to-day operation of the exhibition and contributes to the delivery of a professional, welcoming, and informative visitor experience. The role includes exhibition supervision, visitor engagement, interpretive support related to the exhibition and the artist’s practice, and operational support for public programming and visitor learning opportunities.

Responsibilities

The Gallery Assistant will:

• Welcome visitors and provide interpretive information about the Databells exhibition and the artist’s practice
• Respond to visitor inquiries and support engagement with the exhibition
• Monitor the exhibition environment to ensure artwork safety and adherence to gallery guidelines
• Support positive visitor interactions and respond appropriately to public-facing situations as they arise
• Manage daily opening and closing procedures as needed
• Support the preparation and delivery of public events and exhibition programming
• Maintain the presentation, cleanliness, and organization of the exhibition space
• Identify and relay relevant contacts (such as visiting arts professionals, curators, and media representatives) to the exhibition coordination team
• Provide general operational support as required during the exhibition period

Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Post-secondary education in fine arts, art history, museum studies, cultural studies, or a related discipline
  or
• 1–2 years of relevant experience in a gallery, museum, exhibition, or cultural-sector environment

In addition:

• Knowledge of contemporary art practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Professional judgement in a public-facing environment
• Reliability and punctuality
• Initiative and ability to work independently
• Confidence working with diverse audiences

Interest in installation-based or technology-informed artistic practice is considered an asset.

Language Requirements

Fluency in French and English (spoken) is required.

Bilingual communication is necessary in order to provide visitor services to Montréal’s diverse local and international audiences.

Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset.

Assets

The following are considered assets:

• Visitor-services or exhibition-supervision experience
• Experience supporting public programs or cultural events
• Familiarity with media art or installation environments
• Familiarity with software environments, computational or data-informed artistic practices, creative coding, or technology-supported exhibition environments
• Knowledge of Montréal’s contemporary arts community
• Friendly, personable and enthusiastic

Working Conditions

This position requires standing for extended periods and working in an active public exhibition environment.

The role may involve lifting and carrying materials weighing up to approximately 50 lbs.

The exhibition includes ongoing sound generated by a kinetic sonic installation. As a result, the work environment includes sustained ambient sound levels throughout operating hours.

Equity Statement

Salon Des Bananes is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including members of equity-deserving communities. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.

How to Apply

Please complete your application using the Google Form, where you will be able to submit your CV and cover letter.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

If you have any questions, please contact admin@loen.design

Selected candidates will be contacted by email.