TD Learning and Participation Programmer, Lassonde Art Trail Foundation

Artist impression of Ookwemin Minising, Norm Li AG+I

Application Deadline: October 27, 2025, 11:59pm ET

About Lassonde Art Trail Foundation (LAT)

The Lassonde Art Trail will be a free, open-air destination for outstanding contemporary art from around the world. Situated on the extraordinary site of a new island in the Toronto harbour archipelago, LAT believes public art enhances wellbeing, guides respectful dialogue and opens our eyes to how we steward the environment.

First of its kind in Canada, LAT is a series of 15 interconnected sites that will weave through 4.2km of the island park, with a dynamic program of permanent and rotating artworks by outstanding national and international artists. On pace to launch by 2026, LAT’s aim is to provide free year-round access to contemporary art in the outdoors for current and future generations to enjoy. Part of the trail’s innovation is that it embeds infrastructure along its paths to support a wide variety of artworks, from major bronze and stone sculptures to installations that include natural materials and light, as well as ephemeral moments to appreciate artistic performance, music, and dance.

LAT is at the heart of a massive $1.25b project to reroute the mouth of the Don River and build flood protection for downtown Toronto. This feat of civil and bioengineering has created a new island in the city harbour called Ookwemin Minising. The project will establish a new river valley with functional wetlands and deliver 62 acres of publicly accessible open space along the riverbanks and inner harbour. It will clean and restore soils contaminated from past industrialization, and naturally accommodate the effects of flooding and erosion. In the process it will re-establish aquatic and terrestrial habitat where Indigenous species of plants and animals can thrive.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Artistic Director & Chief Curator, the TD Learning and Participation Programmer will oversee the coordination, production and realization of learning programs and participatory experiences for the Art Trail. These programs will be designed to offer comprehensive information about the artworks on the trail and creatively expand on themes and references explored by exhibiting artists and the site context – its layered histories, the new river mouth, native plantings, environmental awareness, post-industrial landscapes, bioengineering etc. LAT will also offer a specific set of programs that focus on play and participation. The Art Trail is a year-round outdoor experience, and programming will take place predominantly in the park system, with some events held in partner venues. This hire offers a unique opportunity to an arts professional emerging into the field of public art, who is also keen to work in collaboration with site stakeholders such as the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation division to produce tours, talks, workshops, and educational materials that bring people together around public art, nature, water, and the city.

This is a one-year contract supported by TD, and extends through the opening season of LAT.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Artistic Director and LAT team to understand the unique programming opportunities and fully engage with the Art Trail’s opening program.
• Collaborate with the Artistic Director to create a programming plan for the opening season and first year of LAT that engages with the Art Trail’s exhibited artworks and the site.
• Lead on the research and conceptualization of recurring tours and thematic public programs, particularly those focused on play and participation.
• Liaise with artists, field experts, stakeholders, partners and volunteers as needed.
• Foster and manage a collaborative working relationship with educational programs run by the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation division and other relevant art and nature initiatives.
• Explore opportunities for specialised group activities that may include ways to view the art via bike, canoe/kayak. as well as by foot.
• Adapt and modify plans in relation to seasonal priorities, taking into consideration the weather and outdoor conditions.
• Keep abreast of comparable programming by peer institutions in Canada and internationally.
• Coordinate and lead tours and talks on-site as required.
• In relation to all public programs: maintain archival materials, documentation processes, oversee budgets, and contribute ideas and copy for the website, social media, newsletters and grant applications.
• Assist with other aspects of the Art Trail and other duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 3 – 5 years of professional experience working on educational programming and audience engagement in a not-for-profit, cultural context.
• An understanding and interest in the TDSB and other Canadian school curricula in the arts and natural sciences.
• Proven experience delivering programs to a general audience including excellent public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of national and international projects that focus on contemporary public art and extensive knowledge of approaches to engagement / interpretation of ideas related to contemporary art, scientific research and environmental awareness.
• A strong network of professional contacts in arts and natural science disciplines locally, nationally and internationally is desirable.
• A strong interest in environmental awareness, natural ecologies, and an enthusiasm for working outdoors in all seasons.
• Experience organizing events that include AV, workshop materials, catering, and other infrastructures.
• Competency with Microsoft Office Suite, and ideally some experience with graphics/design programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Highly solution oriented, ability to troubleshoot under pressure and practical.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends when coordinating public programs and special events.
• Adaptive, creative and collaborative. The ideal candidate will want to join a small but dynamic team that is based on respect and trust and working collegially to find solutions together.

LAT has an office space at 180 John Street and access to ‘Spaces’ offices across Toronto. The expectation is for the LAT team to spend at least 2 days a week in the central office, additional days may involve remote work as well as time spent onsite in Biidaasige Park.

Closer to launching, LAT will have an onsite office closer to the site, and this role would mainly be based there.

Compensation

$75K per year pro rata, 21 hours per week

Term: One year P/T contract
Start Date: November 2025
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Equity and Access

LAT is committed to ensuring an inclusive workplace where employees are treated with respect and dignity. LAT encourages applications from everyone, including those who identify with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within the Ontario Human Rights Code.

How to Apply

To apply please send a resume (including any relevant links) and a cover letter together in one PDF document to: applications@latfoundation.org with the subject line TD Learning and Participation Programmer by no later than October 27, 2025.

Application Deadline: October 27, 2025

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Hiring Manager
applications@latfoundation.org

Lassonde Art Trail Foundation
45 Hazelton Avenue, Suite A
Toronto, ON M5R 2E3
latfoundation.org
applications@latfoundation.org

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