Exploring Internship Opportunities at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Boston provides a unique and rewarding work environment, supporting contemporary art, artists, and culture. The ICA values building a pluralistic workforce to steward a culture of collaboration, community, and respect. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the ICA is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace, adhering to all non-discrimination laws and dedicated to fair employment practices for all individuals. The ICA is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, and is accessible by public transportation via the Red and Silver Lines.

Internship Programs Overview

The ICA offers various internship programs designed to provide valuable experience and skills to students and young adults interested in the arts. These programs cater to different age groups and skill sets, from high school students to college students, and cover a wide range of disciplines within the museum and art world.

Curatorial Internships

The ICA invites full-time rising college juniors and seniors to apply for a paid, nine-week internship within the Curatorial Department. The Curatorial Intern will provide critical research support for the development of a publication to accompany a major exhibition. The intern would participate in every aspect of making a book for a museum, from supporting the writing of essays, to sourcing images and receiving rights to reproduce them. A secondary project will be to continue a long-term publications project, to account for the books the institute has made over its nearly 85-year history.

Collections Internships

The Institute of Contemporary Art seeks an enthusiastic and organized Collections Intern to join the Curatorial team. The program commitment is 2 days per week for 10 weeks. Under direct supervision of the Curator of Collections, the Collections Intern has the opportunity to learn about museum and curatorial work related to the permanent collections of contemporary art museums. The primary focus of the Collections Intern will be on the rights and reproductions of images related to the ICA’s permanent collection. The Collections Intern will help to build the ICA’s digital records in their collections database (TMS). These tasks will include updating information stored in the database, and filing and updating records related to the permanent collections. The Collections Intern will also learn about best practices and protocols regarding collection information management from Curator of Collections. The internship may also include research and support on current and future acquisitions and collection exhibitions, and administrative duties for the curatorial department. As an ICA intern, the individual is expected to contribute to a culture of collaboration, community, and respect while embodying the principles of ICA’s Quality of Service and centers the work of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging in all areas of their work. The Collections Intern should possess good communication skills, meticulous organization, and curiosity about contemporary art collections and artists. They should be able to input information carefully into a database and be familiar with online and library research resources and portals.

MFA Pathways Internship Program

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, invites college and university students to participate in the life of the Museum through the MFA Pathways internship program. Through paid undergraduate- and graduate-level internships in departments across the institution, MFA Pathways interns gain hands-on training in specific museum roles, participate in professional development to learn about a range of museum careers and practices, and build professional networks on which to draw in advancing career aspirations. All participants receive mentoring from staff in their assigned departments and opportunities to engage with professionals throughout the Museum. As the MFA amplifies its efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program. With a paid program in place, the MFA no longer offers unpaid internships or student volunteer opportunities.

Read also: Journalism Career in Boston

Program Dates (MFA Pathways as Example)

Spring 2026 Internships: January 30-April 24, 2026
- Descriptions posted: October 23, 2025
- Application period: October 23-December 3, 2025
Summer 2026 Internships: June 15-August 21, 2026
- Descriptions posted: February 12, 2026
- Application period: February 12-March 15, 2026

Applications are reviewed and interviews are scheduled and conducted throughout the application period (i.e. on a “rolling basis”), so early submissions are strongly encouraged. Positions are removed once they are filled. Required hours and specific eligibility qualifications are included in each individual description; read each description carefully.

Pay Rates (MFA Pathways as Example)

Undergraduate interns are paid $16.80 per hour; graduate interns are paid $19.95 per hour.

Application Procedures (MFA Pathways as Example)

To view all open internships, go to the MFA’s hiring portal. Candidates may apply to no more than two internships per semester, submitting a separate application for each position. Do not submit any materials not specifically requested within the description (transcripts, portfolios, etc.) that is not requested in the description. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document (PDF or Microsoft Word only). Applications that do not follow published instructions will not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions (MFA Pathways as Example)

Are internships at the MFA paid? Yes, all internships are paid.
Who may apply for an internship? MFA Pathways internships are available for either undergraduate or graduate students who have completed their first year of college (including community college) and will be enrolled in a corresponding degree program/process during the internship period. Candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply for an undergraduate internship. In clearly specified situations, internships are available to recent graduates. Each internship carries additional, department-specific, qualifying criteria; read each description carefully. The opportunities offered each semester are determined by the expected work flow of the various departments and vary from term to term.
Do you accept international students? Yes, international students who are eligible/approved for CPT/OPT work for pay in the United States are eligible for the MFA Pathways internships. Applicants must submit a copy of the published description to their visa administrators for approval before applying. During the interview, international students must indicate that you will be applying to receive CPT/OPT credit. Once offered an internship, candidates must immediately provide the MFA with any agreement documentation required by the CPT/OPT sponsor. All CPT/OPT approvals must be completed before orientation as candidates must present proof of work eligibility, as directed by Human Resources, at the time of orientation. (Note: the MFA does not sponsor visas for internships.)
May I do an internship for course credit? Yes. Before applying, you must (1) provide a copy of the internship description to your advisor for approval, and; (2) make all appropriate arrangements with your school to receive credit. During your interview, you must indicate that you will be applying to receive credit from your institution. Once offered the internship, you must immediately provide any agreement documentation required by the school to the MFA for appropriate approval and signatures.
How long do internships last? Undergraduate-level internships run for one semester unless published as a two-semester position. Graduate-level internships may last one or two semesters. Each description has detailed information on length; read each description carefully.
Is there a deadline for internship applications? Applications are reviewed-and hiring decisions are made-on a rolling basis each period, so apply early. Improperly formatted materials cannot be corrected or re-submitted. Therefore, apply as early as possible for full consideration, as interviews may begin as soon as applications are received.
How many hours per week do I need to commit to an internship? Fall and spring internships require between 10 and 20 hours per week; summer internships may require between 12 to 35 hours. Review each description carefully to determine the time commitment that the specific internship requires. These required hours include two hours per week for the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development course which meets on Thursdays during the summer, and on Fridays during the fall and spring, from 12:30-2:30 pm.
Is there a professional development component to internships at the MFA? The MFA Pathways internship program requires each undergraduate intern to participate in the Museum Pathways and Practices course. This series of 8-11 two-hour-long seminar sessions is held on Fridays during the fall and spring, and on Thursdays during the summer. Each session is comprised of (a) informal networking and cohort building among interns, and (b) a presentation/conversation led by Museum professionals from across the MFA. At the end of the semester, all interns are also required to prepare a short presentation highlighting their internship experience. Graduate interns are expected to participate in the Museums in Context course which comprises 3-5 sessions over the semester. They are also required to attend two undergraduate sessions: “Meet the Leadership Team” and “Final Presentations.” Dates for all sessions are announced at the orientation.
Are interns required to attend an orientation? All selected interns must attend an orientation session before beginning their internship. Orientation dates and times are included in each description. During your interview, you must confirm your availability to attend the orientation.
When do internships start? Internship periods are listed in Program Dates. Individual schedules must be confirmed with mentors when accepting the internship offer. Applicants should note in their cover letter and during their interviews any special circumstances that could affect their start or end dates, as well as participation in the Museum Pathways and Practices course.
Does the MFA provide housing for interns? At this time, they are able to offer summer interns a modest housing subsidy of $1,500. (This subsidy is subject to taxes.)
Does the MFA provide transportation for interns? The MFA provides interns a monthly transportation subsidy equal to the cost of a monthly public transit MBTA LinkPass.

Teen Programs

The ICA offers a variety of Teen Programs, many of which provide paid opportunities for creative development, skill-building, and community engagement. These programs are designed to empower teens, amplify their voices, and provide them with a platform to explore their interests in art and culture. Admission to the ICA is always FREE for youth 18 and under! ICA Teen Programs take place at the ICA and at the ICA Seaport Studio.

Teen Arts Council (TAC)

TAC is a paid creative leadership development program for teens from the Boston area. Composed of 12 Boston area teens, TAC organizes events throughout the year to connect with other teens. TAC focuses on introducing teens to the ICA and art in general, and provides a structure in which teens develop concrete skills in project management, community engagement, and innovative thinking. Three times a year, TAC designs a Teen Night and invites hundreds of Boston-area teens take over the ICA. These events are free for teens and include teen performances, art-making, gallery experiences, and dance parties. Other programs and events TAC plans include The Current, an art-centered event that focuses on urgent social issues that affect teens in Boston and takes on different formats.

Read also: Internships in Boston Music

Teen Exhibitions Program (TEP)

TEP is a group of paid teens from the Boston area that work together to curate, interpret, and install artwork in the Teen Gallery located at the ICA’s Seaport Studio. Teens in this creative leadership program organize two exhibitions a year to amplify teen art and invite the community of Boston and beyond to engage with the artwork.

Fast Forward

Fast Forward is a paid program that equips teens with video production and storytelling skills. In this program, teens draw on their unique interests and experiences to tell compelling stories through video. With ICA staff and professional teaching artists, participants gain experience with filmmaking, lighting, and sound. Teens learn how to use video as a medium to tell compelling stories and explore documentary filmmaking over the course of the program. Working with industry standard equipment and software, teens also get the opportunity to meet and work with professional filmmakers, artists, and community leaders.

Teen Digital Cooperative (TDC)

TDC is a paid program for teens in the Boston area that offers opportunities for young people to creatively share, honor, and amplify meaningful stories from the communities they belong to and connect with.

Photography Collective

Photography Collective is a paid program that teaches teens photography, editing, design, and storytelling skills. Teens work alongside teaching artists and staff to learn principles of photography and create unique, well-composed images. Teens learn to analyze, discuss, and critique works of art, photographic works, and media. In this program, teens also learn how to effectively use industry standard equipment and editing software, as well as use these skills to create a story via the images they capture within their respective neighborhoods.

AMP

AMP is the ICA’s paid music production program for teens that provides training and equipment for youth to make the music they want to hear, and then share it with the world. Teens in this weeklong intensive program learn from some of Boston’s best musicians and DJs to develop technical skills in music production. Utilizing industry-level software, teens approach music as a form of expression and a connection to our larger communities.

Read also: Your Guide to Bruins Internships

Special Focus

Special Focus is a paid program that introduces young people to specific themes, styles, and techniques of photography. As a weeklong intensive, teens will explore projects while building technical skills such as photography, lighting, photo editing, and more.

WallTalk

An in-school multi-disciplinary arts engagement program for 8th to 12th grade students that encourages close observation, open discussion, and creative thinking. WallTalk encourages teens to make individual connections to contemporary art through writing, visual art, and performance. For most students who participate in WallTalk, it is their first time ever in a museum. WallTalk consists of multiple museum and classroom visits over a school year in which young people observe, question, interpret, and respond creatively to the art of our time. Students work closely with teaching artists to guide their critical analysis, creative thinking, and own art making process. The WallTalk program aims to introduce and increase students’ comfort levels with the ICA, allow young people to develop community with their peers, and promote self-confidence and arts engagement in a new, exciting environment. The WallTalk Reading Jam is a culminating event that celebrates the students’ year-long experience.

Additional Opportunities for Teens

Teen Nights: Organized by teens for teens, these evenings feature art-making activities, performances, and a dance party, plus free snacks and giveaways.
K-12 Guided Visits: Through thoughtfully crafted gallery lessons that offer opportunities for reflection, close looking, and critical thinking, K-12 guided visits to the ICA nurture student agency, honor student curiosity, and embrace the diversity of thought and experience that students bring to the ICA. K-12 groups may opt to augment their Guided Visit with a hands-on art-making workshop. In the galleries, students participate in thematic, multimodal lessons. In the Bank of America Art Lab, students will engage with the current Art Lab installation and experiment with different art making techniques. Or, groups can opt to self-guide instead for a self-paced, unfacilitated experience.
ICA Teen Programs Alumni: The ICA is committed to its network of talented alumni. Teen Programs Alumni are often sought for paid opportunities like museum-wide internships, media-based projects through our group of Fast Forward Alumni Media, and teaching positions that support current teen programs such as WallTalk or Teen Nights.

How to Stay Updated and Get Involved

Stay up to date with the latest offerings from and for ICA Teens. Learn about what the ICA does and exciting opportunities in the future.
Join the ICA team and contribute to advancing the work and mission of one of the leading contemporary art museums in the country.
Teens! Join the ICA for upcoming events.
Questions or requests for accessibility assistance? The ICA is committed to making its digital platforms accessible to all users. The ICA welcomes and endeavors to provide a positive, engaging, and inclusive experience for all visitors. Learn more about Accessibility at the ICA and Accessibility at Seaport Studio.

tags: #ica #boston #internships