Navigating Internship Opportunities at Contemporary Art Museums
Contemporary art museums offer a range of internship opportunities for college students and recent graduates eager to gain professional experience in the art world. These internships provide invaluable insights into museum operations and allow participants to contribute to various departments. This article explores the requirements and opportunities available at several Museums of Contemporary Art (MOCA), including the MCA Chicago, MCASD, MOCA GA, and MoCA\CT, providing a comprehensive guide for prospective interns.
General Eligibility and Application Process
Several common threads run through the internship application processes at various contemporary art museums. Generally, internships are targeted toward college students and recent graduates seeking to broaden their professional experience.
A complete application is crucial for consideration. After the application deadline, reviews commence, and chosen candidates proceed to interviews, conducted in person, via Skype, or over the phone.
Many museums allow applicants to apply for multiple departments, increasing their chances of selection. However, it's important to tailor the application materials to each department's specific requirements and interests.
Essential Application Components
A standard application typically includes several key components:
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- Cover Letter: A concise and compelling introduction that highlights the applicant's interest in the specific internship and relevant skills.
- Letter of Recommendation: A strong endorsement from a professor, advisor, or previous employer who can attest to the applicant's abilities and work ethic.
- Work Sample (if applicable): Depending on the department, a work sample may be required to demonstrate the applicant's skills and experience. This could include writing samples, design portfolios, or other relevant materials.
- Personal Statement (if applicable): A personal statement allows applicants to share their passion for contemporary art and their motivation for pursuing an internship at the museum.
For the main application, it's crucial to adhere to the specified naming conventions for document submissions. For instance, the MCA Chicago requests that the PDF containing the cover letter, letter of recommendation, work sample (if applicable), and personal statement (if applicable) be named "lastnamefirstname.pdf" (e.g., "SmithJohn.pdf").
Eligibility to Work
Most museums require that all interns be eligible to work in the US.
Interview Process
The interview process is a critical step in the selection process. Many museums conduct interviews in person, over the phone, or via Skype, accommodating applicants who live outside of the immediate area.
Internship Programs at Specific Museums
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Chicago
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago offers a variety of engaging and valuable internship opportunities for individuals passionate about contemporary art and museum administration. Interns have the chance to work alongside seasoned professionals in departments such as Curatorial, Education and Public Programs, Development and Membership, Marketing and Communications, and Visitor Experience.
Department-Specific Roles at MCA Chicago
- Curatorial: Interns assist with exhibition research, planning, and installation, gaining hands-on experience in the development of contemporary art exhibitions.
- Education and Public Programs: Interns engage in creating educational materials, developing tours and workshops, and assisting in outreach initiatives, contributing to the museum's mission of engaging diverse audiences.
- Development and Membership: Interns aid in fundraising efforts, donor relations, and membership programs, gaining insights into the financial sustainability of a non-profit arts organization.
- Marketing and Communications: Interns participate in promoting exhibitions, events, and programs through various platforms, developing skills in marketing and public relations.
- Visitor Experience: Interns focus on ensuring visitors have a memorable and enriching museum experience, learning about customer service and audience engagement.
MCA Chicago Internship Details
MCA internships typically require a commitment of several months, and applicants often need to be current students or recent graduates with relevant backgrounds or interests in art, art history, museum studies, or related fields.
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Specific MCA Chicago Internship Roles
- Collections and Exhibitions Interns: Gain practical experience working directly with MCA registrars and preparators, assisting with daily operations involving collections management, exhibition organization, research, contracts, art loan paperwork, data entry, and maintenance. They will also use collections management software to support research, preparing correspondence with lenders and institutions, and updating MCA Collection documentation.
- Strategic Communications Intern: Assists in Marketing, Media Relations, and Social Media, creating visibility for the museum, exhibitions, and programs.
- Neisser Family Curatorial Internship: This internship serves as an opportunity for college- and graduate-level students to learn and work in a leading, globally focused museum that is vested in their growth and progression. Interns work on research and writing projects related to MCA exhibitions, artists, and artworks, and assist with general administrative support for the curatorial department.Applicants must include a one- to two-page writing sample from an academic paper (preferably on art history, contemporary art, museum studies, or a related topic) with their application and should have a background and interest in modern and contemporary art.
- Development Intern: Supports the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of MCA donors. Candidates should be reliable and highly motivated, with an interest in understanding the role and process of fundraising in a fast-paced environment and learning about Chicago’s philanthropic and artistic community.Candidates must be exceptionally detail-oriented, effective in-person and written communicators, and possess strong organizational, computer, and administrative skills (including experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
- Learning Intern: Learning interns experience program development for youth and family audiences and contemporary pedagogy in a museum setting. They have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of museum education and its impact, while learning to design programs for specific audiences and exhibitions. Tasks include planning and executing programs for students, teachers, and families, including artist-led gallery tours for school groups, professional development programs, and teacher resources; assisting with adult learning programs; and gathering and analyzing data.Candidates must be comfortable interacting with the public and be effective in-person and written communicators.
- Performance and Public Programs Intern: Interns learn about live arts program development in a contemporary art museum, including a full range of design, delivery, and debriefing skills. Interns assist in developing and presenting dance, music, theater, media arts, and public programs.
- Content Strategy Intern: Interns have the opportunity to learn about how museums produce publications and other content, both digital and physical. Interns receive hands-on experience in shaping and managing digital and print content across editorial, library and archives, and rights and images functions.Candidates must be proficient with Mac computers and be interested in topics like media, publishing, or digital content strategy. Basic experience with Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and other Adobe Creative Suite software is a plus.
- Production Intern: Interns receive first-hand experience of the work done in the Production department of a major contemporary art museum. Interns have the opportunity to learn about live event and media production by gaining hands-on experience in live sound, camera operation, lighting, video editing, livestreaming, and theater craft.Candidates must be comfortable operating and handling AV equipment and systems.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD)
MCASD is the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time, presenting works across all media created since 1950.
MCASD is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and experiences.
Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA)
MOCA GA’s General Internship offers select undergraduate and graduate students a unique experience for academic credit. Interns gain exposure to various museum departments through projects related to visitor services, membership, education, special events, tours, social media, and museum operations. In addition to department-specific projects, interns should be willing to do light administrative work such as greeting and checking in museum visitors, answering phones, orienting guests and conducting research. Interns typically commit 8-10 hours per week for a minimum of three months.
MoCA\CT
MoCA\CT offers exciting and dynamic internship opportunities for aspiring individuals passionate about the arts and creative innovation. Interns have the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to fostering creativity and promoting the arts in the community.
Internship Opportunities at MoCA\CT
- Museum Studies Internship: Provides experiences related to exhibitions, performing and visual arts, communications, and public programming. It is an excellent opportunity for those looking to gain professional experience in the field and can choose from one or all of the following concentrations: museum experience, museum administration, and museum education.
- Digital Marketing and Analytics Internship: Provides hands-on experience in these dynamic fields, ideal for those ready to jumpstart their career in the exciting world of digital marketing and analytics and interested in the arts and museum marketing.
- Web Design and Digital Communication Internship: Offers hands-on experience in these dynamic fields, perfect for those ready to jumpstart their career in the exciting world of web design and digital communication.
- Docent Internship: For art enthusiasts who love to share their passion for the arts with others. Docents lead engaging guided tours, bring artwork to life with captivating narratives, facilitate discussions, answer questions, and spark meaningful conversations.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Jacksonville
The internship and fellowship programs at MOCA Jacksonville offer undergraduate and graduate students an exciting opportunity to gain real experience in a variety of fields. Internships are available throughout the year in marketing, curatorial, education, and more. No financial stipend, with the exception of Amory Fellows. To be considered as an intern for MOCA and not a volunteer, college and university credit must be a requirement of your internship. Candidates will be selected based upon their skills and qualifications along with an interview with the department manager.
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Specific MOCA Jacksonville Internship Roles
- Development Intern: Under the direction of the coordinator of membership engagement and the assistant director of development, the development intern will undertake fundraising initiatives to support the museum and assist with membership operations. Candidates should feel comfortable engaging with MOCA members, donors, and community partners both over the phone and in person. Fifteen hours per week. Schedule can be customized to the intern’s class schedule. weekdays.
- Education Intern: The Education Department seeks enthusiastic and engaging students to assist across a number of student, public, and university facing programs. Internship roles and responsibilities coincide with the UNF semester calendar and reflect the programmatic priorities of the museum and department. MOCA Jacksonville offers themed weekly camp sessions for ages 6-14 throughout the Summer. Student interns prepare tour materials and spaces, including workshop set-up and clean up, organizing and prepping art supplies for students, co-leading school tours, and supporting tour leads. Applicants should be pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in art history, education, arts administration, art education, art therapy, or museum studies. Previous classroom experience is highly recommended. This internship is unpaid unless otherwise stated. Fifteen hours per week. Schedule can be customized to the intern’s class schedule. weekdays.
- Curatorial Intern: This position provides office, research, and interpretive support to the Curatorial staff. The intern will be responsible for researching MOCA collections as well as loaned works in order to compose interpretive material such as gallery guides and audio tours for upcoming exhibitions. Applicants should be pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in art history, art education, arts administration, or museum studies. The ideal candidate will have research experience and excellent writing and editing skills. Work with curator in managing physical and computerized records for the Permanent Collection.
General Internship Information Applicable to Multiple Institutions
- Internships at MOCA offer valuable opportunities to learn how nonprofits operate in the company of like-minded young professionals. Many former interns go on to careers in museums and other cultural organizations.
- MOCA also offers a variety of paid positions to college students looking to gain experience in different fields and develop professional skills that can be applied to their continued education and careers.
Writing Sample Guidelines
Many museums require a writing sample as part of the application process. The writing sample should demonstrate clear and intelligent writing and thinking, as well as the use of correct grammar and punctuation. Depending on the department to which you are applying, your sample could include grant applications, solicitations, academic papers, blog posts, or an excerpt from a longer academic paper. You may submit one writing sample per department. Keep in mind that one sample may be enough.
The writing sample should be no more than two pages.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
MCASD is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and experiences.
Many museums recognize that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds may only apply if they meet 100% of the qualifications. They encourage all interested individuals to apply, even if they do not believe they meet every qualification.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. They will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws.
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