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Contemporary Collection Exhibitions and Web Publications Internship, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA

Posted November 17, 2016

The Department of Contemporary Art is responsible for the acquisition, study and display of art created from 1955 to today.  Contemporary art at the MFA encompasses many mediums including film and video art, sculpture, installation, photography, paintings, design, craft, decorative arts and performance.  In September 2011, the Museum opened its renovated Linde Family Wing as a space dedicated to contemporary art, vastly expanding the department’s capacity to mount special exhibitions and display the Museum’s rapidly growing contemporary collection. 

The Department of Contemporary Art is seeking an intern to work two days per week under the direction of the Robert L. Beal, Enid L. Beal and Bruce A. Beal Senior Curator of Contemporary Art, focusing on a special web publishing project. The selected intern will have direct contact with the other five contemporary curators and the department coordinator.  They may also have direct contact with the Museum’s publications department, rights and reproductions department, photography department, and public relations.  

This is a great opportunity for an emerging professional to learn about the intricacies of the publication process and gain practical museum administrative training.  The selected candidate should be detail-oriented, deadline sensitive, able to work independently, and eager to get involved in all aspects of the project.  Candidates for this internship must be recent graduates, current graduate students, or senior undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Art History, History of Decorative Arts, Museum Studies, or Arts Administration. 

Responsibilities include:

  • Conduct original research on drafts for How is this Political in this capacity they will 
  • Update supporting administrative documents, 
  • Maintain documentation and collection labels in the museum’s TMS database, 
  • Help move the process forward as deadlines approach, 
  • Possibly assist in drafting and/or editing entries.

Qualifications:

  • Enrollment in, or recent graduation from, a B.A., M.A. or  M.F.A. program in Art History, History of Decorative Arts, Museum Studies, Arts Administration or Art program, or B.S. or M.S. program in Library or Information Science with an interest in museums (currently enrolled undergraduates must be juniors and seniors)
  • Strong interest in and at least some knowledge of contemporary art 
  • Excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail and ability to multitask
  • Previous successful office experience, preferably in an arts organization, and proficiency in Microsoft Office (experience with art database programs such as The Museum System helpful)
  • Demonstrated written and communication skills; strong research skills
  • Ability to commit at least 15-20 hours per week through mid April 
  • *Candidates selected for interview may be requested to submit a writing sample of no more than 500 words 
  • Ability to attend orientation Sat, Jan 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon 

http://www.mfa.org/employment/contemporary-collection-exhibitions-and-web-publications-internship

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