INTERNSHIPS at NEW MUSEUM

The Internship Program at the New Museum offers participants hands-on training in the museum profession and a comprehensive overview of Museum operations. Interns also gain insight into the world of contemporary art.

Internships are available in the following Museum departments: Curatorial, Development, Education, External Affairs, Information Systems, Registrar, Exhibition Management, Retail and Institutional Sales, and Special Events. Interns participate in the day-to-day activities of these departments, in addition to working on specific projects. When considering whether or not to apply for an internship at the New Museum, please keep in mind that they are unpaid.

Eligibility

All interested individuals eighteen years of age and older are eligible to apply for an internship. Qualifications vary for each intern, and some positions may require college or graduate training and/or professional experience. International candidates are encouraged to apply, but please note that we do not provide visas.

Application Procedure

Interns must submit an intern application form, cover letter, resume, and two letters of recommendation from professors and/or previous employers as one PDF file. Letters of recommendation may also be sent separately.
Download an application

Schedule

Spring cycle (January 15–May 31)
Application Period: November 1–December 1

Summer cycle (June 1–August 31)
Application Period: March 15–April 15

Fall cycle (September 15–December 31) 
Application Period: July 15–August 15

Days and Hours

Interns must be able to work a minimum of two full days per week, seven hours per day. The exact schedule will be determined with the department supervisor. Interns must be able to work a full trimester. No interns will be accepted for shorter periods.

Once your file is complete, please do not call the Intern Coordinator to check on the status of your application. Only those applicants whom the departments are interested in interviewing will be contacted. A department supervisor will notify selected interns of their acceptance at least two weeks before the start of each cycle.

Curatorial

The Curatorial department researches and organizes upcoming exhibitions, including the development of timelines, checklists, and signage; produces exhibition catalogues; manages the travel of selected exhibitions; corresponds with artists, curators, galleries, and museums; and orchestrates a weekly slide review of artists’ work. Interns will be introduced to issues relating to contemporary art and will obtain administrative and curatorial skills in organizing art exhibitions.

Development

The Development department is responsible for all grants from government, foundation, and corporate sources; the Membership program; contributions to the Museum; and the capital campaign for building and endowment needs. Interns will assist in researching prospective donors, program planning, Membership events, budgeting and solicitation for special projects, and grants writing.

Digital Archive

The New Museum’s Digital Archive is an innovative project to publicly document the activities, ideas, and programmatic history of an institution. Gaining valuable experience related to the management of archives in a museum setting, interns will assist with research, digitization, and description of archival material (born-digital as well as analog). Enrollment in an advanced degree program in Archives, Library and Information Science, or related area of study is preferred.

Education

The Education department organizes programs for high school students and teachers, public programs for adults (lectures, panel discussions, performances), family days, and group tours. Interns will gain an understanding of public education programs related to a contemporary art museum, as well as the programming of the Museum as Hub program and the New Museum’s Resource Center.

External Affairs

The External Affairs department expands public awareness of the New Museum. The department produces the Museum’s media releases; circulates images for reproduction; places advertisements; produces catalogues, newsletters, and other promotional materials; organizes the Annual Gala and other events; and plans exhibition openings. Interns will assist in producing media and marketing materials and in coordinating special events.

Information Systems

Information Systems is responsible for the Museum’s computer hardware and software, network, and database applications. Interns will assist in maintaining computer systems. It is recommended that all applicants have technical experience.

Exhibitions

The Exhibitions department is tasked with solving the unique challenges with each installation. Interns will be involved with overall exhibition design, installation problem solving, fabrication, and gallery maintenance. Applicants should be ready to think creatively in unfamiliar situations and be prepared for a lot of hands on experience. A basic understanding of Google Sketchup is a plus.

Registrar / Collections Management

This internship provides an opportunity to conduct an inventory of the New Museum’s Collection of over 600 objects and the Museum’s series of Limited Editions by over forty leading contemporary artists. The intern may also provide Registrarial support during periods of exhibition changeovers and work closely with the staff of the Exhibitions department. Prior coursework or experience with collection management is a plus. All applicants should have basic clerical skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.

Retail and Institutional Sales

The New Museum Store complements the Museum’s exhibition schedule by providing a stunning assortment of contemporary art-related titles and objects for sale. Interns will gain experience in the day-to-day operations of a retail space—budgeting, visual merchandising, marketing, and maintaining the online store—as well as an insider view into the world of fine art books and library services.

Special Events

The Special Events department organizes the New Museum’s annual Spring Gala, exhibition openings, corporate rentals, and private events. Interns will assist in producing and in coordinating special events.