We're moving!
The Whitney is closed in preparation for the opening of our new building downtown in spring 2015.
Explore the building
Works on view
Watch & ListenInternship Information
Academic Year and Summer Programs
The Whitney Museum of American Art offers both academic year and summer internship programs for college students. Internships are geared toward juniors, seniors, and graduate students (no freshmen). Under the supervision of a department head or curator, interns learn about museum work and assist with regular departmental duties that range from research and special projects to administrative tasks.
Internships are an excellent opportunity for students to learn about a specific area within a mid-sized cultural institution. Academic year interns are required to commit to a minimum of 2–3 days per week for the entire semester. The summer program is nine weeks and full-time. There is no stipend, but summer interns receive two monthly MetroCards, are eligible for regular employee discounts at the Museum restaurant and store as well as invitations to exhibition openings and free admission to most New York City museums.
Academic Internships for undergraduate and graduate students are by semester or full year. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to hr@whitney.org stating the departments you are interested in working in, the skills you bring, and how you hope to contribute to the department. There is no specific deadline for the academic year, but it is best to apply before the beginning of the semester. For details on the summer program, please refer to the information below. The deadline for submissions for the summer internship is February 1.
Spring Internships
Administration: Director’s Office
The intern will help provide support for the director’s office administrative staff. This internship is geared toward students who are interested in arts administration. Applicants must have excellent writing and oral communication skills, superior telephone etiquette, excellent attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Internet research are essential.
Communications
The intern will collect and organize clips about the Whitney Museum; help with press events; assemble press materials; and assist with photo and video shoots at the Museum.
Curatorial
Internships are available in the Chief Curator’s Office, Prewar Painting and Sculpture, Postwar Painting and Sculpture, Permanent Collection, New Building Project, Drawing, Prints, Contemporary Art, Andy Warhol Film Project, Film and Video, and Photography. Interns may assist with upcoming exhibitions, acquisitions, gifts, permanent collection research, the inaugural display for the New Building, exhibition and artist proposals, and general administrative duties. Demonstrated interest in art history, previous research experience, and basic knowledge of Microsoft Office required
Digital Media
The digital media department intern will help keep the Museum’s website, whitney.org, up to date while gaining hands-on experience with basic content management. Responsibilities include drafting webpages, adjusting and proposing page layouts, and generating video content including time-lapse of the Whitney’s new building, opening in spring 2015. The digital media intern will have opportunities to conduct research for Whitney Stories and assist with special projects as needed. Strong communication skills and knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and After Effects are preferred. Familiarity with Google Analytics is a plus.
Education: Docent Program
The intern will help build a new docent program webpage and assist with organizing information and communications; help archive audio files and their transcripts; and digitize and organize the education department Artist File archives.
Education: Public Programs
The intern will help with ongoing public programs (including symposia, the Annenberg Lecture, and courses) and assist with advance research for spring programs. Interns should be interested in event production, content research, and adult education.
Education: School and Educator Programs
The intern will work closely with Museum staff to gain knowledge of and experience in the field of museum education, assisting staff with both administrative duties and with K-12 school groups entering the Museum. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: working with the museum’s freelance educators to greet and orient K-12 school groups entering the museum for guided tours; assistance in managing the School Programs calendar, website, and mailing list; assisting Educator Programs staff in professional development workshops, and other School Programs; assisting School Programs staff in small-scale research projects, including data collection and analysis. Tuesday and Wednesday commitment required.
Publications
The intern will review archival publications contracts to determine which rights museum holds to past publications; review archival publications for seminal essays that could be repurposed/repackaged; proofread label copy; and fact check information on label copy.