Interpretive Guides

Listen to Interpretive Guides discuss their experience with the program.

Interpretive Guides

contact: marucak@si.edu, Kristy Maruca, Interpretive Programs Coordinator

interpretive guides
•    Facilitate in-gallery, one-on-one conversations with visitors on the collection and special exhibitions
•    Rotate through a set of duties and tasks related to curatorial research, museum education, visitor services and administration
•    Gain skills related to arts and museum programming
•    Program includes intensive five to six week museum education training

Click here to listen to Interpretive Guides discuss their experience with the program.

qualifications
•    Upper-level undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students
•    Strong background in modern and contemporary art history, especially from 1945 to the present
•    Good academic standing from studio art, writing, and education programs are strongly encouraged to apply as well
•    Interest in pursuing careers in the arts and museum field
•    Research, writing, organizational skills; thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
•    Exceptional public speaking and communication skills and interpersonal sensitivity


academic year and summer internships
•    Six part time positions available per academic semester for a minimum of 12 weeks
•    Two full time and four part time positions are available in the summer for a minimum of nine weeks

Stipends and Application Process

stipends and awards
•    Internships are unpaid
•    Academic credit can be arranged through the interns' college or university
•    The following stipends and awards are available for qualified candidates:

graduate stipend
During the academic year the Hirshhorn provides funding to two interns per semester who are currently enrolled as graduate students. Please indicate on your application if you wish to apply for this internship stipend. Graduate Stipend Interns are paid $1500 for nine weeks of a part time, 20 hours a week commitment.

summer stipend
As part of the Hirshhorn’s commitment to increasing the diversity of candidates entering the museum profession, the museum offers summer internship funding for two outstanding candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to museum careers. The internship is open to all U.S. citizens but highly encourages applications from African-American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic, Middle Eastern and Pacific Islander candidates. Please indicate on your application if you wish to apply for this internship. Interns are paid $3000 for nine weeks (minimum) of a full time, 40 hours a week commitment.

apply
•    Email application materials to marucak@si.edu with subject: LastName_IG (ex. Maruca_IG)
•    Application materials must include: cover letter, resume, academic writing sample, unofficial or official academic transcript, two letters of recommendation (can be emailed separately by reference)
•    Applicants will be notified within five weeks after application deadline.


deadlines
•    Fall: September 5th (The Panza Collection exhibition)
•    Spring: November 24th (Louise Bourgeois exhibition)
•    Summer: March 20th (Strange Bodies: Figurative Works from the Hirshhorn Collection)