Internships: 2012 Summer Internships
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| Internships: Graduate | Summer | Volunteer |
| Fellowships: CASVA | Conservation | Curatorial |
| Volunteer: Docents | Art Information | Library | High School | Copyist | Horticulture |
| Employment: Current Job Announcements |
National Gallery of Art Announces Summer Interns for 2012
Since 1964 the National Gallery of Art has offered professional museum training to candidates from all backgrounds through a variety of internship programs. Nine-week summer internships provide opportunities to work on projects directed by a Gallery curator or department head. Biweekly museum seminars introduce interns to the broad spectrum of museum work, and to Gallery staff, departments, programs, and functions.
Eligibility
Eligibility varies according to internship. Several opportunities are geared to undergraduates graduating in May 2012. The majority of slots are for currently enrolled graduate students of all levels and those graduating in May 2012 with a relevant degree (such as MA, MBA, MFA, M Arch, M Ed, JD, or MLS). Please check prerequisites carefully. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This is an international program.
Terms
Summer interns are in residence at the Gallery from June 11 to August 10, 2012. Interns receive a stipend of approximately $4,500 that is subject to all applicable taxes.
- Application Timeline and Procedures
- January 5, 2012
- Deadline for application packets. Send one original and five copies of the application form, six copies of your full résumé or CV, and one copy of official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended to our mailing address. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
- January 13, 2012
- Semifinalists will be notified of their status and asked to submit additional materials by January 21, 2011. Semifinalists will be asked to send a writing sample (approximately 20 pages, including footnotes or endnotes, bibliography, and images) to our e-mail address. Recommenders listed on the application form will be contacted directly by the Gallery's academic programs staff.
- January 20, 2012
- Deadline for the writing sample and recommendations.
- March 9, 2012
- Finalists will be selected.
Note: Should you have difficulty in securing transcripts, you may request that the records officer or registrar from each institution send the transcripts directly to the National Gallery via fax or e-mail. The fax number is (202) 842-6935, attn: Department of Academic Programs; the e-mail address is intern@nga.gov.
For applicants at institutions that do not issue transcripts: send six copies of comparable documents. If you have a question about what might be considered a comparable document, please contact intern@nga.gov.
Please collate and send the application packet in the following order: 1) completed application form, 2) full résumé or CV, and 3) transcripts (arranged chronologically, most recent first, if you are sending them to the Gallery directly).
Application Materials
Summer Internship Application (PDF 58K)
(Download Acrobat Reader)
Review Process
All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of Gallery staff and outside specialists.
Mailing Address
Department of Academic
Programs
Division of Education
National Gallery of Art
2000B
South Club Drive
Landover, MD 20785
Inquiries
Additional information about National Gallery of Art internships and curatorial fellowships is available from the department of academic programs: telephone (202) 842-6257 or e-mail intern@nga.gov.
Architecture amd Engineering: Chronicling Design and Construction Projects
The intern will review files, construction plans, and progress photographs, and produce presentation materials showing the development and evolution of the Gallery's master facilities plan projects, including the East Building exterior stone repairs project. A background in architecture, planning, architectural history, or engineering is required. The ability to write well, communicate clearly, and understand how to visually explain renovation projects is essential. The intern should be able to work independently in consultation with the professional staff in the office of architecture and engineering.
Archives
The intern will work with materials relating to the history of the Gallery, including files, photographs, and architectural drawings of its landmark buildings. The intern will be assigned a project identifying and organizing architectural drawings and photographs relating to recent building projects, including management of digital files. The intern should have experience using historical documents, knowledge of architectural processes and an interest in modern architecture. Current art history, history, or archival studies graduate students with an interest in the digital imaging of archival materials or 2012 graduates of such programs are invited to apply.
Curatorial: American and British Paintings
The intern will assist in researching for an upcoming exhibition and publication of 19th-century American still-life painting. Current advanced art history graduate students with a special interest in 19th-century American art, working knowledge of pertinent bibliographical and historical sources, and demonstrated excellent writing and research skills are invited to apply.
Curatorial: Italian and Spanish Paintings
The intern will perform research of various kinds for future exhibitions and related catalogues, as well as the systematic catalogue of the 16th-century Italian paintings in the permanent collection. Consideration will be given to students with a spring 2012 undergraduate degree in art history and a sound reading knowledge of Italian. Knowledge of how to establish and maintain bibliographies, reference materials, and research files is required. Ability to work independently in a photographic archive is preferred.
Curatorial: Northern Baroque Paintings
The intern will assist with the cataloguing of a major gift of northern Baroque paintings. Advanced reading knowledge of Dutch and German is required. Current graduate students in art history or 2012 graduates of such programs are invited to apply.
Curatorial: Old Master Drawings
The intern will help catalogue new acquisitions of European drawings, mainly French and German from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as earlier masters from a variety of schools. The intern will also assist with research on the drawings of Hubert Robert (1733–1808). Advanced reading knowledge of German and French is required. Current advanced graduate students in art history or 2012 graduates of such programs are invited to apply.
Curatorial: Old Master Prints
The intern will assist in the research on a major gift of European prints with a particular strength in German expressionism. A demonstrated interest in the history of prints, an understanding of printmaking techniques, and advanced reading knowledge of German is required. A special interest in 20th-century German art is preferred. Current advanced graduate students in art history or 2012 graduates of such programs are invited to apply.
Curatorial: Photographs, Charles Marville Exhibition
The intern will assist in the research and organization for an exhibition on 19th-century French photographer Charles Marville. He or she will primarily help with the production of the catalogue. Tasks include editing, fact-checking, securing comparative illustrations, and conducting research for a comprehensive chronology, as well as maintaining correspondence with lenders. The intern will participate in the daily functions of the department, including research on the permanent collection. Current art history, 19th-century French studies, or French history graduate students and 2012 graduates of such programs are invited to apply. Knowledge or coursework in the history of 19th-century art or photography is preferred. Reading knowledge of French is required.
Curatorial: Photographs, Garry Winogrand Exhibition
The intern will assist with the organization for an upcoming retrospective exhibition of photographer Garry Winogrand. The intern will assemble reference materials, maintain bibliographies and chronologies, and assist in writing wall text. Tasks also include establishing and updating research files on individual objects, and conducting research for the artist's chronology. The intern will participate in the daily functions of the department, including research on the permanent collection. Current art history graduate students and 2012 graduates of a BA/MA/PhD program are invited to apply. Knowledge or coursework in the history of photography and/or 20th-century art is required.
Curatorial Records and Files
The intern will integrate new systematic catalogue research into the curatorial files and update bibliographic and provenance information in the collection database. Research on collectors and prior owners of Gallery objects may be required. He or she may assist with ongoing collection provenance research, including research outside the Gallery at institutions such as the National Archives or Archives of American Art. The intern will also serve as a departmental assistant, helping staff and outside scholars use the curatorial files and assisting with the annual departmental inventory. Current art history, history, or museum studies graduate students and 2012 graduates of such programs are invited to apply. Familiarity with museum collection databases is helpful; the ability to work independently is essential. Advanced knowledge of German or French is preferred.
Development: Fundraising and Stewardship
The intern will assist with the Gallery's development department fundraising and administration. He or she will assist in identifying new donor prospects and major gifts, help prepare stewardship documents and communications, coordinate departmental mailings for upcoming events, perform research, secure image permissions, and copyedit departmental publications. Current graduate students and 2012 graduates in arts administration, arts management, or other relevant programs are invited to apply. Strong research and editing skills are essential.
Education: Art Information for the Public
The intern will work with the art information program by attending the information desks, assisting with volunteers, and researching and preparing responses to written requests about art from the general public. The intern will also present three spotlight talks for adults in the galleries on premodern European and/or American works of art. Mentoring will be provided by professional Gallery lecturing staff. Current advanced art history graduate students are invited to apply. A demonstrated interest in working directly with the public is essential. Advanced English speaking and writing skills as well as advanced skills in a language other than English are required.
Education: National Teacher Institute
The intern will assist with the National Teacher Institute, a six-day professional development seminar held at the Gallery for two sessions during the summer. He or she will help develop and coordinate teaching resources, assist with program arrangements for speakers, and work directly with teachers during the institute sessions. The intern will also research educational materials for teacher programs in the academic year ahead. Current graduate students in art education, museum education, studio art, fine arts, or art history and 2012 graduates of such programs are invited to apply. Interest in working with K–12 teachers and expertise in PowerPoint are essential.
Education Publications
The intern has two aspects. He or she will contribute with research and writing to a Web-based project that provides information on key works in the Gallery's collection. The intern will also participate in research and evaluation of museum applications for smart phones. Graduate students at all levels in art history, including 2012 graduates, are invited to apply. Strong research and writing skills are essential. Previous experience in writing for museums is preferred.
Exhibition Design: Design and Architectural Practices
The intern will assist designers and architects with upcoming exhibitions and other design projects. Primary duties will include organizing data for upcoming temporary exhibitions, working on architectural plans and details, and making scale models. Current advanced design or architecture graduate students and graduates of such programs are invited to apply. Experience with AutoCAD and Photoshop is desirable.
Exhibition Design: Silkscreen Shop
The intern will assist the design staff with the production of graphics for exhibitions and signage throughout the Gallery. He or she will participate in a variety of projects, including preparing films for screen printing, mixing inks, assisting in printing, mounting signs and photographs, and producing proposals and mock-ups for various elements of exhibitions. Current studio art graduate students and 2012 graduates of a BFA/MFA or related degree program are invited to apply. Printmaking experience is helpful but not required.
Exhibition Programs: Documentary Films and Other Materials
The intern will assist with the production of documentary films, video podcasts, and/or other materials in conjunction with special exhibitions. Duties may include researching archival footage, images, music, and logging footage. The intern may also assist with departmental operations and conduct art historical research for other exhibition-related programs or materials. Current art history and filmmaking graduate students of all levels and 2012 graduates with an MA/MFA are invited to apply. Knowledge of early 20th-century European art, French language, and/or familiarity with filmmaking techniques are preferred.
Facilities Management: Life-Cycle Analysis of Physical Plant Assets
The intern will perform a life-cycle timeline and cost analysis for maintaining physical plant assets at the Gallery essential to preserving its art collections. He or she will evaluate assets in the computer maintenance management system (CMMS) database, verify field conditions, conduct cost analyses using RS Means or other methods, and recommend a schedule for asset replacement over a 30-year period. The intern must be familiar with mechanical and electrical equipment such as motors, fans, and pumps and with building components such as roofing, masonry, and concrete; and must be proficient in English, in Microsoft Excel, and in database software and estimating costs. The intern should be able to work independently in consultation with facilities management's professional staff.
Film Programs
The intern will assist with documentation of the film library collection, creation of notes for public programs, and research and development for future programming. The department's collection of media works on art and artists—several hundred 16 mm and 35 mm films as well as multiformat videotapes and DVDs—will be inventoried, inspected, labeled, and entered into an existing database. Technical training will be provided. The intern may conduct research at area libraries and help identify documentary and experimental works that might be acquired for the library. Current graduate students in film studies or 2012 graduates of such programs are invited to apply. A special interest in film and video as artistic and documentary media is essential. Advanced knowledge of a language other than English is desirable.
Horticultural Services
The intern's time will be divided between the daily overall horticulture operations and the preparation of a history of horticulture at the National Gallery. The intern will work on the Gallery's exterior landscapes and interior "plantscapes," including the greenhouses. He or she will also help the deputy chief of horticulture finalize a new manual on the history of horticulture at the Gallery. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and excellent writing and editing skills are desired. Current graduate students in horticulture and 2012 undergraduate recipients are invited to apply.
Library: Modern Portraits Project
The intern will assist with the cataloguing and digitizing of the library's extensive collection of portraits of artists and architects from the late 19th century to the present. The photographs are drawn from a variety of special and rare collections and will be added to the library's online database. Current graduate students in European or American art history (19th to 20th century) are eligible to apply. Advanced knowledge of at least one European language, preferably French, is highly desirable. Candidates should also have understanding of photographic processes.
Library: Rare Photographs Project
The intern will help catalogue, inventory, and digitize the library's collection of rare photographs of works of art and architecture. The photographs, both individual and mounted in albums, date from the mid-19th to early 20th century and represent all areas of Western art. Current graduate students in European or American art history (15th to 20th century) are eligible to apply. Advanced knowledge of at least one European language is highly desirable. Candidates should also have understanding of photographic processes and familiarity with museum registration or archives procedures and methods.
Library: Reference Collection
The intern will consult with the reference librarian and the head of reader services about the specific research needs and working methods of Gallery staff and CASVA fellows and will assess the existing reference collection. He or she will review available titles and suggest new resources to be acquired in print and online. Current library or information science graduate students or recent graduates of such a program are invited to apply. Advanced skills in a language other than English are essential; a background in art history is preferred.
Library: Reproductive Print Project
The intern will help catalogue, inventory, and digitize the library's collection of reproductive prints of old master works of art, reproductions created using various print media. Current graduate students in European art history (15th to 20th century) are eligible to apply. Advanced knowledge of French or another European language is desirable. Candidates should also have understanding of printmaking techniques and materials as well as familiarity with museum registration or archival procedures and methods.
Personnel: Labor and Employment Law
The intern will assist personnel office attorneys in preparing cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and the Federal Labor Relations Authority. He or she will perform legal research and analysis, develop case files, assist in discovery, and draft motions and disciplinary actions. Only law school students who have completed their second year and are rising to their third year, with legal research experience, will be considered.
Publishing Office: Production Processes
The intern will assist in the preparation of exhibition-related publications as well as materials for distribution and use at the Frankfurt Book Fair in October. Projects may include working on exhibition catalogues, educational brochures, wall texts, an annual sales catalogue, fact sheets on forthcoming publications, and "dummy" books for catalogues in production. He or she will participate in the publication process from beginning to end, assisting editors, designers, and production staff and consulting curators and other colleagues as needed. Current graduate students in relevant disciplines and 2012 graduates with a relevant bachelor's degree are invited to apply.
Publishing Office: Web Site
The intern will assist in the transition to the Gallery's new Web Site. He or she will input data to a content management system and process graphics and images. Basic HTML and Photoshop skills are required. Current graduate students in relevant disciplines and 2012 graduates with a relevant bachelor's degree are invited to apply.
Special Events: Event Management
The intern will help conduct special events and assist with archiving digital and film photography of such events. He or she will compile a presentation album of file photographs, including creative and logistical details of recent events. The intern will also catalogue event records by collecting and organizing invitation and menu card samples, examples of calligraphy styles, event photographs, linen samples, and design layouts. Spring 2012 graduates with a relevant bachelor's degree and current graduate students enrolled in a program such as arts administration, event management, tourism administration, or hotel management are invited to apply. Basic knowledge of Photoshop or other photo editing software is preferred.
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The present announcement supersedes all previous information about the Summer Internships.
