One of the MFA’s largest permanent collections, the Art of the Americas department holdings represent painting, sculpture, and decorative arts from North, Central and South America. Curators and staff in the department are responsible for studying, interpreting, maintaining, and augmenting these collections in collaboration with other departments throughout the Museum. Responsibilities of department members include: selecting, interpreting, and coordinating installations in the permanent collection galleries; organizing special exhibitions; researching the collection; and arranging for loans to other institutions.
The department is currently seeking an undergraduate level Department intern to contribute to work on the archival files of the permanent collection. This is an unpaid position, working under both the Art of the Americas Paintings Curators and Decorative Arts & Sculpture Curators. It offers an opportunity to gain invaluable practical experience by learning first-hand about museum work and personally contributing to one of the world’s best collections of American art.
The Department Intern will assist with a wide variety of administrative duties vital to the daily operations of the department including phone coverage, photocopying, filing, and correspondence. The intern would also have the opportunity to assist staff with other daily activities, receive formal training in TMS (the Museum System), a valuable tool in collections management, and will learn hands-on the general functions of a curatorial department.
Requirements:
● Enrollment in, or recent graduation from, a B.A. program in history, art history, or museum studies
● Basic knowledge of art history or museum studies
● Interest in learning about curatorial activities
● Previous office experience
● Familiarity with computer programs, especially databases, is desirable
● Attention to detail and reliability; ability to work independently
● Ability to attend orientation on either Tues. May 28th (9am-12pm) or Tues. June 11th (9am-12pm)
● Ability to commit 10-20 hours per week through mid August