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 a graduate level intern to contribute to work on the archival files of the permanent collection, specifically updating catalogue information for modern design, in addition to other research projects as needed. This is an unpaid position, working under the Art of the Americas Curators of Decorative Arts & Sculpture. 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 Graduate Research Intern will be responsible for the decorative arts area of the collection — sorting and organizing these files, and identifying gaps in documentation. The intern will research exhibition, publication, and provenance history related to these objects and ensure that this information is properly documented in both the object files and electronic database. Prior research experience is necessary, excellent communication skills are desirable.
Qualifications:
• Enrollment in, or recent graduation from, a M.A. or Ph.D. program (Advanced undergraduate students with demonstrated interest in the field will be considered)
• Knowledge of American decorative arts or a related field
• Strong aptitude with computer databases
• Careful attention to detail
• Ability to commit 10-15 hours per week for at least 12 weeks through mid December
• Ability to attend orientation on Wed, Sept 18, (6pm)*