Conservation and Collections Management is an integral part of the Museum’s stated purpose to hold its collections in trust for future generations. Members of the department promote the long-term preservation of artworks through development of conservation treatments, study of materials and techniques, scholarly research and documentation. The department follows internationally established standards to maintain the aesthetic and physical integrity of works of art through six conservation disciplines, an analytical facility, and a collections management division responsible for safe exhibition, storage and transport.
Intern will have hands-on experience participating in a variety of projects to further develop his/her conservation skills while gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a conservation lab. The department will also work with intern to find ways, in the context of overall departmental priorities, to allow in-depth study of the intern’s preferred subject.
Intern MUST specify the conservation lab or studio in which he/she would like to intern in the application. The labs/studios include: Asian Conservation (2-dimensional artworks); Furniture and Frame Conservation; Objects Conservation (includes 3-dimensional Asian artworks); Paintings Conservation; Paper Conservation; Textile Conservation, and; Scientific Research.
Responsibilities:
• assist in the conservation of works of art in the MFA’s collections
• conduct examinations
• undertake research necessary to support conservation treatments
• prepare documentation for exhibitions/loans
• and perform other duties as appropriate
Qualifications:
• graduate student in a recognized art conservation training program looking to complete internship requirement, or post graduate proposing focused study on specific area of interest
• attention to detail
• facility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and database programs (training in use of the Museum’s database system will be provided)
• ability to perform tasks in professional manner and with discretion when working with confidential records
• ability to commit to 5 days per week, 9am-5pm, or specific hours as stipulated by intern’s graduate program