Department of Archives Intern at MoMA

Description: This internship is a unique opportunity for a candidate with an interest in art history to be trained in archival work. The Archives includes over 6,000 linear feet of important primary source material and responds to over 4,000 research requests annually. The intern would focus on a project to expand the current online archive of MoMA press releases, which is a resource heavily used by scholars around the world. This would involve working with the Archives and Press Office staff to locate — and in some cases scan — releases from the years 1997 to the present. The intern would also assist with select unprocessed collections of archival documents, preparing inventories, and performing routine preservation measures. Other responsibilities would include assisting the Archives staff with compiling information on modern art and institutional history, as well as assisting with the overall day-to-day activities of an extremely active department. Reports to The Rona Roob Head of Archives Services. 

Requirements: Coursework in art history and familiarity with modern art, strong organizational skills, research and writing skills, computer proficiency, and an interest in learning about the Museum and acquiring professional archival skills. Attention to detail is crucial. 

Eligibility: Recent graduates of bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. The Museum encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines to apply. Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States for the duration of the program. 

About MoMA Internships

Full-time, 7-month internships with stipends are offered for recent graduates of bachelor’s or master’s degree programs interested in pursuing a museum career. Interns will be provided focused departmental training, complemented with regular activities designed for this cohort to receive greater exposure to the museum and art fields. At this time, interns are expected to begin the program on a rotational basis between onsite and remote work. The Museum will evaluate this periodically according to internal health and safety guidelines. 

Internships provide training in specific museum fields through close work with a professional staff member, familiarity with modern and contemporary art through seminars and discussions, and an educational program that exposes interns to the workings of the Museum as a whole, while considering the role of museums in the broader cultural context. 

DATES OF TERM

February 8—September 3, 2021

APPLICATION DEADLINE

November 8, 2020, 11:59 PM EST 

DECISION NOTIFICATION

December 18, 2020

REQUIRED COMMITMENT

Full time (Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m–5:30 p.m.)

ELIGIBILITY

Recent graduates of bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. The Museum encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines to apply. Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States for the duration of the program. 

The Museum of Modern Art is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

STIPEND

$19,000 stipend (gross), subject to applicable tax withholdings. Health benefits are included. 

How to Apply

Please include the following attachments as part of your online internship application.

1. Essay

There are two required essays, each of which should be no more than 500 words. Please answer the following prompts, and attach it as a PDF (preferred) or a Word file.

1. Why are you interested in participating in an internship at The Museum of Modern Art?
2. Discuss one of the following:

1. What is the role of museums, and how do you envision their potential for evolution?
2. Describe an individual or an experience that has influenced your perception of the arts.

2. Résumé

Your résumé/curriculum vitae in PDF (preferred) or Word format.

3. Contact list of 3 professional or academic references 

Provide their name, relationship, email address and phone number. Formal written reference letters are not required for the initial application.

Note that we will not review applications received after the deadline, and we will only review complete applications. It is your responsibility to submit your application fully and on time.

Select applicants will be contacted to arrange interviews. The majority of interviews will be conducted over the phone or video chat. If we request an interview with you, we will email you to arrange a convenient date and time for you.

Please do not contact MoMA about scheduling an informational interview. Due to the high volume of applications and interest, we do not have the available resources or staff to conduct informational interviews.