Internships
An intern working at MAD
An intern working at MAD
click image to enlarge

Internships

The Museum of Arts and Design offers undergraduate and graduate level internships throughout the year. These unpaid positions are available in several departments in the museum including education, curatorial, development, public relations, marketing, office of the registrar and administration and allow the participant to gain valuable work experience in many aspects of a non-profit visual arts organization.

For current internship positions, please see our listings below:

Departments

Curatorial Intern

DEPARTMENT: Curatorial
STATUS: 16-24 hours/ two-three days per week (MAD’s office hours are 9:30 am-5:30 pm, M-F)
START DATE: Immediate opening – May/June 2014 (negotiable)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 9

The Museum of Arts and Design seeks a Curatorial Intern to assist the curatorial team in preparing for various exhibitions. College credit is available. Graduate students preferred, although undergraduates will be considered (must be in your junior or senior year).  This is an unpaid internship.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) explores the intersection of art, craft and design today. Accredited by the American Association of Museum since 1991, MAD focuses on contemporary creativity and the ways in which artists and designers from around the world transform materials through processes ranging from the artisanal to the digital.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Interns will learn the curatorial process, engage in research, work in collection databases, and communicate with artists. 
  • A basic knowledge of computer programs, especially in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (knowledge of TMS and Photoshop is preferred) is essential.
  • Excellent independent research skills are essential. Strong oral, written, organizational, and inter-personal communications skills are required, as well as attention to detail. Ability to manage time efficiently, and to work well both collaboratively and independently, are also expected.
  • Prior arts or curatorial experience is preferred.

Additionally, candidates must have an interest in, and knowledge of, contemporary art, craft and/or design.  Preference will be given to students with experience working on projects or programs involving issues of sustainability, environmental-friendly design and/or environmental awareness. 

To Apply:
Please email cover letter and resume to Ron Labaco at Ron.Labaco@madmuseum.org with “Curatorial Intern” in the subject line. Additionally, please provide a recent writing sample (no more than 6 pages) and three references.  No phone calls please. Because of the volume of applications we receive, only applicants invited to interview will be contacted.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

 

Development Intern

DEPARTMENT: Development
STATUS: 16-24 hours per week (MAD’s office hours are 9:30am-5:30pm, M-F)
START DATE: January 6-May 2, 2014
APPPLICATION DEADLINE: January 1, 2014

 The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) seeks an undergraduate or graduate (preferred) student interested in working in a multi-faceted development office. The intern will report directly to a designated MAD Development Associate.

This internship is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in fundraising at a non-profit arts organization. Typical duties will include: prospect research, grant writing, drafting acknowledgement letters, editing boilerplate pitch documents in InDesign, and performing additional research or tasks as needed. The ideal candidate will:

  • Have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in process, preferably in communication, art history, arts management, or museum studies program
  • Have strong writing, proofreading and copyediting capabilities
  • Have strong attention to detail and ability to multitask
  • Have proven familiarity with research and research tools
  • Have proven knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
  • Have knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite; InDesign in particular
  • Possess excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Possess knowledge of or interest in the visual arts and fundraising.

To Apply:
Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter indicating start and end dates as well as availability to tiffany.jow@madmuseum.org. No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. This internship is unpaid; course credit available.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

 

Major Gifts Intern

DEPARTMENT: Director’s Office, Major Gifts
HOURS: 16-24 hours per week. (office hours are 9:30am-5:30pm, M-F)
INTERNSHIP PERIOD: January through May/June 2014
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 20, 2014

Both the Director’s Office and Major Gifts Department of the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) are seeking an enthusiastic intern for Fall 2013. An internship at MAD is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in a leading non-profit arts institution.

Typical duties include the following:

  • Conduct individual prospect research.
  • Assist with prospect tracking and other data entry in Raisers Edge database.
  • Assist with preparing and mailing of individual giving acknowledgments, appeals and event invitations.
  • Assist with the logistics and coordination of board meetings and all fundraising, membership, and donor events. Some late nights required.
  • Archive Director’s Office files.
  • Other general administrative tasks and assignments as assigned.

Ideal Candidates:

  • Bachelor’s degree or degree in progress (3rd or 4th year candidates only) or graduate degree in progress, preferably in arts management, museum studies or other relevant areas.      
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, research and communications skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
  • Ability to take initiative and work independently.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
  • Knowledge or interest in the visual arts and fundraising preferred.
  • Experience with databases, such as Raiser’s Edge, a plus.

Please email your resume and cover letter to yasamin.ghanbari@madmuseum.org with the exact subject line of: Fall Internship Application. Please consolidate your resume and cover letter into one PDF with the following labeling convention: lastname_firstname_InternshipApp.pdf.

Applications without cover letters will not be considered. Please indicate start and end dates as well as hours you are able to commit to this internship in the body of the e-mail. The internship is unpaid, but students can receive course credit. Only eligible candidates will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls please.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Website: http://madmuseum.org

 

Gallery Teaching/Museum Education Intern

DEPARTMENT: Education
HOURS: 16-24 hours per week. (office hours are 9:30am-5:30pm, M-F)
INTERNSHIP PERIOD: January through May/June 2014
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 20, 2014

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) seeks an Education Intern to provide administrative and creative support to the Education Department. College credit is available.  This is an unpaid internship.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) explores the intersection of art, craft and design today.  Accredited by the American Association of Museums since 1991, MAD focuses on contemporary creativity and the ways in which artists and designers from around the world transform materials through processes ranging from the artisanal to the digital.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with K-12 school group visits, including helping Artist Educators prepare in-gallery talks and art-making projects
  • Help prepare and evaluate Artist Educator and Docent performance
  • Prepare materials for presentations, workshops and meetings
  • Assist with developing and implementing promotional efforts for school, youth and family programs
  • Participate in gallery training exercises and give in-gallery tours
  • Provide general support for education department
  • Help manage the group tour and school group schedule

Qualifications:

  • Must have experience working with school aged children and/or families
  • Interest in and knowledge of contemporary art, craft and design                                 
  • Detail-oriented and strong written, oral and communication skills
  • Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office proficiency a must)
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, and to work well collaboratively as well as independently
  • Must be a current graduate student or upper level undergraduate (at least junior status) at an accredited university with authorization to do an internship in the United States
  • Art education, museum education or arts administration students preferred.

To Apply:
Please email cover letter and resume to Carli Beseau at carli.beseau@madmuseum.org with “Gallery Teaching/Museum Education Intern” in the subject line. No phone calls please. Because of the volume of applications we receive, only applicants invited to interview will be contacted.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

 

Arts Reach Education Intern

DEPARTMENT: Education
HOURS: 4 -12 hours per week (Off-site)
INTERNSHIP PERIOD: January through May/June 2014
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 24th, 2014

MAD is seeking education interns interested in gaining experience working in the classroom, assisting teaching artists in the Arts Reach program. All interns will gain first hand teaching experience with middle and/or high school students who are serving short and long-term suspensions.  Interns will primarily work on-site in the classrooms at the Manhattan Alternate Learning Centers and/or Bronx Alternate Learning Centers, and have the opportunity to learn how to develop lesson plans, lead inquiry-based museum tours, and assist during hands-on projects in the classroom.

Intern Role:

    • Assist MAD Teaching Artists with hands-on projects both at the museum and in the classroom
    • Help prepare all materials needed for hands-on projects
    • Participate in planning meetings
    • Collaborate on planning and implementing of lessons
    • Time commitment: twice weekly, on-site at the school
    • Class time: approximately 1.5 hours including setup, instruction and clean-up
    • Interns may apply for semester

      Please send a cover letter and resume by January 24th to:  artsreach@madmuseum.org
      No prior teaching experience needed.

      For more information please visit:
      http://www.madmuseum.org/learn/arts-reach

      About the Arts Reach Program: Arts Reach allows MAD’s education department and its teaching artists to extend their reach to middle and high school students at the Manhattan Alternate Learning Centers and the Bronx Alternate Learning Centers, a division of the New York City Department of Education. The ALC administrators and teachers understand the importance of recognizing the potential in all young people, and they view this time as an opportunity to reach students and expose them to positive influences at a time when they are in severe danger of being left behind. This partnership provides the opportunity for students to learn about arts & design through museum visits and in-class hands-on projects that reflect MAD’s exhibitions. The primary goals for the teachers are to provide a positive environment that nurtures innovative critical thinking, creative problem solving skills, and students’ self-confidence.

       

      Dance, Performance, and Live Programs

      DEPARTMENT: Education (Public Programs)
      HOURS: 16-24 hours per week. (office hours are 9:30am-5:30pm, M-F)
      INTERNSHIP PERIOD: January through May/June 2014
      APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling

      The Museum of Arts and Design seeks interns for its dance, performance, and live programs. Reporting to the Manager of Public Programs, cinema interns will assist in curating, coordinating, and presentation of all public programming.

      Showcasing new processes and approaches to live performance, dance, and lectures, MAD’s public programs support innovative ideation and implementation of new cultural works.

      Ideal candidates:

      • Hold a strong knowledge of contemporary dance, performance, and/or art.
      • Strong written and verbal skills
      • Although not necessary, previous history with theatrical, dance, and public programming is preferred.
      • Must be available for 2 -3 days a week.

      Interested parties should email a current CV and letter of interest to: jake.yuzna@madmuseum.org.

      This internship is unpaid. Please refrain from phone inquires.

       

      Cinema

      DEPARTMENT: Education (Public Programs)
      HOURS: 16-24 hours per week. (office hours are 9:30am-5:30pm, M-F)
      INTERNSHIP PERIOD: January through May/June 2014
      APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling

      The Museum of Arts and Design seeks interns for its ongoing cinema programming. Reporting to the Manager of Public Programs, cinema interns will assist in curating, coordinating, and presentation of cinema programming.

      Cinema at MAD centers on presenting emerging and underrepresented cinematic artists and groups, promoting continued dialogue, and exploring innovative approaches to cinematic form.

      Ideal candidates:

      • Hold a strong knowledge of contemporary and historical cinema
      • Strong written and verbal skills
      • Although not necessary, previous history with festival, theatrical, and organizational film programming is preferred.
      • Must be available for 2 -3 days a week.

      Interested parties should email a current CV and letter of interest to: jake.yuzna@madmuseum.org.

      This internship is unpaid.  Please refrain from phone inquires. 

       

      Nightlife + Social Practice

      DEPARTMENT: Education (Public Programs)
      HOURS: 16-24 hours per week. (office hours are 9:30am-5:30pm, M-F)
      INTERNSHIP PERIOD: January through May/June 2014
      APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling

      The Museum of Arts and Design seeks interns for its fellowship in social practice of nightlife, THE FUN Fellowship. Reporting to the Manager of Public Programs, nightlife and social practice interns will assist in curating, coordinating, and presentation of  public programming related to THE FUN Fellowship and emerging disciplines.

      Ideal candidates:

      • Hold a strong knowledge of contemporary art, performance, social practice/community building, and/or nightlife.
      • Strong written and verbal skills.
      • Although not necessary, previous history with theatrical, dance, nightlife, and public programming is preferred.
      • Must be available for 2 -3 days a week for 3 - 4 months.

      Interested parties should email a current CV and letter of interest to: jake.yuzna@madmuseum.org.
      This internship is unpaid. Please refrain from phone inquires.

       

      Public Relations and Marketing

      DEPARTMENT: External Affairs
      HOURS: 24 hours per week (3 days). (office hours are 9:30am-5:30pm, M-F)
      INTERNSHIP PERIOD: January through May/June 2014
      APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling

      As an integral member of the Public Affairs team, the intern will assist on most PR and Marketing projects.

      Responsibilities:

      • Maintain media contact database (Consolidate and update contact lists; Research specific media contacts and outlets for upcoming exhibitions and programs.)
      • Monitor, format and circulate all media clips. Maintain and organize press clip database.
      • Promote MAD’s exhibition, educational and outreach programs via Social Media.
      • Promptly answer press requests regarding releases and images and field other inquiries to appropriate public affairs staff members.
      • Manage weekly outreach to listings editors to ensure Museum's exhibitions and programs inclusion. Update all relevant event calendars.
      • Prepare Museum monthly e-newsletter (draft copy, schedule e-blast with relevant updated content, update recipient database) and work on other Museum collaterals as needed (draft short articles for members’ biannual newsletter, copy edit visitor materials etc.)
      • Update and maintain press website www.madmuseum.org/about/press (upload and format press releases; update image archive).
      • Help with logistical organization of press previews and other media events.
      • Escort press on photo and film shoots approved by the Museum.
      • Assist at Special Events (escort press and/or event photographer, distribute press materials, greet and check in).

      Ideal candidates:

      • Excellent oral and written communication skills; Attention to detail and strong editing and grammar skills essential.
      • Strong organizational skills and prior office work experience.
      • A good understanding of Public Relations and interest in the Arts & Design field.
      • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel are required.  Robust Excel skills in particular are a definite plus.
      • Fluency with Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Hootsuite) required.
      • InDesign, Photoshop and html skills preferred.

      Please email your resume and cover letter to press@madmuseum.org  

      The cover letter should detail your skill set and work experience as they relate to PR and Marketing in a non-profit, museum or art & design setting. Applications without cover letters will not be considered. Intern must be able to commit a minimum of 3 days per week, although a full time commitment is preferred.

       

      Special Events

      DEPARTMENT: Special Events
      HOURS: 16-24 hours per week. (office hours are 9:30am-5:30pm, M-F)
      INTERNSHIP PERIOD: January through May/June 2014
      APPLICATION DEADLINE: RollingThe Museum of Arts and Design is seeking an undergraduate or graduate student interested in a Internship in Special Events. The intern will work closely with the Associate Director, Special Events and the Special Events Manager.

      Internship learning opportunities and responsibilities:
      *Assist with the coordination of all fundraising events, including:

      • Coordinate production of all services involved in special events including graphics, catering, facilities, etc
      • Solicit in-kind donations to events as appropriate
      • Soliciting and administering donations for silent and live auctions, raffle and complimentary gifts.

      *As assigned, assist with museum stewardship events such as exhibition openings, luncheons, dinners, and receptions
      *Solicit and coordinate space rentals and supervise and manage such events
      *Be called upon to assist development department as needed

      Candidates should:

      • Be proactive, flexible, detail-oriented, and willing to handle all levels of projects
      • Have the ability to multi-task
      • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook; Powerpoint a plus
      • Possess excellent written and oral communication skills
      • Previous events experience a plus

      Interested parties should email a current CV and letter of interest to: rebekka.grossman@madmuseum.org