Public Programs & Academic Engagement Internship

Published on 24 July 2024

Location: New York, NY
Type: Internship
Eligibility: College students (undergraduate and graduate)

Internship Overview

The Whitney’s Academic Year Internship program offers a semester-long paid internship for students in accredited academic programs. The internship is hybrid, with some onsite work. For Fall 2024, interns commit 16–21 hours per week over 10–12 weeks for a total of 200 hours. Interns work in a specific department at the Museum for the internship duration.

Role and Responsibilities

Public Programs and Academic Engagement Intern

This role involves developing and implementing programs related to the exhibitions “Edges of Ailey,” “Survival Piece #5: Portable Orchard,” and “Mark Armijo McKnight.” Responsibilities include:

• Researching artists, curators, writers, filmmakers, and scholars for panels, workshops, film screenings, and other events.
• Drafting agreements, tracking invitations, and coordinating logistics.
• Assisting with planning for public programs across departments such as Curatorial, Digital Media, Marketing, and Visitor Services.
• Conducting audience research projects.
• Coordinating with museum staff, speakers, and the public on event days.
• Learning about and ensuring accessibility at public programs.
• Maintaining digital archives for the division.
• Completing additional projects as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Interest in art history, contemporary art, American studies, and/or museum education.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with MS Office and Photoshop.

Learning Outcomes

Interns will receive basic training in event production, research, and administration. They will gain:

• Experience working with contemporary artists and museum pedagogy.
• Knowledge of contemporary art in the U.S. through Whitney exhibitions and public programs.
• Experience in museum programming, including staff coordination, program documentation, ticketing, preparing visual materials, and audience engagement.

Compensation

Interns will receive a stipend of $3,000. Generous support is provided by Julie and Doug Ostrover.

Encouragement for Diverse Applicants

Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet 60% of the criteria, while women and marginalized groups tend to apply only if they meet every requirement. The Whitney encourages all potential candidates, regardless of background or experience level, to apply if they believe they could excel in this role.

About the Whitney Museum

The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930, houses a premier collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting American art and supporting diverse audiences. The Whitney is a powerful force in modern and contemporary art, championing innovative and influential American art.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on various grounds as prohibited by law. The museum hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions.