Program Overview
Our Photography Collection Internship offers aspiring visual storytellers a chance to work alongside seasoned curators, archivists, and photographers in a vibrant cultural institution. Interns will gain handson experience preserving, cataloguing, and presenting historic and contemporary photographic works. The program is designed to bridge academic study with realworld practice, fostering professional growth while contributing to the stewardship of an internationally recognized collection.
The internship runs for a minimum of three months, with an optional extension up to twelve months. Interns work a flexible schedule of 2030 hours per week, adaptable to academic commitments. Whether you are a senior photography major, a recent graduate, or a selftaught visual artist, this placement provides a structured environment to develop technical and curatorial expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Collection Management: Assist in the accessioning, inventory, and condition reporting of photographic prints, negatives, slides, and digital files.
- Digitization & Metadata: Operate highresolution scanners and cameras to create digital surrogates; enter detailed metadata following Getty, VRA, and institutional standards.
- Research & Documentation: Conduct provenance research, locate artist biographies, and compile exhibition histories for individual works.
- Exhibition Support: Help plan, design, and install temporary and permanent exhibitions, including labeling, wall text, and interactive media.
- Public Engagement: Participate in tours, workshops, and socialmedia campaigns that highlight the collections significance.
- Conservation Awareness: Learn basic preventive conservation measuresenvironmental monitoring, handling protocols, and storage solutions.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the Education, Development, and IT departments to align collection initiatives with broader institutional goals.
Desired Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a photography, visual arts, museum studies, or related program.
- Strong visual literacy and a keen interest in the history and theory of photography.
- Familiarity with digital asset management systems (e.g., CONTENTdm, Omeka) and basic metadata schemas.
- Experience with archival practices, handling of delicate materials, or basic conservation principles is a plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom) and basic image editing.
- Selfmotivated, organized, and able to meet deadlines in a collaborative environment.
What Youll Gain
Beyond valuable work experience, the internship offers tangible benefits that will strengthen your rsum and professional network:
- Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior curators, collection managers, and conservators.
- Professional Development: Access to inhouse workshops on archival software, exhibition design, and grant writing.
- Portfolio Building: Opportunities to contribute to exhibition catalogs, research papers, and online collection pages.
- Networking: Invitations to staff meetings, artist talks, and museum events where you can connect with industry leaders.
- Stipend & Perks: A modest monthly stipend, free museum admission, and discounts on museum store merchandise.
How to Apply
Ready to capture the stories behind the images? Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Prepare a current rsum highlighting relevant coursework, projects, and any prior museum or archival experience.
- Write a concise cover letter (max 500 words) describing your interest in photography collections, specific skills you bring, and what you hope to learn.
- Include a portfolio of 510 images (digital files or a URL) that showcases your photographic eye and technical competence.
- Submit all materials via the online application form linked below. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
For any questions, email internships@photocollection.org or call (555) 1234567.
