Art History

The Brooklyn Museum Summer Internship is a full-time paid opportunity. Interns receive $15 per hour, and work 35 hours per week, from May 31–August 5, 2022. Selected interns will be paired with a supervisor and integrated into one of our departments, participating fully in day-to-day workplace activities and projects with the guidance of full-time staff members. In addition to gaining extensive work experience, they will have the opportunity to attend seminars that focus on the role of museums in society today, and how they might imagine the future.

Link to Application: https://www.jotform.com/form/220406103539143

Learn more about the Brooklyn Museum’s Internship Program here:
https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/education/adults/internships

Available positions for Summer 2022: 

 CONSERVATION (onsite)— The intern will assist conservators on preventive conservation activities that could include working with environmental data, integrated pest management activities, making storage housings and containers for artworks, applying accession numbers, condition photography and performing minor treatments under supervision. This internship will serve as an introduction to the field of art conservation. The ideal candidate has an interest in science, art and loves working with their hands.

 CURATORIAL—DECORATIVE ARTS (Hybrid) — Working directly with the Senior and Assistant Curators, the intern will assist with selection, development of checklists of works of art, research, documentation, and building files for two special exhibitions on Social Justice & Contemporary Craft and Cultural Appropriation in the Decorative Arts. Additionally, the intern will help the decorative arts curators with an assessment of the collection. This will involve visits to storage, writing object descriptions, and doing provenance research. No previous experience in the decorative arts or design is required, but an interest in learning about the history and analysis of objects is a necessity. Requirements include: superior research and writing abilities; excellent communication and organizational skills, including meticulous attention to detail; an interest in history, decorative arts, design, craft; and be a self-starter.

 CURATORIAL—EGYPTIAN, CLASSICAL, AND ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN ART (Hybrid) — The Egyptian, Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Art (ECANEA) curatorial intern primarily assists with collections documentation, archive management, and exhibition planning. Projects include digital imaging, data entry, and research. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic and dependable, with an interest in ancient Egyptian, Classical, or ancient Near Eastern history and art. Previous related coursework or related experiences are a plus.

 CURATORIAL—ELIZABETH A. SACKLER CENTER FOR FEMINIST ART (Hybrid)—The Curatorial Intern in the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art (EASCFA) primarily assists with research, planning, and organization for upcoming exhibitions, and provides general departmental support. Ideal candidates are current or recent graduate or undergraduate students, studying art history, curatorial, museum studies, or a related field. Ideal candidates hold strong organizational, research, and writing skills and an interest in feminist art history and theory. Past experience preparing exhibitions and/or working in arts organizations is a plus.

 CURATORIAL—PHOTOGRAPHY (Hybrid) —Working directly with the Phillip Leonian and Edith Rosenbaum Leonian Curator of Photography, the intern assists with research, planning, and organization for upcoming exhibitions and acquisitions. Particular focus will be on an upcoming exhibition on the history of artists’ zines in North America from 1970 to now. Ideal candidates have prior research experience or coursework in the history of photography and twentieth-century visual culture; excellent communication and organizational skills; and an interest in a museum career.

 CURATORIAL—EUROPEAN ART (Onsite/Hybrid)— Working directly with the Senior Curator of European Art and the department curatorial assistants, the intern provides departmental support, particularly with research, planning, and organization for upcoming exhibitions and collection rotations. Ideal candidates have prior research experience; excellent communication and organizational skills, including meticulous attention to detail; a working knowledge of European art (ca. 1500-1945); and an interest in a museum career. A particular focus will be on helping to research and develop new European art installations, either in a focused European gallery or within the American or other galleries, that emphasize critical narratives around global trade, materiality, colonialism, race, and other urgent themes.

 DEVELOPMENT—SPECIAL EVENTS & RENTALS, INDIVIDUAL GIVING (Hybrid)— The intern will work with two Development teams: (1) Special Events & Rentals and (2) Individual Giving. The Special Events & Rentals team plans and fundraises for exhibition openings and annual benefits, which raise more than $2 million annually, and manages external, private events that take place within the Museum. Leveraging a robust set of patron councils and the Museum’s art world networks, the Individual Giving team cultivates, solicits, and stewards a broad variety of high-level gifts made by individuals. Reporting to the Development Assistant, Special Events; the Assistant Manager, Events & Rentals; and the Manager, Individual Giving & Campaigns, the Development intern will assist in multiple ways with onsite special events, manage rental walkthroughs and prepare rental proposals, and assist with identifying and researching prospective individual donors to the Museum while laying the groundwork for recognition opportunities. The intern will gain insight into event management and logistical planning, the major gifts pipeline, and long-term goal-setting and project management. Candidates should have strong communication skills, high levels of motivation and problem-solving, capacity to be organized and detail-oriented, and familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. In-person and remote working arrangements required, as well as certain evenings.

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS (Hybrid)- The Digital Communications Intern will work alongside the Digital Communications and Marketing team to help develop and write original social media content; assist with community management and audience development; as well as track social media engagement to identify high-performing ideas and opportunities across our platforms. In addition, this intern may attend public programs, openings, and events with the objective of documenting candid Museum ongoings and/or providing real-time social media coverage via Instagram Stories and live tweets. Qualified candidates will have experience in social media marketing, copywriting, content creation (photo and video) consumer research, market research, marketing strategy; or coursework in art history, arts administration, journalism, business, communications, marketing, or sociology. Experience using Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, etc.) is a plus.

 EXHIBITIONS (Hybrid)- The Exhibitions department provides direction and support for the Museum’s in-house and touring exhibitions. Working directly with the Director of Exhibition Planning, Manager of Touring Exhibitions, Touring Exhibitions Coordinator, Exhibition Project Managers, and the Exhibition Assistant, the intern assists with designing documents and presentations; archival and art historical research and development; administrative duties relating to the planning and execution of in-house and touring exhibitions; and general office management. Interns are also able to attend a number of internal meetings with members of other Museum departments, including curatorial, design, marketing, and more. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented with strong organizational and communication skills, and is familiar with arts management and business.

Congratulations to Alex Penn, Class of 2022 for winning the Jean French Art History and Visual Culture Travel Award, an award given annually to a student working on their senior project in the Art History and Visual Culture Program for expenses relating to their senior project.

Education Coordinator

The Thomas Cole National Historic site is now seeking a full-time Education Coordinator. They will work across the Education department to coordinate visitor and programmatic operations. This is a full time, year round position. Work schedule from May-October is Wednesday-Sunday; and Monday-Friday from November-April. In addition, special projects/events may take place on weekends year round. Reports to the Manager of Visitor Engagement. Compensation includes benefits and salary of $32,000 per year.

Coordination of Administrative Aspects of the Seasonal Touring Operations:

·   Ensure that the visitor experience runs smoothly. Guide the “Go-To Person” to solve problems.

·   Assist the Manager of Visitor Engagement with the interviewing/hiring of new guides for each season.

·   Train new and returning educators on logistical aspects of touring operation

·   Schedule guides so that the site is adequately staffed. Problem-solve when guides cancel their shift. Distribute the schedule to all staff who need to see it.

·   Oversee group tour reservations and scheduling staff. Problem-solve the way groups are guided through the site

·   Prepare for the opening and closing of each tour season. Tasks include setting up the seasonal staff office space, updating the tour manual, updating the Site’s phone messages and website regarding hours/offerings, and assisting the Manager of Visitor Engagement with other preparations

·   Lead daily tour staff meetings

·   Become a trained member of the tour staff and provide support, including filling in for last minute guide cancellations. For the first year, approximately 3 days per week. [See Museum Educator position description]

Coordination of School/Youth Programs:

·   Oversee multi-year project to create an online experience for youth audiences. Schedule meetings, oversee research, and be a key member of the project team

·   Oversee visit reservations and scheduling staff. Problem-solve the way students are guided through the site

·   Teach lesson plans/activities to students, both during on-site visits and by making trips to school classrooms

·   Be the primary contact for schools and teachers. Nurture newly formed relationships with schools and other youth organizations and develop new ones.

·   Maintain the Education tab on the TCNHS website

·   Lead group tours around the Site that consist primarily of children or students

·   Maintain a record system that summarizes relationship with schools/educators.

·   Train Educators how best to engage younger students, and how to lead lesson plans in classrooms and on site

·   Explore potential ways to connect with schools and youth audiences.

 Implementation of Educational Events/ Programs:

·   Work collaboratively with curatorial and interpretive teams to organize and implement various educational events and programs, such as lectures, public panels/talks with guest curators and presenting artists, and other educational programs. Create checklist of tasks for each and ensure all tasks are completed.

·   With Site Curator and Fellowship Director, plan and coordinate an annual meet and greet welcome Fellows event, Fellow’s public presentation event, and help with arrangements for monthly educational and professional site visits for the Cole Fellows.

·   Along with entire staff, assist with other events throughout the year as needed (such as fundraising events).

We are so pleased to announce that Kobena Mercer is joining the Bard faculty! Professor Mercer will begin his position in fall 2021 as the Charles P. Stevenson Chair in Art History and the Humanities. #bardcollege http://ow.ly/5dsS50DCBTY

The Art History and Visual Culture Program held its annual Poster Session and Alumni night, Wednesday, December 11th in RKC Lobby.
Seniors talked about their projects using posters, a succinct visual presentation,  that displayed their main idea, and images and objects they were working with.  Seniors were able to “see” and discuss their peer’s projects. Alumni Chris McCloskey ’08 and Ehm West ’19 discussed their lives since graduating and gave advice on improving skill sets and getting jobs.  Salvatore’s Grandma Pizza and Tivoli Bakery treats completed the very enjoyable event.

MASS MoCA Winter/Spring 2020 Internships Internship Application Deadline: Monday, November 4th, at 6pm Internship Dates: Monday, January 27th – Sunday, May 10th 

Compensation: Housing & $150/week stipend 

All applicants must be US citizens, over the age of 18. Most interns MUST have a valid US driver’s license unless specified. 

Stage Tech / Performing Arts Production 

Interns work with the Production Coordinator, Master Carpenter, Master Electrician, House Sound Engineer, and house crew on all aspects of technical theatre, music, and films. This includes hands-on in all of the following areas – carpentry, lighting, sound, audio/visual, and running crew. You are not required to have a driver’s license. 

Visual Arts – Curatorial 

Intern assists in the day-to-day operations of a busy curatorial department and helps with the preparations for upcoming programs, as well as the maintenance of current exhibitions. Responsibilities consist of research, writing, administrative duties, assistance in the procuring of exhibition materials, installation of artworks as necessary, and any number of unexpected errands or jobs required to help maintain an ambitious exhibition program of contemporary art. Intern also works with the Education Department, receiving training to lead tours of exhibitions, interact with museum visitors, and develop focused “spotlight” talks on topics of special interest. This is a crucial part of the internship experience. The successful candidate should be self-sufficient and have an eye for detail, strong writing and research skills, and a positive attitude about performing many kinds of tasks on a demanding schedule. Must have driver’s license and be willing to do a fair amount of driving. 

Performing Arts Administration 

Intern works directly with the Managing Director of Performing Arts in the coordination of current and future season planning, general office work, and maintaining and updating all performing arts files, databases, and calendars. The intern will alternate between the Project Coordinator and Artist Services Director with drafting event programs, researching upcoming artists, assisting with front of house operations as well as with artist services to arrange transportation and housing logistics of visiting artists, staff, and fellow interns. You are required to have a valid US driver’s license. 

Graphic Design 

Intern assists in day-to-day tasks of the museum’s in-house design studio, working directly with the senior and junior graphic designers. Projects include production and installation of vinyl exhibition graphics and wayfinding signage; design and production of seasonal marketing collateral (posters, ads, social media graphics); vendor contact; upkeep of website components; and general studio tasks. The intern should demonstrate enthusiasm, stamina, good attention to detail, and willingness to work with a team. Excellent knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) required. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, résumé, and portfolio link in order to be considered for this internship. A driver’s license might be helpful, but is not required. 

Development 

Interns in the development department will work to help ensure the success of MASS MoCA’s fundraising activities, which supports $3.3m in annual income. Work will vary between specifics projects, for which the intern will have the opportunity to see the project from start to finish, and individual tasks on larger projects directed by department staff. The intern will gain experience in prospect research, grant-writing, direct mail solicitations, special events, membership programs, and database management. In an average week, you will spend approximately 40% of your time working on prospect research and proposal preparation, 40% on membership and individual giving, with the remaining 20% alternating as the workload requires. You are not required to have a driver’s license. 

Communications 

The intern works on all aspects of marketing and public relations to support MASS MoCA’s visual and performing arts programs. There is a strong emphasis on groundwork: street-level marketing throughout western Massachusetts, northwest Connecticut, eastern-central New York, and southern Vermont. The marketing intern logs lots of miles spreading news about MASS MoCA events across our beautiful region. Days in the office include written contributions to social media, eblasts, websites, press releases, and other promotional material. The interns are responsible for preparing press kits and for keeping MASS MoCA’s event listings current on regional event calendars. The interns help with bulk mailings, occasionally staff an off-site information booth interacting with tourists, and sometimes join an ambassador team to attend concerts, comedy shows, and music festivals around the northeast to promote our extensive program of live events. Interns are expected to attend internal and interdepartmental marketing meetings, museum tours, and work a weekly shift at the museum’s busy Info Desk. If that sounds like a lot — it’s because it is — and we promise tons of fun along the way. A driver’s license and sense of humor are required. 

Education 

A fall education intern will focus on PreK-12 student and teacher engagement. This experiential internship is a great opportunity for a recently graduated college student who wants to gain experience working with school audiences in a contemporary art museum setting. The intern will be trained in the museum’s 3-pronged educational pedagogy ArtInSight, which incorporates conversational-style tours, mindfulness-based insight exercises, and hands-on art-making workshops, and then will implement these strategies as a lead tour guide. The intern will further support education programming by: assisting with teaching artist residency programs; supporting evaluation efforts; maintaining and monitoring art supplies; and conducting research for spring programming. 

Successful candidates should be self-sufficient, have an eye for detail, strong oral, writing, and research skills, an enthusiasm for public speaking, and strong customer service skills. They should be able to learn quickly and be confident in their abilities to take on “trial by fire” challenges. Preference is given to candidates with museum / art education experience. Weekend hours required. 

To apply to the MASS MoCA Internship Program: Send application form, cover letter, résumé, and two letters of references via email: [email protected] or fax to MASS MoCA c/o Meghan Labbee, Artist Services + Internship Program Director at 413.664.4519. 

Please visit https://massmoca.org/event/internships/ to download the application form. All applications are due no later than Sunday, July 15, at 6pm EST. 

Professor Jean French passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2019.  As many of you know, Professor French was a dedicated scholar and loyal friend who inspired generations of Bard students to think passionately and deeply about medieval art.

Please join us on September 29 to celebrate her life with colleagues, family, and friends.

Ceremony: Bard Chapel 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Reception: Bard Hall 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Commemoration by Ted Dewsnap

Donations may be made to the Jean M. French Travel Award in Art History supporting undergraduate research (c/o Debra Pemstein, Office of Development and Alumni/ae Affairs, Bard College, P.O. Box 5000, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504; online: www.annandaleonline.org/giving ; phone: 845 758 7405).