Full-time, seven-month internships with stipends are offered at MoMA for recent graduates of bachelor’s or master’s degree programs interested in pursuing or exploring 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.
Please check back for our next cycle of opportunities.
MoMA PS1 offers blended internships with onsite and remote opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and beginning professionals with practical experience in a specific area of museum work. Our internship program provides the opportunity to learn about the operations of a non-profit art institution and work alongside some of the world’s most exciting contemporary artists and curators. In addition to departmental work interns participate in weekly professional development activities designed to increase understanding of the Museum’s various programs, exhibitions, and departments.
Application Deadline: May 7, 2021
Duration: June 7—August 27, 2021
How to apply
All applications must include a cover letter, resume and the completed Internship Application below, sent to: [email protected] (one consolidated PDF only).
Applicants should apply to one of the following departments:
Development & Special Events
The Development & Special Events Summer Internship offers hands-on experience with prospect research, administrative support, and special events including donor cultivation events and signature PS1 programs like Warm Up. This role is an integral part of the External Affairs team, conducting preliminary research on prospective corporate, foundation, and individual donors; preparing donor communication materials; and providing administrative support such as expense reconciliation. Interns will be exposed to the full development and execution of special and donor cultivation events, from inception through production. Ideal candidates have some experience in event production, and are organized, motivated, and adaptable. Excellent communication, writing skills, and knowledge of basic office software such as Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace are a must. Candidates should be prepared to work three days per week, including availability on weekends and the occasional late night.
Performance & Live Programming
The Performance & Live Programming internship offers hands-on experience in all aspects of organizing and producing performance and live programs at MoMA PS1, including Warm Up, programming related to exhibitions, special events, and other large-scale museum programs. Interns will be exposed to the full development of our programs across disciplines, from inception through production. The internship offers experience in audio-visual production, direct interaction with artists, planning and producing events, artistic research, and arts administration. Ideal candidates have some experience in live performance or event production, and are organized, motivated, and adaptable. Knowledge of audio-visual production is desired but not required. Excellent communication, writing skills, and knowledge of basic office procedures such as spreadsheets and Google Docs are a must. Candidates should be prepared to work three days a week, including occasional weekends and late nights.
Exhibitions & Programs Production
MoMA PS1 seeks a motivated intern interested in the production of exhibitions and programs. The intern will work closely with the Exhibitions & Programs production team and will participate fully in all department activities during their tenure as they gain invaluable experience working within a leading contemporary art institution to assist in researching and implementing future exhibitions & programs. Interns will be exposed to the full development of our exhibitions and programs across disciplines - from inception through implementation - with a possible focus on Greater New York opening in the Fall of 2021. The ideal candidate must be organized, adaptable, and have excellent written and interpersonal skills with a basic knowledge of spreadsheets.
Curatorial
The Curatorial internship offers hands-on experience in organizing exhibitions and public programs. The Spring 2020 internship would be focused on supporting the research, organization, installation, and post-opening activities surrounding upcoming exhibitions and programs. Curatorial interns are fully integrated within the larger curatorial department and work in close contact with the curatorial staff. Ideal candidates are meticulous and detail-oriented, possess exceptional writing skills, and are able to coordinate large-scale, multifaceted organizational projects. Candidates should demonstrate excellent discretion and judgment, and have a working knowledge of and curiosity about contemporary art and art history. Microsoft Office skills are required; Adobe Photoshop skills are desirable. Although not required, most successful candidates have some prior experience in a museum or gallery setting.
Additional Activities
Interns will be invited to attend departmental workshops that have been organized by the Internship Coordinator, including site visits and lectures as part of the MoMA Seasonal Internship program. In addition, interns may be asked to assist staff with special events, public programs, and exhibition openings.
School Credit
It is the responsibility of applicants to retrieve information from their school concerning possible academic credit once selected for the internship.
Visas
MoMA PS1 is unable to provide or assist with visas for foreign applicants.
Stipend
All interns will be paid a stipend of $4,320 for the full twelve week program with a schedule determined by the intern’s department supervisor.
Requirements and Qualifications
Intern candidates must have strong communication and writing skills with the ability to work and function in a creative and flexible environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required and working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is desired. Interns are based in one department, yet have the opportunity to interact with all departments on a regular basis. MoMA PS1 is looking for interns who are able to work a minimum of two full days per week (seven hours per day) with mandatory Tuesday availability.
List below the department to which you are applying and briefly describe your interest and qualifications for each. Please answer each of the following questions in 200 words:
What is the role of a contemporary arts institution and what are its strengths and challenges in the United States?
What inspired you to apply for the MoMA PS1 Internship Program?
Please be advised that due to the high volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those candidates whose skills and background best fit the needs of the open positions.
MoMA PS1 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.
Volkswagen of America is proud to be MoMA’s lead partner of education.
Leadership annual support for Internship Programs is provided by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
Generous support is provided by the Clarissa and Edgar Bronfman, Jr. Internship Program Endowment, by the Louise Bourgeois Internship Fund, Agnes Gund, and the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation.
Additional funding is provided by the Carole Kismaric Mikolaycak Internship Endowment, and the Annual Education Fund.