INTERNSHIPS @ SMoCA
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art [SMoCA] offers challenging and comprehensive internships for undergraduates, recent graduates and graduate students who are interested in museum and arts careers. SMoCA is an educational institution dedicated to presenting exhibitions of contemporary and modern art, architecture and design with a global focus. SMoCA’s internships are on a volunteer basis and can be coordinated with staff to aid in receiving academic credit.
The practical experience of an internship provides invaluable knowledge for those who wish to pursue a career in museums and arts. Past SMoCA interns have been accepted into their first choice Master’s and Ph.D. programs (NYU, Columbia, Johns Hopkins), started their own arts businesses and have been hired as teachers. Many interns have gone on to intern at other museums, including The Guggenheim Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. An internship at SMoCA provides opportunities to work on projects directed by museum staff and obtain a comprehensive knowledge of museum practice (departments, programs and operations).
HOW TO APPLY
1. Review the internship positions below to choose which internship you would like to apply for.
2. Download the internship application. Prepare a thoughtful cover letter and resume including 2 references (one academic and one professional – contact information only, no letters please).
3. Complete application packet (application, cover letter, resume, 2 references) and send to:
Resumes@sccarts.org (subject line: SMOCA Internship)
OR
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
ATTN: Internship Program
7380 East 2nd Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
FALL Application Deadline: August 15
SPRING Application Deadline: November 15
SUMMER Application Deadline: April15
(NOTE: Although we strongly encourage applicants to submit their application packet by the above deadlines, we will accept packets past due dates, but cannot guarantee that late applicants will be considered.)
Questions? Email: resumes@sccarts.org
Internship POSITIONS
CURATORIAL – Administration and Research
Education: Graduate,recent graduates or upper-level undergraduate
Major/area(s) of study: Art History, Museum Studies, Studio Art or related field
Primary Purpose: Learn from the Curatorial staff toimplement daily duties, including: communication with artists, lenders and galleries; monitoring exhibition checklists; general exhibition support; and research
Essential Functions:
1. Learn the administrative and hands-on management of exhibitions, including exhibitions of the permanent collection, shows originated by SMoCA and exhibitions traveling from other museums
2. Work directly with curators researching an exhibition, possibly a publication
3. Gather sources and imagery, summarize, present findings to curator and writing
Special skills/physical requirements: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Experience with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, databases, Photoshop and scanning. Demonstrated prior responsibility for and consistent follow-through over a long-term project.
Other comments: Some hours may be done at the Museum or off-campus while researching. Access to a research library is beneficial.
DEVELOPMENT – Membership
Education: Current undergraduate or recent graduate
Major/area(s) of study: Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communication, Museum Studies or related area
Primary Purpose: Learn how the Development department creates and implements fundraising and membership initiatives.
Essential Functions:
1. Research prospective donors/members
2. Assist in preparation of donor/membership recognition materials
3. Organize electronic and hard donor files
Special skills/physical requirements: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Experience with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel and databases. Demonstrated ability to solve problems and offer practical solutions. Interest in contemporary art.
EDUCATION – Lesson Plans
Education: Recent graduate or graduate student
Major/area(s) of study: Art Education, Education or related field
Primary Purpose: Learn to create lesson plans in conjunction with current exhibitions under the supervision of the Associate Curator of Education.
Essential Functions:
1. Research upcoming exhibitions
2. Learn to create teachers’ guides to exhibitions
Special skills/physical requirements: Strong written communication skills. Ability to write full lesson plans incorporating Arizona Standards. Interest and knowledge in contemporary art. Experience with MS Word and PowerPoint.
Other comments: Graduate student in art education preferred.
EXHIBITIONS – Museum Installationand Collections Care
Education: BFA and MFA students (experience in gallery installation is encouraged)
Major/area(s) of study: Studio Art or related field
Primary Purpose: Learn about the installation and maintenance of the exhibitions and permanent collection inventory under the supervision of the Exhibitions Manager and Registrar.
Essential Functions:
1. Assist in the installation of three museum exhibitions. Main duties will include gallery preparations, painting, basic construction, packing, handling and installing fine art while supervised by the Registrar and Exhibitions Manager.
2. Assist in the inventory and care of the permanent collection while supervised by the registrar and exhibitions manager.
Special skills/physical requirements: Ability to lift 60 lbs.Some experience with power tools. Must be comfortable working at elevated heights when required and possess aptitude for quick learning, problem solving and above all, teamwork.
*Intern’s availability must be flexible. Exhibitions Manager will set the schedule.
PR & MARKETING – General Museum PR & Marketing
Education: Current undergraduate or recent graduate
Major/area(s) of study: PR/ Communications, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Museum Studies, Art History, Graphic Design or related areas
Primary Purpose: Learn from the Marketing & PR Manager to implement marketing strategies.
Essential Functions:
1. Monitor and file media clippings
2. Create exhibition media reports
3. Assist with regular social media endeavors and circulate collateral
4. Attend special events to assist with Museum promotion
Special skills/physical requirements: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge and interest in photography, videography and/or graphic design a plus. Strong experience with Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, etc.) preferred. Experience with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access databases, email newsletter formats, Photoshop and scanning is essential.
Other comments: Some hours may be done at the Museum or off-campus – especially when some of the work will be online, driven by social media and e-newsletter tasks
MARKETING – SMoCA Lounge Events
Education: Sophomore, junior, senior undergraduate or graduate students are encouraged to apply.
Major/area(s) of study: Theatre, Communications, Event Planning, Intermedia or related field.
Primary Purpose: Creative Placemaking through event production and community outreach. This includes social media campaigns to promote events, information gathering, problem solving, and getting water for Arm Wrestling Artists and Rock ‘n Roll Authors. Seriously. This internship will weave in and out of all aspects of innovative event production in a contemporary art museum.
Essential Functions:
1. Learn from Program Coordinator, Tania Katan, to execute successful programs including Arm Wrestling for Art and Lit Lounge through the creation of PowerPoint presentations, e-newsletters, videotaping and greeting audience members.
Special skills/physical requirements: A sense of humor is a MUST. Strong verbal and written communication skills. People skills. Well briefed in social media outlets such as blogging, facebook, twitter, tumblr and experience with PowerPoint. Must have a strong interest in learning about creating innovative programs. Self-starters and those who are self-motivated are important qualities of our interns.
Other comments: Most hours will be done at the Museum one evening per month or off-campus. Please visit
www.smocalounge.org to see what you are applying for.
