The department of Prints and Drawings at the Art Institute of Chicago is excited to invite current undergraduate students, graduate students, and/or recent graduates to apply for their McMullan Arts Leadership internship position. In this position, the intern will receive training on identifying print and drawing techniques, the care and handling of works on paper, collection database software, object-based research, and museum policy issues such as ethics and security. The intern will have the opportunity to work with curators on individual research projects and in the context of the regular operation of the department study room, the Jean and Steven Goldman Study Center.

Located in the Art Institute’s Michigan Avenue building, the Jean and Steven Goldman Study Center houses the museum’s collection of works on paper. The collection includes over 60,000 prints, drawings, artist portfolios and books. Within the study center is the Glore Print Study Room which is open to the public by appointment. Visitors are allowed to request works in advance and view them in the study room under the supervision of curatorial staff. The study room also houses a library of catalogues raisonnés, exhibition catalogues and reference books.

INTERNSHIP OUTCOMES

Become familiar with objects in the Prints and Drawings collection
Develop a skillset for the safe handling and storage of works on paper
Learn to identify various printmaking and drawing techniques
Facilitate daily operations of the Prints and Drawings study room
Develop mentor relationships with field practitioners
Build peer-to-peer relationships with fellow interns

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist the study room manager in preparing the study room for visitors
Monitor the study room to ensure visitor protocols are observed
Safely move art objects to and from their home locations
Become familiar with the collection software
Assist curators on individual research projects
Support the work of Prints and Drawings staff as needed


About the McMullan Arts Leadership Internship:

The McMullan Arts Leadership Internship program is part of a museum-wide effort to provide students from diverse backgrounds, including those underrepresented in the museum field, the opportunity to gain experience, career awareness, networks, and skills that will together position them to succeed as future art museum leaders. Those selected join an intern cohort and have access to a range of programs to support their development in addition to their specific departmental placement. Mentorship is provided throughout the intern experience. Interns are also encouraged to remain connected to the museum and to other interns as part of an alumni network.

Qualifications
Undergraduate or graduate student in the Chicago metropolitan area; recent graduates (within one year of graduation) will also be considered
Major or focus in art history, studio art, museum studies, or a related field
Demonstrated interest in Prints and Drawings as a curatorial field and area of study
Enthusiasm for engaging with researchers and scholars across the field of Prints and Drawings
Eagerness to learn collection software systems
Strong organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills are highly desired

Application must include the following materials:

1- Resume

2- Cover letter that addresses the following:
Why do you want to work in this internship at the Art Institute of Chicago? What qualities do you have that you think museums need more of? Barriers to pursuing a career in the arts and museums can take many forms, and we recognize that members of underrepresented groups experience greater challenges in the museum career pathway. Discuss what challenge or challenges you face (identity-based, socioeconomic, educational, other) as you consider a career in the arts and museums, and how this internship could play a role in surmounting those obstacles.