Summer Internship Opportunities at the Rubin Museum of Art NYC

Rubin Museum of Art Overview:
Rubin Museum of Art is home to a comprehensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions. Through changing exhibitions and an array of engaging public programs, the Rubin Museum offers opportunities to explore the artistic legacy of the Himalayan region and to appreciate its place in the context of world cultures. For more information, please visit: www.rmanyc.org

Intern Activities:
Interns in all museum departments are invited to participate in several group activities per semester:
• Brown-bag lunches: staff guests discuss their jobs as well as their educational, professional, and artistic backgrounds allowing interns to learn about various museum departments and careers.
• Private tours of NYC cultural organizations: these trips are designed to expose interns to the broader New York City arts world, as well as the field of Himalayan studies. Past tours have included: Asia Society, ICP, Latse Contemporary Tibetan Cultural Library, and CUE Art Foundation.
Intern Benefits:
All internships are unpaid. Academic requirements may be fulfilled by arrangement with the individual college or university. Rubin Museum interns receive the following benefits:
• Free admission at museums across the country
• 25% discount on most items at Serai, the Rubin Museum’s shop and café
• Free admission to Rubin Museum programs when/if available
• Invitation to an annual appreciation event
How to apply:
Applicants are encouraged to apply for up to three internships (descriptions follow). Please write a one-page cover letter which specifies (1) which internships you are applying for, (2) your relevant qualifications, (3) your interest in the Rubin Museum of Art, and (4) your availability (days/times).
Please email your resume and cover letter to:
Racquel Dwomoh
Coordinator, Internship Program
Rubin Museum of Art
volunteersandinterns@rmanyc.org
AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS:
CURATORIAL INTERNSHIP – GENERAL
Commitment: 10-20 hours per week
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Academic Level: Mature undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate student
Description: Under the guidance of Rubin Museum curators, the Curatorial Intern will perform research and provide support for curatorial work and upcoming exhibitions that focus predominantly on Himalayan art and material culture. The candidate should be well-organized, with good attention to detail, knowledge of working with images, and familiarity with scanning and editing software.
Skills Required: East Asian Languages and Cultures, South Asian Studies, Tibetan Studies, Asian Art History, or Religious Studies research skills focusing on the Himalayan region.
Skills Desired: Reading and writing knowledge of Chinese, Sanskrit or Tibetan; Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word, and image software (Photoshop). Must have excellent writing skills.
CURATORIAL INTERNSHIP – TIBETAN LANGUAGE
Commitment: 10-20 hours per week
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Academic Level: Mature undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate student
Description: Under the guidance of Rubin Museum curators, the Curatorial Intern will perform research, occasionally in Tibetan language, and provide support for curatorial work and upcoming exhibitions that focus on Himalayan art. The candidate should be well-organized, with good attention to detail, knowledge of working with images, and familiarity with scanning and editing software.
Skills Required: East Asian Languages and Cultures, South Asian Studies, Tibetan Studies, Asian Art History, or Religious Studies research skills focusing on the Himalayan region.
Skills Desired: Reading and writing knowledge of Tibetan; Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word, and image software (Photoshop). Must have excellent writing skills.
CURATORIAL INTERNSHIP – SOUTH ASIAN ART
Commitment: 10-15 hours per week
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Academic Level: Mature undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate student
Description: Under the guidance of Rubin Museum curators, the Curatorial Intern will perform research and provide support for curatorial work for upcoming exhibitions that focus on South Asian art. The candidate should be well-organized, with good attention to detail, knowledge of working with images, and familiarity with scanning and editing software.
Skills Required: South Asian Studies or South Asian Art History research skills
Skills Desired: Reading and writing knowledge of Hindi, Sanskrit or other South Asian language; Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word, and image software (Photoshop). Must have excellent writing skills.
COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP
Commitment: 2 days per week
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Positions Available: 1
Description: Intern will work with the Exhibitions Coordinator to update the exhibitions archive. Intern will assist in a large-scale inventory project.
Tasks and assignments may include: The intern will work with the Exhibitions Coordinator to organize and update the Exhibition Archives. The intern will also assist in a large-scale inventory project which includes tagging and barcoding collection objects as well as an inventory move.
Skills desired: MA student or recent graduate in Arts Administration, Preventive Conservation, Exhibition Design or other field related to museum collections management. Interest in Himalayan art a plus.
COMMUNICATIONS/MEDIA RELATIONS INTERNSHIP
Commitment: 2-3 days per week
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Positions available: 1
Description: Media Relations Interns perform functions critical to communicating the Rubin Museum’s mission and offerings to members of the media, as well as assisting with digital outreach via Rubin Museum social media channels. The Media Relations intern will learn about institutional voice, communications strategy, media relations best practices, and digital engagement.
Tasks include: Creating and managing lists in Excel; internet research; drafting copy for use in social media, some data entry.
Skills Required: Internet research skills and proficiency in Excel, Outlook, Word, and familiarity with Social Media/Blogging.
MEMBERSHIP INTERNSHIP
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Commitment: 10- 15 hours per week (TBD)
Description: The Membership intern will work directly with Individual Membership and the Visionary Circle young patrons group. Duties will include assisting with data maintenance; correspondence; mailings; conducting research on individuals and sister museums; other special projects; membership events; and general administrative duties.
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree candidate preferred, especially someone with a strong interest in arts administration. The individual must have strong computer, organizational, research, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel are required. Experience in RE is preferred.
EXHIBITION DESIGN INTERNSHIP
Commitment: 10-15 hours per week
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Positions Available: 1
Academic Level: Mature undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate student
Description: Under the guidance of Rubin Museum Exhibition Designer, the Exhibition Design Intern will perform design related drawing and inventory using Vector Works 2012 software and Micro Soft Excel. The candidate should be well-organized, with good attention to detail, knowledge of working with images. Candidate will be asked to submit portfolio of rendered 3D drawings
Essential Skills Required: Vector Works 2012 3D drawing and Micro Soft Excel and Word.
EDUCATION: SCHOOL PROGRAMS INTERNSHIP
Commitment: 10-12 hours per week
Semester: Summer or full academic year
Position Available: 1
Description: The School Programs intern will work with the Manager of School Programs to support the planning, organization, and implementation of a wide range of programs for K-12 students and teachers. Please visit www.rmanyc.org/schoolprograms to learn more about these offerings.
Duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Researching and structuring the resources for staff trainings
• Preparing materials and supplies for in-school residency programs
• Supporting morning K-12 Workshop programs in the Education Center
• Assisting with the organization of the Fall Educator Open House
• Traveling to schools throughout New York City to share museum resources and collect contact information
• Maintaining monthly K-12 e-newsletter and ongoing Education Blog listings: http://education.rma2.org/
• Independent research
• General administrative support
• Other related duties as assigned
Qualifications: Mature undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate student. Demonstrated interest in K-12 learning, museum education, and the visual arts. Excellent phone communication and interpersonal skills, exemplary writing and research abilities. Experienced multi-tasker. Fluent use of MS Office and web publishing programs like WordPress and MyEmma. Ability to work independently.
FAMILY PROGRAMS INTERNSHIP
Commitment: 16 hours per week
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Number available: 2
Academic Level: Mature undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate student Description: Under the guidance of the Family Programs Coordinator, the Family Programs Intern will help plan and assist in the teaching of one or more ongoing weekly programs. Tasks include: Coordinating and teaching Family Programs workshops, assisting with studio and office management, materials preparation, curriculum development, outreach and research.
Skills Required: Strong interest in art education, early childhood education, informal education, arts administration, or Asian art.
Desired (not required): Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Photoshop; strong organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills.
INTERPRETATION RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATION INTERNSHIP
Commitment: 16 hours/2 days per week (Thursdays and Fridays required—includes evening hours)
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Description: The Interpretation Research and Administration Internship will work with the Manager of Visitor Experience and Access Programs to research Himalayan art and culture as well as upcoming exhibitions in support of a rigorous staff Guide and volunteer Docent training program. In addition, the Interpretation Research and Administration Intern will prepare training materials and documentation and assist heavily with the administrative needs of a department of 40 museum educators.
Duties may include (but are not limited to):
• Web and publication research on certain areas of study relating to Himalayan art and culture
• Compilation of training materials and training calendars
• Preparation of promotional flyers and email blasts for Visitor Experience tour programs, general outreach for tour program offerings
• Archiving exhibition training materials
Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred. Must have strong computer, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required, and familiarity with internet search and research engines (JSTOR, LexisNexis, etc.) ideal (though not required). An interest in South Asian, Indo Tibetan or Himalayan studies or art history also desired.
FILM PROGRAMMING INTERNSHIP
Commitment: Approximately 15-20 hours/week – regular daytime office hours plus some nights and weekends for events – for a minimum of three months.
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Position Available: 2
Description: The Programming department seeks a qualified and highly-motivated intern to assist with a variety of departmental needs in its production of ongoing feature film and/or documentary film series. The intern will be involved in two distinct areas of work: 1) event production and day to day administration of ongoing film series, and 2) research and development of future film series. Ongoing series at the museum often include a Friday night feature film series Cabaret Cinema, and a Wednesday afternoon documentary series Lunch Matters.
Tasks Include:
• Researching ideas for future feature and/or documentary film series that are inspired by museum exhibitions and content
• Researching ideas for film introducers, booking introducers, and obtaining contact and/or biographical information about speakers
• Creating and proofreading marketing materials for events, such as print flyers, e-flyers, website text, PowerPoint displays, etc.
• Managing set-up, production, and house management of ongoing series
Skills: Candidate must have an excellent knowledge of be highly organized, able to work independently, and have a positive, flexible attitude in a fast-paced environment. Professionalism and exemplary interpersonal skills are required in a variety of situations, including interactions with the public, artists/speakers, staff, and volunteers. Experience and in-depth knowledge of feature film and/or documentary films is required. Interest in event production and the arts is preferred. Excellent writing skills and the ability to conduct efficient research are both desired. Proficiency in PowerPoint and Photoshop is highly desired, and proficiency in Excel and Word is necessary. Must be able to work on PC.
PROGRAMMING INTERNSHIP
Commitment: Approximately 15-20 hours/week – regular daytime office hours plus some nights and weekends for events – for a minimum of four to six months.
Semesters: Summer or Full Academic Year
Positions Available: 2
Description: Programming is seeking an intern to assist with a variety of departmental needs in its production of performances, concerts, talks and events. The intern will be involved in two distinct areas of work: 1) event production and day to day administration, and 2) research and writing relating to future events. He/she may also have specific projects to spearhead during their time here depending on interests, skill set, and availability.
Tasks Include:
• Assisting with set-up, production, and house management of the museum’s public programs, including concerts, movies, talks and performances.
• Creating and proofreading marketing materials for events, such as print flyers, e-blasts, website text, PowerPoint displays, etc.
• Researching ideas for future programs, and obtaining contact and/or biographical information about performers/speakers, writing brochure copy, etc.
Skills: Candidate must be highly organized, able to work independently, and have a positive, flexible attitude in a fast-paced environment. Professionalism and exemplary interpersonal skills are required in a variety of situations, including interactions with the public, artists/speakers, staff, and volunteers. Experience with or interest in event production or the performing arts is preferred. Excellent writing skills and the ability to conduct efficient research are both desired. Proficiency in PowerPoint and Photoshop is highly desired, and proficiency in Excel and Word is necessary. Must be able to work on PC.
PUBLICATIONS INTERNSHIP
Commitment: 10-15 hours per week
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Positions Available: 1
Academic Level: Mature undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate student.
Description: Under the guidance of Rubin Museum Publisher, Publications Intern will coordinate image acquisition, bibliographic integration, manuscript approval stages, and other tasks related to an exhibition and publication on Tibetan Medicine. Work may involve website content development.. Work with editor on content management system and enews letter. Must have research and editorial abilities. The candidate should be well-organized, with attention to detail, and good computer skills.
Skills Required: Proficiency in MS Excel, Photoshop, and MS Word.
SPECIAL EVENTS / GROUP VISITS INTERNSHIP
Commitment: Approximately 15-20 hours/week – regular daytime office hours plus some evenings for events – for a minimum of four to six months.
Semesters: Summer or Full Academic Year
Positions Available: 2
Description: Special Events and Group Visits team is seeking an intern to assist with a variety of departmental needs in its production of private events for internal & external clients and group management. The intern will be involved in two distinct areas of work: 1) event production and day to day administration, and 2) research and marketing relating to future groups and events.
Tasks Include:
• Assisting with set-up & production of, as well as representation during events including museum exhibition openings, cultivation gatherings, various client functions.
• Assisting with set-up, production, and house management of public groups and evenings such as Free Seniors Day, Himalayan Happy Hour & K2 Lounge Friday nights.
• Researching contacts and targets for potential clients and marketing strategies,
Creating and proofreading outreach materials for group and events.
Skills: Candidate must be highly organized, able to work independently, and have a positive, flexible attitude in a fast-paced environment. Professionalism and exemplary interpersonal skills are required in a variety of situations, including interactions with the public, guests, clients, staff, and volunteers. Experience with or interest in event production or the performing arts is preferred. Excellent writing skills and the ability to conduct efficient research are both desired. Proficiency in PowerPoint and Photoshop is highly desired, and proficiency in Excel and Word is necessary. Must be able to work on PC.
WEB CONTENT/DIGITAL MEDIA INTERNSHIP
Commitment: Approximately 15-20 hours/week
Semesters: Summer or full academic year
Positions Available: 1-2
Academic Level: Mature undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate student
Description: Print & Electronic Media team seeks an intern to assist with the preparation and production of video content for online distribution. Additionally, there may be opportunities to contribute to the museum’s blog and social media outlets.
Tasks Include:
• Preparing and editing archival video of our live events.
• Filming and editing interviews, training sessions, and access videos.
• Creating additional multimedia for the museum’s blog and exhibition needs.
Skills: Candidate must be highly organized, able to work independently, and have a positive, flexible attitude in a fast-paced environment. Skills and interest in filmmaking or museum multimedia preferred. Excellent writing skills and the ability to conduct efficient research are both desired. Experience with non-linear video editing is required (Final Cut Pro). Proficiency in Photoshop is highly desired, as is experience with hand-coding HTML/CSS. Proficiency in Excel and Word is necessary. Must be able to work on a Mac.
INSTITUTIONAL GIVING INTERNSHIP
Semesters: Summer, Fall or Spring
Commitment: 1-3 days per week
Description: The intern will work directly with the Institutional Giving team on all matters related to fundraising for the Museum. Duties will include assisting with research, writing and general administration. The candidate will gain a broad overview of all aspects of foundation, government and corporate fundraising, as well as Corporate Membership management, from research to solicitation. Additional administrative support to the Department of External Affairs staff may also be required.
Qualifications: A bachelor’s or master’s degree candidate preferred, especially someone with a strong interest in arts administration. The individual must have strong computer, organizational, research, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel are required.
PUBLICATIONS DATABASE INTERNSHIP
Commitment: 1-2 days per week
Semesters: Spring or full academic year
Academic Level: Mature undergraduate, recent graduate, or graduate student.
Description: Under the guidance of the Rubin Museum Publisher, the intern will work on a large-scale research project to identify all publications on our collection, record those venues and secure a copy of the publication and/or reproduction. This would be going back to the time even before the museum opened.
Skills Required: The candidate must have strong research and database abilities. Well-organized, with attention to detail, and good computer skills. The candidate should be comfortable interacting with the staff. Initiative and inquisitiveness needed. Must be able to work on a Mac or PC. Proficiency in MS Excel, and MS Word. Photoshop desirable but not required.
Application Instructions
How to apply:
Applicants are encouraged to apply for up to three internships (descriptions follow). Please write a one-page cover letter which specifies (1) which internships you are applying for, (2) your relevant qualifications, (3) your interest in the Rubin Museum of Art, and (4) your availability (days/times).
Please email your resume and cover letter to:
Racquel Dwomoh
Coordinator, Internship Program
Rubin Museum of Art
volunteersandinterns@rmanyc.org