MoMA PS1 offers hands-on internships for college students and recent graduates in all of its departments. Our internship program provides the opportunity to learn about the operations of a non-profit art institution and to work alongside some of the world's most exciting contemporary artists and curators.
Responsibilities and Qualifications
Intern candidates must possess a strong command of English, excellent communication skills, strong writing skills, word-processing skills on a PC-platform, and the ability to work and function in a creative and flexible environment. Most interns are based in one department but have the opportunity to interact with all departments on a regular basis. Our relatively small staff requires interns that are willing to do a substantial amount of administrative work while taking on more critical responsibilities for the institution's operation.
All interns work on a volunteer basis for a full trimester with a schedule determined by the Intern Supervisor. MoMA PS1 requires interns to work a minimum of two full days per week (seven hours per day). It is the responsibility of applicants to retrieve information from their school concerning possible academic credit.
Positions
Applicants should apply to three of the following departments (in order of preference):
Curatorial
The intern best suited for this department would be meticulous, able to coordinate large-scale organizational projects, and have a working knowledge of contemporary art and art history. Tasks include archiving, media management, and research, as well as administrative duties relevant to organizing exhibitions and public programs. Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop skills are required; familiarity with Adobe Illustrator or InDesign is also helpful.
Artbook@PS1
D.A.P./Distributed Art Books is a publishing and distribution company for books on contemporary art and culture located in Manhattan. The internship at the MoMA PS1 location (artbook@PS1) requires a two-day commitment (Monday and Thursday, 11am - 6pm) and offers the possibility of additional projects at D.A.P.'s Manhattan offices. The position holds potential for those interested in the publishing field, as well as consideration for future work at other D.A.P. locations and offices. Knowledge of contemporary art and culture is required. Tasks include store maintenance, small business operations, and creative management.
Director's Office
The intern will support the Director's Office with administrative tasks. Responsibilities may include data entry, mailings and errands, assembling artist dossiers, and updating databases and communication logs. Knowledge of German language is a plus. Candidates with strengths in accounting, as well as graphic design, are highly desirable.
Development and Fundraising
This internship is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about the fundraising process, from cultivation to stewardship. This department requires interns who have experience with donors, grants, and other aspects of the non-profit industry. Any interested applicant should be highly organized and have excellent writing and research skills.
Fiscal Planning and Accounting
This internship is a great opportunity to learning more about accounting in a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization. This department requires interns who have an active interest in accounting and who are willing to invest energy into learning more about the accounting process. Interested applicants should be meticulous and well versed in the necessary software. Microsoft Word and Excel skills are a requirement.
Information and Technology
The intern interested in MoMA PS1's Information and Technology department should be able to hand-code very simple Html and inline CSS. He/She should also know how to optimize images for the internet with Photoshop/Image Ready and have a familiarity with both Mac and Windows platforms. Experience with content management systems in a plus (specifically, Joomla). The intern would work closely with the Curatorial and Press departments to create an organization system for all website content, as well as implement this system across all current content, extracting older data from MoMA PS1's previous website and inserting it into the new system. He/she will also help to create a style guide and document a workflow for adding new content.
Installation and Building Operations
This internship is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about installation, exhibition design, art handling, and institution registration. This department requires interns who are comfortable with manual labor work and who are physically able to lift weight. Knowledge of power-tools and a level of craftsmanship preferred.
Press and Public Relations
This internship requires a desire to learn more about public relations, marketing, media relations, and institution administration. Interested applicants should have excellent writing, organization, communication, and computer skills, as well as the ability to multi-task and see projects through to completion. Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Word skills are a requirement. Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator and InDesign are also helpful.
Public Programs
The Public Programs internship offers hands-on experience in event production and coordination. Interns will also be involved in the creation and execution of educational programs and tours, as well as gallery talks. This position may require working some weekends and occasional evenings. Audio visual knowledge and Adobe Photoshop skills are desired but not required. Excellent writing skills are a must.
Registrar
The Registrar needs interns who are organized, possess advanced computer skills, and are able to multitask. Interns will assist with conducting research for upcoming exhibitions, preparing objects for shipment and publications research and production, archiving and information management.
Visitor Services
The Manager of Visitor Services seeks applicants who are interested in learning more about direct customer relations and customer service. This department requires interns who are approachable, articulate, and outgoing. Applicants should have excellent phone skills, basic computer literacy, and the ability to handle several tasks at once. Microsoft Word and Excel skills are highly-preferred.
Activities
Interns are required to attend field trips/lectures at non-profit institutions and museums in the New York area that have been organized by the Internship Supervisor. In addition, interns may be asked to assist staff with special events, public programs, and exhibition openings. All interns may be required to assume guarding positions and/or work various Saturday afternoons during MoMA PS1’s summer music series Warm Up.
Visas
MoMA PS1 is unable to provide or assist with visas for foreign applicants.
Internship Schedule
Fall Cycle 2010
Application Deadline: August 9th
Duration: September 13th – December 17th
Spring Cycle 2011
Application deadline: November 30th (2010)
Duration: January 24th – May 6th
Summer Cycle 2011
Application deadline: April 12th
Duration: May 16th – August 26th
Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Start/End dates are flexible and must be discussed with the Internship Supervisor in advance.
Application Form
Download Application Here
(You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader)
MoMA PS1 Internship Application 2010-2011
I am applying for the ( ) fall ( ) spring ( ) summer cycle (check one)
Personal Information
First and Last Name:
E-mail:
Address:
Phone:
Language skills (indicate ability to read/write/speak):
Citizenship:
Social-Security Number (or equivalent):
Education
Name/Location of undergraduate and/or graduate school (if applicable):
Major/Minor:
Expected degree and graduation date:
Relevant course work and projects:
Would you be able to interview at MoMA PS1?
List the three departments to which you are applying (in order of preference) and briefly describe your interest and qualifications for each.
1.
2.
3.
On a separate sheet of paper (limited to one-page total), please answer both of the following questions:
1. What is the role of a contemporary arts institution and what are its strengths and challenges in the United States?
2. What inspired you to apply for the MoMA PS1 Internship Program?
Individuals may apply to the program via e-mail (highly-preferred) or postal mail.
All applications must include a cover letter, resume and the attached application completed, sent to the email/address below. Letters of reference and writing samples are not necessary.
Please note that we are no longer accepting applications for the Extended Internship Program.
No resumes sent via fax will be accepted. No phone calls, please.
MoMA PS1
Attn: Internships
22-25 Jackson Avenue at 46th Ave
Long Island City, NY 11101
internships@ps1.org (PDF or Microsoft Word format only)
The internship program is supported in part by the Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation.