McMullan Arts Leadership Intern, Arts of Asia

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Formally established in 1921, Arts of Asia holds one of the largest Asian art collections in North America, consisting of nearly 30,000 objects that span five millennia and represent all artistic traditions of the entire continent. Distinguished artworks include Hindu and Buddhist sculpture; Chinese jades, bronzes, ceramics, and paintings; Japanese screens and woodblock prints— one of the finest assemblages in the world; Korean celadon; and Indian and Persian miniature paintings.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Much of the Arts of Asia collection is showcased through robust programs in the galleries and online. Working collaboratively with the department’s director of curatorial administration and research assistant, the intern will assist the department's gallery and web projects to ensure the successful implementation and documentation of those projects. The intern's major responsibilities include drafting and maintaining the departmental gallery activity calendar, monitoring project progress and deadlines, and documenting project materials and object information for the museum’s database and website.

The intern will join a museum-wide intern cohort and have access to a range of programs to support their development in addition to their placement in Arts of Asia. Mentorship is provided throughout the experience and connections with an intern alumni network will be established.

• Expected Range: $16.73
• Job classification: Intern
• Grade level: Not applicable

Goals of the McMullan Arts Leadership Internship Program

The McMullan Arts Leadership internship program is part of a museum-wide effort to provide students the opportunity to gain experience, career awareness, networks, and skills that will position them to thrive as future art museum leaders.

This program specifically aims to support students who encounter economic challenges when considering a career in the arts. Aligned with this goal, we aim to help shape a diverse group of leaders whose actions are informed by a wide range of perspectives, varying career paths, and values inspired by their own lived experiences.

INTERNSHIP OUTCOMES:
In this position, the intern will have the opportunity to:
● Contribute to the progress of the department’s web publication initiative, which extends into all areas of the collection;
● Gain hands-on experience working on new acquisitions, collections review, and gallery projects;
● Develop strong understanding of museum gallery and web activities;
● Receive museum project management training;
● Gain exposure to art and art history of Asia;
● Observe behind-the-scene collection care and gallery installations;
● Develop strong communication and organizational skills;
● Develop mentor relationships with field practitioners;
● Build peer-to-peer relationships with fellow interns.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Assists with updating collection records for online publishing and updating object record tags for better visibility on the website;
● Supports the department by updating, organizing, and maintaining curatorial files - including object, artist, dealer, donor records;
● Conducts provenance research on different areas of the collection;
● Support curatorial research projects as needed, including archival research;
● To assist with processing acquisitions and deaccessions;
● Attend weekly check-ins with the department’s collection manager;
● Attend intern cohort professional development programs and museum practice seminars.

QUALIFICATIONS:
● Undergraduate or graduate student; recent graduates (within one year of graduation) will also be considered;
● Applicants must be based in the Chicagoland area and/or attending school in the Chicagoland area over the course of the internship term;
● Demonstrated interest in arts administration, art history, or an art museum curatorial profession;
● Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite;
● Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills;
● Ability to be open-minded and work collaboratively with colleagues across the museum;
● Detail-oriented mindset and demonstrated organizational skills; ability to multitask and be flexibly prioritize when appropriate;
Preferred
● Knowledge of Asian art history and/or As