McMullan Arts Leadership Intern, Provenance Research

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.

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The intern will join the provenance research team in an initiative to uncover and document the journey of artworks and to research the stories of the art dealers and collectors who shaped the Art Institute’s collection.

This internship comprises two parts: first, transferring provenance information from archival documents into the collection database; and second, conducting focused research on a lesser-known dealer or collector whose history will be shared in a web article.

By reviewing archival records and adding provenance information to the database, the intern’s contributions will enable researchers and visitors to connect with the stories behind the objects in our collection. In so doing, the intern will develop a deep understanding of the dealers and collectors who shaped the Art Institute’s collections, enabling them to select a suitable topic for their research project and article.

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 the provenance research team. 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:

● Gain familiarity with provenance-related archival documentation;

● Build experience with museum collection management systems;

● Garner a better understanding of the Art Institute’s history of collecting;

● Exercise provenance and archival research skills;

● Experience communicating provenance research to the public;

● Develop mentor relationships with field practitioners;

● Build peer-to-peer relationships with other interns through museum-wide internship activities.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

With guidance from the position’s mentors, the intern will be responsible for:

● Reviewing archival documentation relevant to the provenance of objects in the Art Institute's permanent collection;

● Cross-checking archival documentation against database records to ensure provenance; information is up-to-date;

● Identifying an under-researched collector or art dealer whose history can be researched through archival documentation and publications available in the museum’s Research Center and across Chicago;

● Writing a blog post about the research placement and the art dealer or collector of the intern’s choosing;

● Participating in and contributing to weekly provenance team meetings;

● Attending 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;

● Willingness to connect with others;

● Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills;

● Detail-oriented mindset and demonstrated organizational skills; ability to multitask and be flexibly prioritize when appropriate;

● Possess an interest in:

○ The Art Institute’s collection and how art dealers and collectors contributed to its creation;

○ Reviewing archival documents, such as receipts or ledgers;

○ Learning about museum documentation practices;

○ Learning about provenance research

○ Researching a specific dealer and collector, using resources available i