Art conservation summer internship

To raise awareness of professional opportunities among students of all backgrounds, but particularly underrepresented minority populations, summer internships are being offered in art conservation to students enrolled at an accredited college or university. Interns will work in tandem with museum conservators and will rotate through each area of specialization (paintings, paper, and objects conservation). Interns will be exposed to all areas of art conservation and museum collections care as well as the museum’s broader operations. 

The intern will participate in collection management activities; learn proper art handling techniques; participate in the use of scientific and technical conservation equipment; research conservation literature; write condition reports; learn about archival framing practices for works on paper and framing of paintings, and assist in routine maintenance of the collection. The intern will actively participate in the daily activities of the VMFA conservation studios, become familiar with the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics, and assist in studio maintenance.

Qualifications: The candidate will ideally be enrolled in their first or second year of college or university study. Qualified candidates who provide additional evidence of an interest in pursuing art conservation as a career, including coursework in art, art history or chemistry, extracurricular activities, or volunteer service, are highly desired.

Application Process: Interested candidates need to apply through the Commonwealth of Virginia job website, which can be accessed via https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/177527. All submissions should include a letter of intent describing their interest in art conservation, a résumé, a brief writing sample, and two letters of reference by March 1, 2020.  Applicants selected for interviews will be notified within one week of the closing date and scheduled to interview with the Head Conservators of the three conservation departments.

Additional Information: This internship is generously funded through the Institute for Museum and Library Services. There is some flexibility in the start and end dates for the internship between mid-May to mid-August. Candidates selected for interviews should be prepared to discuss their general summer availability during the interview. The intern will be paid $10/hour for the 10-week internship period.

Candidates with questions can contact Volunteer Programs Manager, Kim Frola, at kim.frola@vmfa.museum or at 804-340-1461.