Exhibition Design Intern | USA

Exhibition Design Intern

Museum Overview:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American Art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities.

We are passionate about transforming lives through experiences that encourage the discovery of new ideas, expanded dreams and inspired actions.

As an intern at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, you will be empowered to think creatively, ask questions, and make suggestions to help move the institution forward.

Position Overview:

The Exhibition Design internship with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is designed to provide an overview of the skills and responsibilities required to design and produce museum exhibitions.

The Exhibition Design intern will gain real world experience as well as applicable hands on capabilities through performing assigned duties that include but are not limited to computer aided drafting, physical and computer modeling, equipment and material research, assisting with the installation of design elements, as well as, specific project oriented duties. This internship an overview of museum exhibition operations from the early planning stages through implementation.

The ideal candidate has a wide range of skills, including Computer-Aided Design, and is passionate about art and design. Applicants must be ready to think creatively in unfamiliar situations and be prepared for hands on experience.

Areas of Support:

The Exhibition Design Intern will actively participate and perform duties in some of the following functional areas:

• Assist the Exhibition Designer in organizing works of art and interpretive elements into exciting and engaging exhibition plans suitable for public display.
  • Computer Aided Drafting
  • Physical model building as needed
  • Computer model building as needed
• Equipment and material research
• Meeting attendance
  • Attend All Staff and Exhibition department meetings
  • Attend project meetings to collaborate with curators, interpretive staff, educators, registrars, preparators and others
• Assist with the installation of design elements

Minimum Qualifications:

• 4^th or 5^th year Architecture or Interior Design Student (college level) preferred
• Dependable and punctual
• Knowledge of AutoCAD is required, Google SketchUp is a plus
• A background check is required
• Must maintain confidentiality of all information

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires work at a desk and utilizing a computer for prolonged periods of time and excellent eye/hand coordination. Visual acuity to review detailed drawings and written materials is required for this job.

• Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, and museum spaces. The noise level in the Museum work environment is usually low to moderate. Work may take place in galleries undergoing construction and painting.

• If the intern’s personal equipment is used, the Museum accepts no liability for any damage caused to said equipment while being used for Museum purposes, nor loss or corruption of electronic files on device.

Timeline

• Applications due Monday, March 19, 2018
• Interns selected by Friday, April 13, 2018

Required Documents

• Resume
• Digital portfolio of 1-3 projects

Resume and work samples should be uploaded as one file.

Schedule

Summer

• 8-12 weeks long
• 15 – 20 hours per week
• Weekly schedule to be arranged with Exhibition Designer

Compensation

Internship positions provided by Crystal Bridges are generally unpaid. They are structured to provide interns with a professional experience relevant to the intern’s academic and/or professional goals and involve work, research, or other activities which are of value and beneficial to the mission of the Museum. However, to encourage greater access and participation for underrepresented segments of our society, and as a part of our Diversity and Inclusion initiative, stipends are available to students who identify as members of an underrepresented group.

• $1,500-4,500 (depending on number of hours work per week and responsibility)

Additional Information

Crystal Bridges’ internship program currently requires that the internship be a prearranged and structured learning experience scheduled within a specific time-frame and pre-approved by the leadership of the Museum. An internship is performed under the direct supervision of Crystal Bridges’ staff. As a Crystal Bridges’ intern, you will not only expand your academic knowledge and improve your skills, but also apply both your knowledge and skills in practical ways. Crystal Bridges is happy to work with the selected candidate to provide an experience meeting the requirements for academic credit through their school.

Diversity Internship Program

Crystal Bridges is committed to a diverse workforce and to providing training for the next generation of non-profit professionals. Recognizing the desire and responsibility to support and develop greater diversity in the professions related to museums and the visual arts, Crystal Bridges will assertively recruit interns from underrepresented demographics to support our organization’s and industry’s diversity and inclusion strategic initiatives. Students representing underrepresented groups in the museum field are encouraged to apply. Scholarships available.

For more information please visit: https://crystalbridges.org/careers/