Graduate Internship at Cooper Gallery, University of Dundee

Organisation: Cooper Gallery, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee
Location: Dundee, Scotland, UK
Contract: Fixed-term, part-time (4 days per week)
Duration: 20 weeks, between December 2026 and May 2027
Funding: £11,000 bursary
Application deadline: 20 November 2026, 6 pm

About the Internship

Cooper Gallery at the University of Dundee invites applications for a Graduate Internship, offering a recent graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) the opportunity to gain professional experience across the gallery’s programme, with a particular focus on events production, archiving and evaluation.

Internationally recognised for its radical curatorial research, international approach and engagement with critical discourse in contemporary art and culture, Cooper Gallery develops experimental and transdisciplinary programmes that approach exhibition-making as a collaborative process of knowledge exchange and production.

The selected intern will join the gallery team in delivering its 2027 programme, including a major solo exhibition, The Ignorant Art School, a public events programme, a monthly digital platform and a sector-wide symposium.

Key Responsibilities

The internship offers hands-on experience across exhibition and event production, from planning and coordination to delivery, evaluation and archiving.

Responsibilities and learning opportunities include:

• Supporting exhibition production, event planning and programme delivery.
• Coordinating schedules, logistics and artist or contributor requirements.
• Assisting with public events, exhibition introductions and tours.
• Contributing to audience engagement, development and communication.
• Supporting research into disability and inclusive practice in the arts sector.
• Participating in documentation, archiving and programme evaluation.

The intern will receive mentoring from Cooper Gallery’s Director, including regular review sessions, alongside day-to-day guidance from the Assistant Curator.

Eligibility and Candidate Profile

Applicants must be recent graduates of a DJCAD undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme, including PhD graduates, who completed their studies within the past five years.

Candidates must be able to work in Dundee or the surrounding area throughout the internship and demonstrate an interest in contemporary art, visual culture and developing a career in curatorial practice or the wider cultural sector.

The gallery is seeking applicants with strong communication, organisational and collaborative skills, experience engaging with the public and an interest in exhibition-making and cultural production.

Research and documentation skills, knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and an interest in accessibility and inclusive practice are desirable.

Working Conditions and Support

The internship comprises 80 working days across 20 weeks, usually Tuesday to Friday, with occasional evening and Saturday work required.

The selected candidate will receive an £11,000 bursary paid in instalments, alongside professional mentoring and experience within an internationally engaged contemporary art programme.

The position is supported by the Duncan of Jordanstone Centenary Fund and Creative Scotland.

Image: Courtesy of Cooper Gallery, University of Dundee.