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 30000 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 departments director of curatorial administration and research assistant the intern will assist the departments gallery and web projects to ensure the successful implementation and documentation of those projects. The interns 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 museums 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 departments 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 departments 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 Asian language(s)
Demonstrated ability in database management
Demonstrated ability in project management

APPLICATION:
You must upload all of the requested materials below (rsum and essay responses) into only one pdf document and list your last name and AY 25-26 in the title of the file (example: LAST NAMEAY .) Please upload your materials where asked in the online application.

PLEASE NOTE: You will not be considered if any requested application element is missing.

To apply for this internship tell us your story. We want to understand who you are what motivates you how you think and where youre coming from. Please submit the following materials:
Rsum
Instead of a traditional cover letter please respond to the following questions in short essays (no more than 300 words per answer.) We encourage you to provide specific examples to support your answers or to illustrate your ideas:

o What about this job description interests you the most
o With the mission of the McMullan Arts Leadership intern program in mind what perspectives might you bring to this role that you think museums need more of
o How do you envision this opportunity helping you towards your professional goals

DEADLINE: The deadline to submit an application to this position is Friday July 25 at 11:59 pm CDT. We will not accept late applications. We will contact the candidates we want to interview within three weeks of our deadline.

INTERNSHIP INFORMATION
Duration of Position: 32 weeks / September 2025 (start date anytime during the week of September 2226) through April 2026 (end date anytime during the week of April 27May 1)

Compensation: Paid / $16.73/hr

Schedule: This is a part-time 32-week position for a currently enrolled or recently graduated undergraduate or graduate student. The intern will work 14 hours per week for a total of up to 448 hours over the course of the internship. Work days will occur between MondayFriday; the start date and schedule will be determined upon agreement with the candidate and the host department.

Hourlong virtual and in-person intern professional development programs will be scheduled throughout the internship term that the student is strongly encouraged to attend. These programs will occur during the week; we ask that the intern make this part of their internship schedule.

Format: The internship will be fully onsite. Due to onsite necessity applicants based or attending school in the Chicagoland area during the internship timeframe will be prioritized. Internet access and appropriate technology will be necessary to complete this internship; technological accommodations will be provided by the Art Institute of Chicago based on necessity.

Number of openings: 1

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.

Required Experience:

Intern