Contemporary Curatorial Undergraduate Intern

32f45058-ce08-45f5-b35e-964951a170b1•Boston, MA

5h•$0 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s Department of Contemporary Art seeks an undergraduate intern with a demonstrated interest in curatorial work and/or a museum career. The internship provides experience in exhibition planning and research for a solo exhibition of Hong Kong artist Kongkee, opening in Spring 2027, and a presentation of the Community Arts Initiative program, also scheduled for Spring 2027. The intern will also conduct collection-related research based on their interests and assist with the department’s administrative work. The intern will work closely with the Contemporary Art team and colleagues across the Museum. The department’s Curatorial Assistant will provide primary supervision and mentorship. The role is onsite for 14–16 hours per week, mostly during weekday business hours, from January 22 through May 7, 2027. Interns must attend a scheduled orientation and the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course. Compensation is $16.80 per hour, plus a $90 monthly transportation subsidy.

Requirements

Be enrolled in an undergraduate program during the internship period.
Demonstrate a keen interest in museums.
Have strong curiosity and interest in contemporary art, time-based media, and animation, and at least some knowledge of these areas.
Have excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
Demonstrate excellent written and communication skills and strong research abilities.
Be able to work as part of a team and independently.
Be able to work onsite 14–16 hours per week within Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. parameters, from January 22 through May 7, 2027.
Attend orientation on January 22, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Attend the Museum Pathways & Practices course from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on the specified Fridays: January 29; February 5, 12, 19, and 26; April 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30; and May 7.

Responsibilities

Review exhibition labels and assist with planning and logistics for the installation of the Kongkee exhibition.
Research a selected collection work and write an exhibition label for the Community Arts Initiative program.
Research existing collection objects and update object and artist records in the MFA’s TMS database; help reorganize departmental files.
Assist with collection-related needs of time-based media works in collaboration with the time-based media conservator.
Research and write new content for the Department’s newsletter.
Accompany the supervisor and/or departmental colleagues on studio visits and museum visits within the Boston area.
Work directly with multiple members of the Department of Contemporary Art to gain first-hand experience in museum curatorial work.
Prepare and deliver a three-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course.