Exhibitions Spring Internship

Virginia Moca•Virginia Beach, VA

About The Position

The Exhibitions Internship is a short-term, part-time hourly role supporting Virginia MOCA’s exhibitions work. The intern conducts research for upcoming exhibitions, assists with exhibition preparation, and works closely with the Gallery and Exhibitions Manager on the details involved in bringing exhibitions from concept to installation. The role provides hands-on exposure to behind-the-scenes work at a contemporary art museum, including research, gallery preparation, installation logistics, and related tasks. The internship is intended for students interested in contemporary art, museum studies, exhibition design, and production. It provides a broad introduction to how museum exhibitions are researched, developed, installed, maintained, and deinstalled. The internship is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027 and totals 120 hours, scheduled for 10–20 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Some evening and weekend hours may be requested, particularly during installations, openings, and special events. Compensation is $15 per hour.

Requirements

Currently enrolled, or intend to enroll in the upcoming semester, at a Virginia college or university.
Have a high school diploma and not have already completed an undergraduate degree.
Complete a required background check.
Have strong research, organizational, and administrative skills.
Have an interest in hands-on work related to exhibition preparation, installation, and gallery operations.
Be comfortable working with basic tools and equipment, or be willing to learn under staff supervision.
Be able to assess priorities and manage multiple projects.
Have clear and effective communication skills.
Have strong interpersonal skills and a flexible, resourceful approach to problem-solving.
Have knowledge of standard computer programs, including Microsoft Office.
Be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Be able to stand and sit for prolonged periods.
Be able to maintain continuous physical activity while working safely in office, gallery, and exhibition installation environments.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or experience in art history, studio art, museum studies, curatorial studies, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Work with the Gallery and Exhibitions Manager to prepare for upcoming installations and deinstallations.
Assist with gallery preparation, including organizing materials, supplies, tools, labels, and installation-related documents.
Assist during exhibition installation and deinstallation under staff supervision.
Assist with routine gallery checks and help identify maintenance or presentation needs.
Research artists, artworks, themes, and topics related to upcoming exhibitions.
Compile artist biographies, exhibition histories, bibliographies, image references, and other research materials.
Support research for exhibition texts, interpretive materials, public programs, and other curatorial projects as needed.
Attend selected exhibition and installation planning meetings to learn how projects move from concept to opening.
Gain exposure to museum practices including curatorial research, exhibition design, registration, installation, interpretation, and artist relations.
Participate in other exhibition-related projects based on departmental priorities and the intern’s interests.