Learning and Engagement Intern

Honolulu Academy of Arts•Honolulu, HI

5d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Learning and Engagement department intern for the Spring 2026 cohort for the Ipu Kāʻeo Internship program will focus on Visitor Research. The goal for this program is to offer opportunities for local talent to obtain valuable work experience within Hawai’i. Under the direction of the Associate Director of Learning and Engagement, the intern is responsible for designing and conducting a study of how HoMA visitors move through the exhibition Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within. This process includes conversing with curators and educators to understand key concerns, developing research questions, designing a study, collecting and interpreting data, and creating a list of recommendations for how these learnings can be applied to future exhibitions. Visitor research plays a key role in the larger field of museum interpretation and allows for an informed, visitor-centered approach to building exhibition experiences. This is a 9-week position from March 16, 2026 to May 15,2026 Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day.

Requirements

Candidate for a bachelor’s degree in an arts and culture, social sciences, or education related field.
Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods, including observation, interviews and surveys
Passion for creating accessible learning environments in arts and culture institutions
Honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic supported by commitment, enthusiasm, and follow-through.
Ability to work within and support a diverse community of visitors, artists, and employees.

Nice To Haves

Recipient of or in final year of a degree in a related field, such as Education, Art History, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, or related field.
Coursework or applicable experience in museum studies, progressive pedagogy, qualitative and quantitative research, learning assessment, or informal education settings.
Commitment to a visitor-centered or learner-centered approach to arts and culture
Interest in museums, arts and culture, and nonprofit organizations.
Understanding of and dedication to advancing the Honolulu Museum of Art’s identity, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

Designing and conducting a study of how HoMA visitors move through the exhibition Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within
Conversing with curators and educators to understand key concerns
Developing research questions
Designing a study
Collecting and interpreting data
Creating a list of recommendations for how these learnings can be applied to future exhibitions