McMullan Arts Leadership Internship, Interpretation

Art Institute of Chicago • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Art Institute of Chicago's department of Interpretation is offering a McMullan Arts Leadership intern position. The intern will work with both live gallery interpretation and museum didactics. Responsibilities include leading art making programs, tours, and other gallery experiences for adults; researching innovative written interpretation at other cultural institutions; and evaluating the visitor experience. The internship provides a balance of learning about the interpretive process and hands-on experience guiding interactions and conversations about art. The department of Interpretation develops, advises on, and evaluates narratives and frameworks across galleries and digital spaces to generate engagement, prompt discovery, and present new perspectives. Interpretation is artwork- and audience-centered, aiming to illuminate artwork significance, positively impact visitor experiences, and create dialogue. The department is committed to developing accessible interpretive approaches that celebrate the collection's uniqueness. The intern will join a museum-wide intern cohort with access to development programs and mentorship, and connections with an intern alumni network.

Requirements

• 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
• Ability to comfortably facilitate conversations with art, preferably with adults
• Enthusiasm for community building and connecting with groups through teaching and conversation
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to be open-minded and work collaboratively with colleagues across the museum
• Willingness to interact with visitors of all ages, dispositions, and backgrounds
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite
• Detail-oriented mindset and demonstrated organizational skills; ability to multitask and be flexible when appropriate
• Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data
• Awareness of and/or curiosity about art museum culture and current events in the field

Nice To Haves

• Digital Portfolio: A website, Dropbox, or Google Drive hyperlink made accessible on your résumé showing examples of design work

Responsibilities

• Research, plan, support, and facilitate public gallery tours and other programs as needed
• Attend meetings to discuss programming and pedagogical initiatives across Gallery Activation and Interpretation
• Conduct evaluation by observing and interviewing visitors; analyze these findings and write actionable reports
• Learn about the interpretive review process and exhibition planning process
• Participate in regular meetings with members of the department and the mentors: Director of Interpretation and Director of Gallery Activation
• Attend intern cohort professional development programs and museum practice seminars

Benefits

• Mentorship is provided throughout the experience
• Connections with an intern alumni network will be established
• Access to a range of programs to support their development
• Technological accommodations will be provided by the Art Institute of Chicago based on necessity

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree