South Asian Art Exhibition Research Undergraduate Intern
About The Position
The Art of Asia department is seeking an undergraduate intern to assist with research for a forthcoming exhibition about the art and material culture associated with weddings in South Asia. The exhibition will explore the visual and sensory splendor of weddings and the religious and social meanings of objects made for them, including how objects express social connection, transmit values, and convey hopes for future generations. Reporting to the Ananda Coomaraswamy Curator of South Asian and Islamic Art, the intern will gain experience in exhibition planning, logistics, and research. The intern will develop and update descriptions and files for exhibition objects, help maintain and develop exhibition and catalogue checklists, track loan requests, and participate in meetings with the curatorial and content team and with community members in the Boston area. This is an onsite internship for 16 hours per week, mostly during Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., from January 22 through May 7, 2027. Participation in the undergraduate Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course is required at scheduled Friday sessions from 12:30–2:30 p.m. The intern must also attend orientation on January 22, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Compensation is $16.80 per hour, plus a $90 monthly transportation subsidy.
Requirements
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate program in art history or anthropology during the internship period.
- Demonstrate a keen interest in museums.
- Have some knowledge of South Asian arts and cultures.
- Be able to work as part of a team and independently.
- Have excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
- Demonstrate written and communication skills and strong research abilities.
- Be able to work onsite 16 hours per week within Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. parameters, from January 22 through May 7, 2027, including attendance at the specified professional development course sessions.
- Be able to attend orientation on Friday, January 22, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Responsibilities
- Work directly with the Ananda Coomaraswamy Curator of South Asian and Islamic Art on projects providing firsthand experience with museum curatorial work.
- Conduct library, internet, and primary archival research on artists and objects.
- Participate in exhibition planning, including meetings with the curatorial and content team and meetings and interviews with Boston-area community members.
- Develop and update object descriptions and build object files with artist and artwork information.
- Assist with maintaining and developing exhibition and catalogue checklists.
- Help track loan requests.
- Prepare and deliver a three-minute final synoptic presentation about the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course.
Benefits
- $16.80 per hour
- $90 per month transportation subsidy
- Experience in exhibition planning, logistics, research, and museum curatorial work
- Participation in the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
