Contemporary Curatorial Undergraduate Intern

Contemporary Curatorial Undergraduate Intern

Salary:$16.80 Hourly

The MFA’s Department of Contemporary Art presents, collects and fosters access to and understanding of contemporary art, loosely defined here as work made after 1955 in painting, sculpture, time-based media, installation, and performance. The Department advocates for the importance of contemporary voices in the context of a global and trans historical museum, continually exploring opportunities to hear the voice of artists. With an eye on local, national, and international artists and communities, the Department creates a varied program for a range of audiences, working closely with colleagues from across the institution. The quickly evolving collection increasingly represents contemporary art in all of its iterations, transcending traditional boundaries and hierarchies of media, movements, and chronology.

The Department of Contemporary Art is seeking an undergraduate level intern with demonstrable interest in a curatorial and/or museum career. This internship will provide experience in exhibition planning, and research related to a solo exhibition of Hong Kong artist Kongkee (opening Spring 2027) and a presentation of the Community Arts Initiative program (also Spring 2027). In addition, the selected candidate will conduct collection-related research based on their interest and assist with the administrative functioning of the department. Tasks will include researching and writing labels for selected collection objects; assisting with the install planning and logistics of the special exhibitions; assisting with related needs of Time-Based Media collection, and other special projects related to the Department’s varied activities and the intern’s interests. While the intern will work closely with the Contemporary Art team and colleagues across the Museum, the Curatorial Assistant of the department will provide primary supervision and mentorship.

Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 14 to 16 hours weekly, mostly between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday between January 22 – May 7, 2027. Additionally, interns must attend orientation on Fri, Jan 22, (10am-3:30pm), and the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7.

The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy. 

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with reviewing exhibition labels for the Kongkee exhibition and planning and logistics of the install of the show.
• Conduct research on the selected collection work and write exhibition label for the Community Arts Initiative program.
• Research existing collection objects and update object and artist records in the MFA’s database, TMS, and help reorganize departmental files.
• Assist with collection related needs of Time-based media works in collaboration of Time-based media conservator.
• Research and write new content for the Department’s newsletter.
• Accompany 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 ensure substantial first-hand experience in Museum curatorial work. 
• *Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program concurrent with the internship period.
• Demonstrated keen interest in museums.
• Strong curiosity and interest in, and at least some knowledge of, contemporary art, time-based media, and animation.
• Excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail.

• Demonstrated excellent written and communication skills with strong research abilities.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team as well as comfort to work independently.
• Ability to work onsite 14-16 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters, between January 22-May 7, 2027. Additionally, interns must attend orientation on Fri, January 22, (10am-3:30pm), and the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7.

• Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Jan 22, 2027, 10am to 3:30pm. 

How to Apply  

DO NOT INCLUDE any document not specifically requested within the description (e.g., recommendations, transcripts, writing samples, etc.) DO NOT include your photo in any of your documents.

1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must includeall of the following: 
   1. the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
   2. how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
   3. why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship.
   4. any periods when you are not available for an interview.
   5. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone
2. SAVE your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Spring2027)
3. Upload the single document as your resume via the employment portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before December 4, 2026. (Do not upload separate cover letter.)
4. Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position.
5. **Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application.

**Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible and not considered.