Art Conservation Summer 2021 Internship Opportunity
To raise awareness of professional opportunities among students of all backgrounds, but particularly underrepresented minority populations, summer internships are being offered in art conservation to students enrolled at an accredited college or university. Each internship will focus on one area of conservation specialization, paper, paintings, or objects. While the successful candidates will spend the majority of their time in one conservation lab, they will also have the opportunity to learn about other areas of art conservation as well as general collections care and the museum's broader operations. The internship will be held in person at VMFA, strictly following the museum’s COVID safety protocols. A portion of the internship may also be virtual and incorporate webinars, remote learning opportunities, and zoom meetings or lectures. Interns will learn proper art handling techniques; participate in collection management activities; participate in the use of scientific and technical conservation equipment; research conservation literature; write condition reports and perform treatments; learn about agents of deterioration; and assist in routine maintenance of the collection and conservation studios. Interns will actively participate in the daily activities of the VMFA conservation studios and become familiar with the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics.
Qualifications: The candidate will ideally be enrolled in their first or second year of college or university study. Qualified candidates who provide additional evidence of an interest in pursuing art conservation as a career, including coursework in art, art history or chemistry, extracurricular activities, or volunteer service, are highly desired.
Application Process: Interested candidates need to apply through the Commonwealth of Virginia job website, which can be accessed via https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/212131.
All submissions should include a letter of intent describing their interest in art conservation, a résumé, a brief writing sample OR art portfolio (three works of art from any media), and two letters of reference by March 8, 2021. Applicants selected for interviews will be notified within one week of the closing date and scheduled to interview with the Head Conservators of the three conservation departments.
Additional Information: This internship is generously funded through the Institute for Museum and Library Services. There is some flexibility in the start and end dates for the internship between mid-May to mid-August. Candidates selected for interviews should be prepared to discuss their general summer
availability during the interview. The intern will be paid $10/hour for the 10-week internship period. Candidates with questions can contact Volunteer Programs Manager, Kim Frola.