OVERVIEW
The Curatorial Internship at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) initiates with an in-depth orientation to the museum's operations, collection, and curatorial practices. Interns then engage in exhibition development research, collaborating closely with the curator and assistant on tasks ranging from fact-checking to digital image preparation and artifact handling. This middle phase emphasizes skill enhancement in research and exhibition planning. The project culminates with interns contributing to exhibition pre-production, ensuring readiness for public engagement. 

Deliverables include comprehensive research reports, digital image files, and prepared exhibition artifacts. Interns gain invaluable insights into exhibition curation, enhance technical skills in digital media, and understand interdepartmental collaboration. 

This internship significantly benefits MOCA by infusing fresh perspectives into exhibition development, enhancing the museum's ability to present engaging and educational exhibitions that reflect and celebrate Chinese American history and culture. 

RESPONSIBILITES

• Ongoing Collection Processing: Systematically process acquisitions with proper documentation and storage, aiming for daily processing of 5-10 items, attending departmental meetings for coordination, and maintaining attention to detail.

• Project Completion and Review: Finalize processing of all assigned items, participate in final departmental meetings to present accomplishments and provide feedback, and engage in a wrap-up session to review the internship's impact on both professional development and collection enhancement.

• Weekly Activities: Daily processing of collection items, attending touch base meetings, and fully integrating into MOCA's operational rhythm and culture.

• Weekly Objectives: Ensure each item is processed with attention to detail, adhering to preservation standards, and maintain a consistent processing pace to meet weekly targets.

  REQUIREMENTS, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Archival Acumen: Proficiency in handling, processing, and cataloging museum acquisitions, demonstrating meticulous organization and adaptation to each item's unique needs.

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional focus on precision to ensure accurate documentation and preservation, adhering to established archival standards.

• Research and Cataloging Skills: Strong research capabilities and familiarity with archival database systems to develop finding aids and accurately catalog materials.

• Digital Proficiency: Ability to digitize materials, adjust digital image qualities, and use relevant software for correct formatting and integration into MOCA's archival system.

• Collaborative and Independent Work Ethic: Capacity to work both collaboratively with Collection Staff and independently, proactively addressing tasks and contributing to team objectives without constant supervision.