cleveland museum of Art
Two Positions: Education Art Collection Intern and Public & Academic Engagement Intern
Background | Details | Eligibility
Background
The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 63,000 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The museum is a significant international forum for exhibitions, scholarship and performing arts and is a leader in digital innovations.
One of the top comprehensive art museums in the nation, recognized for its award-winning Open Access program and free of charge to all, the Cleveland Museum of Art is located in the University Circle neighborhood.
Details
INTERNS MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM.
Overview
The Education Art Collection (EAC) department at the Cleveland Museum of Art seeks an intern for the summer of 2025 to learn about and assist with the collections management, documentation, and programming. The EAC contains about 10,000 authentic works of art spanning 6,000 years and from around the world and is used in educational programs. The EAC team is responsible for caring for the collection, research, documentation, art handling, and object-based educational programming.
Under the supervision of the Education Art Collection Manager, the intern would assist in a wide range of programs and projects including collection-based research, improving the housing in storage of the works on paper collection, and programs for audiences of all ages.
This work will contribute to the care of the works on paper collection in the EAC and help keep those works of art safe. It will also help to improve the information for artworks in the EAC which is vital for programming and sharing the collection with the public.
Through this experience, the intern will develop art handling skills, research skills, and learn to use the CMA’s Ingalls Library. They will also learn about object-based learning, and museum educational practices. The intern will create a resource list of works on paper to be used in CMA’s educational programming. The information they generate will greatly improve the documentation in Athena, including the “Did You Know” facts and didactic content. They will also re-create past exhibitions for documentation in Athena.
The chosen candidate will learn object handling skills. They will also learn about how to store and care for works on paper. They will learn to use Athena and build research and archival skills. In addition, they will learn museum education skills for teaching with authentic works of art.
Responsibilities
Specific duties would include:
Create inventory lists for each box/drawer of works on paper, and create folders for unmatted objects
Research and compile a list of select works on paper for use in educational programming
Archival research compiling lists of previous exhibitions
Assist with Summer Camp, where participants work with authentic works of art
Assist with the Art to Go program offsite in community locations
Approximately 1/3 of the internship will consist of assisting with Summer Camp and Art to Go programs. Another third of the time will be spent going through the works on paper, making sure the unmatted objects are secure, and creating box lists for each box/drawer. In addition, the candidate will review CMA library archives and recreate checklists for past exhibitions of EAC objects. The last third of the internship will be spent doing in-depth research on a few works of art on paper of choice, creating write-ups for Athena and for use in educational programs.
Education Art Collection Intern
Requirements, Skills, and Qualifications
Interns should be proficient and knowledgeable of basic camera functions and video editing software.
This individual must also be prepared to share examples of videography and/or photography work.
Once you have applied through Studio Institute, you will apply for the same position on the Cleveland Museum of Art Website at My Job Search
You must apply on both sites to be considered for the position.
Compensation
$20.00 per hour
INTENS WILL WORK 28 HOURS PER WEEK AND ATTEND A MANDATORY OFFSITE PROGRAM DAY ONE DAY PER WEEK WITH THEIR COHORT.
Internship Period: June 16 – August 18
Total Weeks: 9 weeks
Work Hours per Week: 28
Total Hours: 252
Workdays: 4 days per week onsite, Monday–Thursday, 9AM–5PM
PROGRAM DAY:
On Fridays, interns will attend an offsite program day with their cohort.
These hours are separate from the internship hours.
Requirements, Skills, and Qualifications
Interns are expected to have the following qualifications to help ensure they are prepared to contribute to the museum’s objectives :
Educational Background: A relevant major or coursework in art history, museum studies, library science, graphic design, or a related field.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in digital tools and software related to cataloging, graphic design, and research.
Internship or Volunteer Experience: Previous experience in museums, galleries, or related organizations, showcasing practical knowledge and skills.
Strong Communication Skills: Ability to convey information clearly through writing and speaking, and to collaborate effectively with a team.
Analytical Skills: Capability to analyze data and research findings, as well as interpret visual elements in artworks.
Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail and competence in managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Enthusiasm for Art and Culture: A passion for art history and cultural heritage, demonstrating a commitment to the mission of the museum.
Once you have applied through Studio Institute, you will apply for the same position on the Cleveland Museum of Art Website at My Job Search
You must apply on both sites to be considered for the position.
Compensation
$20.00 per hour
INTENS WILL WORK 28 HOURS PER WEEK AND ATTEND A MANDATORY OFFSITE PROGRAM DAY ONE DAY PER WEEK WITH THEIR COHORT.
Internship Period: June 16 – August 18
Total Weeks: 9 weeks
Work Hours per Week: 28
Total Hours: 252
Workdays: 4 days per week onsite, Monday–Thursday, 9AM–5PM
PROGRAM DAY:
On Fridays, interns will attend an offsite program day with their cohort.
These hours are separate from the internship hours.
Overview
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s Docent Program seeks a Summer Intern to assist the Docent Programs Associate in the creation of a digital catalog of the docent book collection, organizing the physical library of books and periodicals used by docents, and developing a docent membership directory.
The selected candidate will also work with the Docent Programs Associate, as well as independently, to write and research a new thematic gallery tour for the general public. This project enhances resource accessibility and supports the docent community and is ideal for detail-oriented individuals passionate about art education and museum work.
Responsibilities
This internship opportunity will result in a variety of deliverables including:
Digital Catalogue of the Docent Book Collection:
Comprehensive digital database listing all books, including titles, authors, publication years, and subject categories.
Organized Physical Book Collection:
Library sorted by subject and title with clear labeling and a shelving guide for easy navigation.
Docent Membership Directory:
Professionally designed, printed booklet featuring a visually appealing layout with member names, contact information, and optional photos or bios.
A New Public Tour:
Design a theme, select artworks, research the artworks, and write information pages and engagement strategies for each artwork to be used by docents on public tours.
Public & Academic Engagement Intern
Eligibility
To be eligible for Arts Intern 2025, you must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and:
Currently enrolled as a full-time rising junior (a current sophomore)
– or –Currently enrolled as a full-time junior – or –
Currently enrolled as a full-time senior graduating by fall 2025.
Reside or attend college/university within Cuyahoga County.