Free Library of Philadelphia 

Curatorial and Community Engagement Intern

Background | Details | Eligibility

Background

The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity. Its vision is to build an enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning.

 

Details

INTERNS MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM

Overview

We seek an enthusiastic and dedicated intern to work closely with the exhibition Curator and community partners. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to developing and operating multidisciplinary exhibits that connect lived experiences to public library resources and services.

The Curatorial and Community Engagement Intern in this position will:

  • Gain hands-on experience in exhibition development and curatorial practices.

  • Have the opportunity to work within one of the largest public library systems in the country.

  • Develop a professional portfolio through a creative final project that reflects your research and experiences.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in developing and operating exhibit components for various multidisciplinary exhibits set to open in Fall 2025.

  • Support ongoing operations related to existing exhibits, ensuring a scaffolded approach that promotes accessibility and engagement.

  • Collaborate on a case study on a community exhibit at Philadelphia's Parkway Central Library, utilizing memory work and interactive research methods.

  • Engage in community conversations and collaborative creative practices while working with archival materials from personal and institutional collections.

  • Contribute to the final project, which may be a photo report, visual story, zine, or white paper, exploring the iterative process of exhibitions in public settings.

Curatorial and Community Engagement Intern

Requirements, Skills, and Qualifications

  • Strong interest in curatorial practices, community engagement, and public programming.

  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.

  • Creative thinking and a passion for connecting cultural and collective memories through community collaboration.

  • Familiarity with research methods and a desire to explore innovative exhibition formats.

  • Knowledge of Google Drive and related applications; familiarity with Canva or other basic design applications

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their interest in the position and relevant experience. Join us this summer to help create meaningful exhibits that celebrate community stories and foster cultural connections!

Compensation

  • $20.00 per hour

INTERNS WILL WORK 28 HOURS PER WEEK AND ATTEND A MANDATORY OFFSITE PROGRAM DAY ONE DAY PER WEEK WITH THEIR COHORT.

  • Internship Period: June 11 – August 13

  • Total Weeks: 9 weeks

  • Work Hours per Week: 28 

  • Total Hours: 252

  • Workdays: 4 days per week, 9Am–5PM

PROGRAM DAY:

  • On Wednesdays, interns will attend an offsite program day with their cohort.

  • These hours are separate from the internship hours.

 

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.

You must either reside or attend college in Philadelphia.

You must have a Student Aid Index up to $6,250.

Click HERE to apply now!