Collections Intern

The Institute of Contemporary Art seeks an enthusiastic and organized Collections Intern to join the Curatorial team Spring 2025. The program commitment is 2 days per week for 10 weeks. Flexible start date in mid- to late-February.

Under direct supervision of the Curator of Collections, the Collections Intern has the opportunity to learn about museum and curatorial work related to the permanent collections of contemporary art museums. The primary focus of the Collections Intern will be on information and information sharing related to the ICA’s permanent collection. The Collections Intern will help to review and update the ICA’s digital records in our collections database (TMS), on our website, and elsewhere. These tasks will include reviewing and updating information stored in the database and the website; filing and updating records related to the permanent collections; and entering information about works in the collection to create data. The Collections Intern will also learn about best practices and protocols regarding collection information management from Curator of Collections. The internship may also include research and support on current and future acquisitions and collection exhibitions, and administrative duties for the curatorial department. As an ICA intern, the individual is expected to contribute to a culture of collaboration, community, and respect while embodying the principles of ICA’s Quality of Service and centers the work of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging in all areas of their work.

The Collections Intern should possess good communication skills, meticulous organization, and curiosity about contemporary art collections and artists. They should be able to input information carefully into a database and be familiar with online and library research resources and portals. The work will be completed independently and in partnership with a team.

The Collections Intern contributes to a culture of collaboration, community, and respect while embodying the principles of ICA’s Quality of Service and centers the work of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging in all areas of their work.

Please note:

• All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within a reasonable commuting distance from our Seaport location as of their first day of work.
• The ICA offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule for employees who are eligible to work remotely (at manager discretion and subject to change). Due to the nature of the intern position, a consistent hybrid work week may not be possible.

Responsibilities:

• Review documentation and paperwork related to the ICA’s permanent collection and update or enter information into TMS
• Review information about the collection stored on the website and update information as necessary
• Data entry related to collection information
• Support external inquiries related to the ICA’s permanent collection
• Other projects, including research support for current and future ICA exhibitions, as assigned

Qualifications:

• Completion of at least two years of schooling in an undergraduate program and enrolled in at least the junior year of school
• Precise attention to detail and ability to manage deadlines and multiple responsibilities simultaneously
• Excellent writing, editing, analytical, and communication skills
• Collaborative attitude, tact, and discretion managing sensitive information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), experience with TMS or other databases a plus
• Must be able to work independently, collaboratively, and flexibly in a professional environment
• Interest and enthusiasm for the arts, the ICA’s mission, and the curatorial field
• Commitment to values of diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging (DEAIB)
• Ability to work collegially, professionally, and collaboratively with a diverse group of constituents including staff, visitors and vendors
• Must be authorized to work in the US
• Must be available to work 15 hours per week for 10 consecutive weeks starting in mid- to late-February – April

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer
• Possess mobility to work in an office setting and use office equipment
• Ability to see, listen, and talk for extended periods in person, over the telephone, and computer and understand printed materials
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds, pushing and pulling, keyboarding and gripping
• Must be able to exchange accurate information with members, staff, and other constituents

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of position-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While the above is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Rate: $19.00 per hour

Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to jobs@icaboston.org by January 31, 2025. When applying, please include “Collections Intern Spring” in the subject line.