The Institute of Contemporary Art strives to share the pleasures of reflection, inspiration, provocation, and imagination that contemporary art offers through public access to art, artists, and the creative process. The Studio Programs Assistants (SPAs) will work within the Education department as needed to support and implement public studio programs and events. SPAs will prepare and facilitate workshops, activities, and events at the ICA, such as the ICA’s Play Date program for youth and families. SPAs hold a regular schedule on Saturdays or Sundays and may work additional shifts that correspond to events and programs at the ICA, such as school vacation weeks and Monday holidays. Hiring is contingent on passing a CORI screening.


The Studio Programs Assistant 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. This is a part-time, hourly position with hours specific to events and program schedules.

Please note:

  • All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within commuting distance from our Seaport location as of their first day of work.

Responsibilities:

  • Work with ICA Education staff to prepare and implement studio programs for a range of audiences
  • Facilitate and lead art-making workshops and activities
  • Support visitors of all ages in their art-making; lead art making experiences that are inclusive and developmentally-appropriate
  • Maintain studio spaces and ensure that materials are accessible, frequently replenished, well organized, and presentable
  • Maintain knowledge of related artists and artworks; foster connections with works on view at the ICA
  • Work with ICA Education staff to collect and update data on studio programming

Qualifications:

  • Strong interpersonal skills; background working with family and youth audiences, a plus
  • Experience or demonstrated interest teaching studio-based lessons and workshops in visual arts to a range of audiences
  • Knowledge of studio art media, materials, and processes
  • Strong organizational skills; penchant for maintaining well-organized studio spaces
  • Ability to identify, react to, and resolve visitor-related issues in the moment with professionalism and tact
  • Ability to work independently as well as on a collaborative team
  • Ability to work collegially, professionally and collaboratively with a diverse group of constituents including staff, visitors and vendors
  • Bilingual or multilingual, a plus
  • Must have weekend availability
  • Must pass a CORI screening

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of remaining stationary, standing, and/or moving about during Play Dates, activities, and events
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds
  • Ability to remain calm when working with youth and families
  • Ability to move about in the office to access files, printers, etc., and in the Art Lab
  • Must be able to exchange accurate information with departments and with diverse and multigenerational audiences

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-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. When applying, please include “Studio Programs Assistant” in the subject line.


The ICA is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, and is accessible by public transportation (Red and Silver Line).

Other Locations:

Seaport Studio
100 Pier 4 Blvd,
Boston, MA 02210

ICA Watershed
256 Marginal Street
Boston, MA 02128

The ICA is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic workforce committed to working in a multicultural environment. Qualified candidates from groups historically underrepresented in the museum professions are strongly encouraged to apply.

The ICA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an EOE/AA employer dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals. The ICA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact HR-EOE@icaboston.org or 617-478-3171.