McMullan Arts Leadership Internship, Arts of Asia

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity. Position Summary The Art Institute of Chicago’s department of Arts of Asia is excited to offer a McMullan Arts Leadership intern position to work with them this upcoming academic year. Formally established in 1921, Arts of Asia holds one of the largest Asian art collections in North America, consisting of nearly 30,000 objects that span five millennia and represent all artistic traditions of the entire continent. Distinguished artworks include Hindu and Buddhist sculpture; Chinese jades, bronzes, ceramics, and paintings; Japanese screens and woodblock prints—one of the finest assemblages in the world; Korean celadon; and Indian and Persian miniature paintings. The intern will join a museum-wide intern cohort and have access to a range of programs to support their development in addition to their placement in Arts of Asia. Mentorship is provided throughout the experience, and connections with an intern alumni network will be established. Duration of Position 32 weeks, September 2026 (start date anytime during the week of September 21–25) through April 2027 (end date anytime during the week of April 26–April 30). McMullan Arts Leadership Internship Program Goals The McMullan Arts Leadership internship program is part of a museum-wide effort to provide students the opportunity to gain experience, career awareness, networks, and skills that will position them to thrive as future art museum leaders. This program specifically aims to support students who encounter economic challenges when considering a career in the arts. Aligned with this goal, we aim to help shape a diverse group of leaders whose actions are informed by a wide range of perspectives, varying career paths, and values inspired by their own lived experiences. Internship Outcomes Receive museum project management training; Gain exposure to art and art history of Asia; Gain hands‑on experience working on new acquisitions and deaccessions; Develop strong communication and organizational skills; Develop mentor relationships with field practitioners; Build peer‑to‑peer relationships with fellow interns. Responsibilities Assist with researching and updating collection records for online publishing; Support the department by creating, organizing, and maintaining curatorial files; Assist with departmental deaccession processes, including provenance and donor research or record management; Work to support collection inventory for the department; Participate in regular meetings with members of the department and the mentors of this position: collection manager and curatorial assistant; Attend intern cohort professional development programs and museum practice seminars. Qualifications Undergraduate or graduate student; recent graduates (within one year of graduation) will also be considered; Applicants must be based in the Chicagoland area and/or attending school in the Chicagoland area over the course of the internship term; Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite; Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; Demonstrated interest in arts administration, art history, or an art museum curatorial profession; Ability to be open‑minded and work collaboratively with colleagues across the museum; Detail‑oriented mindset and demonstrated organizational skills; ability to multitask and prioritize when appropriate; Not required, but preferred: Knowledge of Asian art history and/or Asian language(s) Demonstrated ability in database management Demonstrated ability in project management. Compensation & Benefits Hiring Range: $17.50/hour (Maximum 14 hours per week, for a total of up to 448 hours over the course of the internship.) This position is not benefits eligible. Job Classification: Hourly Employment Category: Intern Schedule This is a part‑time, 32‑week position for a currently enrolled or recently graduated undergraduate or graduate student. The intern will work 14 hours per week, for a total of up to 448 hours over the course of the internship. Work days will occur between Monday – Friday; the start date and schedule will be determined upon agreement with the candidate and the host department. Hour‑long virtual and in‑person intern professional development programs will be scheduled throughout the internship term that the student is strongly encouraged to attend. These programs will occur during the week; the intern is expected to make this part of their internship schedule. Format The internship will be fully onsite. Due to onsite necessity, applicants based or attending school in the Chicagoland area during the internship timeframe will be prioritized. Internet access and appropriate technology will be necessary to complete this internship; technological accommodations will be provided by the Art Institute of Chicago based on necessity. Equal Opportunity Statement The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Art Institute of Chicago