Provenance Intern, Curatorial (UMKC Mellon Humanities Internship Program)

Provenance Intern, Curatorial (UMKC Mellon Humanities Internship Program)

Eligibility: Open to eligible UMKC students only

Application Deadline: 5/29/2026

Location: Kansas City, MO

Total Hours: 160 hours

Why Join Us?

At the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, we believe art has the power to transform, challenge, and inspire. Our Curatorial Division works to deepen understanding of the museum's collection through research, scholarship, and interpretation.

As the Provenance Intern , you will support the museum's ongoing provenance research efforts by investigating the ownership history of artworks within the collection. Provenance research plays a critical role in helping museums better understand the historical context of artworks and the individuals, collectors, and institutions connected to them over time.

This internship offers hands-on experience in museum research practices and provides an opportunity to contribute directly to curatorial scholarship and collections documentation.
What You'll Do

As a Provenance Intern, you will assist the Provenance team with research and documentation projects related to the museum's collection.

Responsibilities include:

Provenance Research
Conduct research using object files, archival documents, library materials, and online databases to help document ownership histories for artworks in the collection.

Collections Documentation
Assist in developing provenance narratives for objects that do not yet have provenance information available in the museum's online collections database.

Research Organization
Organize research materials and maintain accurate documentation of research findings and processes.

Resource Coordination
Request and gather research materials through interlibrary loan and other scholarly resources.

File Management Support
Assist with photocopying, scanning, and organizing relevant articles, books, and archival materials for curatorial files.
What We're Looking For

Education & Experience

• Undergraduate student pursuing a degree in the humanities at UMKC.
• Coursework or focus in History or Art History preferred.
• Students must enroll in their department's internship course (such as HISTORY 392C or REGS 495).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Strong research and documentation abilities
• Interest in museum collections and curatorial research

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Intermediate or advanced reading knowledge of German or French preferred

Non-Discrimination

The Nelson-Atkins is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact the People & Culture department.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art conducts pre-employment background checks as part of our selection process.