INTERNSHIPS FOR DIVERSITY IN THE MUSEUM PROFESSION 1995-1996

In a continuing effort to encourage a greater diversity of candidates entering the museum profession, the National Gallery of Art will offer internships to three outstanding candidates committed to pursuing a museum career.

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the program is to expand the national pool of future museum professionals to include those traditionally underrepresented in the field. Selected interns will be given the opportunity to gain practical experience, marketable skills, and a broad exposure to museum work. The internship is designed to familiarize participants with the collections, functions, programs, and departments of the Gallery. These internships are offered through the Education Division. The term is from September 11, 1995 to June 14, 1996, and the stipend is $14,000.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Interns will be assigned to the following areas: administrator's office, editor's office, archives, conservation, corporate relations, curatorial offices, development, education, exhibitions, installation and design, library, public relations, registrar's office, secretary-general counsel's office, or other departments as agreed upon by the intern and the selection committee. The internship may also be divided between two departments.

Interns will participate in the ongoing work of the department to which they are assigned and will be expected to complete a project or some discrete portion of a major project. Individual responsibilities will be determined by the educational background and work experience of the intern, and the needs of the department.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must have completed at least an undergraduate degree by September 1995. The internship is open to qualified applicants of all academic backgrounds with a demonstrated interest in a museum career. Candidates with training in art history or other fields including business, communications, journalism, law, science, art education, fine arts, and other areas of the humanities that may be useful as preparation for a museum career are eligible. The internship is open only to U.S. citizens. African-American, Alaskan Native, Asian-American, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander candidates are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please submit the following items (incomplete applications will not be considered).

1. A statement detailing your interest in a museum career and how this internship relates to your preparation, experience, and goals. The essay should not exceed 500 words (two double-spaced typed pages).

2. A resume or curriculum vitae.

3. A letter of nomination from your Department Chair or your Institution Director. (This requirement is waived if candidate has not been associated with an educational institutuion since 1989.) Letter should be sent directly by nominator.

4. Two letters of recommendation. Letters should be sent directly by recommenders.

5. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges, universities, and professional schools attended.

Address applications, transcripts, and letters of nomination and recommendation to Karen Binswanger, Office of Academic Programs, Education Division, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. 20565 (202) 842-6182, FAX (202) 842-6935.

The deadline for applications is April 28, 1995.

SELECTION

Candidates will be selected through a competitive process. Applications will be reviewed by the Internships for Diversity in the Museum Profession Selection Committee. A small group of finalists will be invited for interviews. All applicants will be notified of the committee's decision in early summer.


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