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Emerging Arts Leader Intern, Interpretation

Applications are closed

  • Internship
    Full-time
    Summer Internship
  • Education & Teaching
    Creative Arts & Fashion
  • Seattle

Requirements

  • Some familiarity with museum education, interpretation, or engaging with visitors of various age ranges is recommended but not required.
  • Clear understanding of concepts related to racial equity, intersectionality, and social justice.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in general computer use, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.
  • Ability to independently take initiative, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work accurately with close attention to detail.
  • Ability to ask for help and accept supervision and evaluation of your work.
  • Ability to work with co-workers, volunteers, and peers at other institutions with integrity and tact.
  • Ability to adhere to museum policies and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
  • This internship does not require previous professional or museum experience and is most suitable for those who are newly entering the museum field and seeking to learn more about this work.
  • At minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

  • Research past exhibition reading rooms, in-gallery activities, and smartphone tour stops at SAM.
  • Learn about fundamental concepts for museum education and interpretation, including creation of learning outcomes and best practices for engaging visitors of diverse cultural backgrounds, age ranges, and ability.
  • Create lists of 25 books for both adult and youth visitors. Intern may partner with SAM’s Librarian to source books.
  • Develop a smartphone tour stop focused on 1 object in SAM’s permanent collection. This will include research, writing, and identifying relevant images, video, or other digital media.
  • Develop and deliver a gallery presentation related to your internship project or interests in art, museums, or community.
  • Complete a job shadow with frontline volunteers during open hours.
  • Attend exhibit openings, workshops, informational interviews, and check-ins as available.

FAQs

What are the application deadlines for the Emerging Arts Leader Intern, Interpretation position?

Applications are due by April 18, 2025, at 5 PM PST.

When does the internship start and end?

The position starts on June 9, 2025, and ends on August 15, 2025.

Is this position paid?

Yes, the internship offers compensation at a rate of $20.77 per hour.

What type of experience is required for this internship?

No previous professional or museum experience is required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is necessary. The internship is suitable for those newly entering the museum field.

What is the expected time commitment for the internship?

The intern is expected to commit to 15 hours per week for 10 weeks, with a flexible schedule available within Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM office hours.

What are the key responsibilities of the intern?

Key responsibilities include researching past exhibition reading rooms, creating book lists for adult and youth visitors, developing a smartphone tour stop, and attending exhibit openings and workshops.

Are there any benefits associated with this internship?

Yes, benefits include access to an onsite fitness facility, discounts at the SAM Museum Shop and MARKET cafe, guest passes, and a subsidized ORCA card, among others.

Do I need to live in a specific location to apply?

Yes, applicants must reside in the state of Washington to be eligible for the internship.

How should I submit my application?

Applications must be submitted via the online form at https://seattleartmuseum.applytojob.com/apply.

Is there an age requirement for this internship?

There is no specific age requirement, but applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

What is the application process for the internship?

The application process includes completing an online application form, submitting a personal statement or cover letter, providing a resume, and including at least one letter of recommendation.

Can I reach out for additional information about the internship?

Yes, you can contact Human Resources at (206) 654-3188 or internships@seattleartmuseum.org for additional information or to request reasonable accommodations.

Are there any other qualifications that would be helpful for this role?

Familiarity with museum education and concepts related to racial equity, intersectionality, and social justice would be beneficial but is not required.

One great museum. Three awesome locations.

Fashion & Arts
Industry
201-500
Employees
1933
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

For over 75 years, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) has been a leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest. Through its three locations — the Seattle Art Museum in downtown Seattle, the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the Seattle waterfront — SAM connects art to life through special exhibitions, educational programs, and installations drawn from its collection of approximately 25,000 objects from more than 140 cultures.

Culture & Values

  • CREATIVITY

    We bring art into people’s lives and help them understand its unique power to inspire creative thinking, which is crucial to understanding and solving our world’s complex problems.

  • EXCELLENCE

    We build and create collections, exhibitions, and public programs of the highest quality and excellence.

  • EQUITY

    We are responsive to cultural communities and experiences, and we think critically about the role art plays in empowering social justice and structural change to promote equity in our society. We are dedicated to racial equity in all that we do.

  • ENGAGEMENT

    We engage our audiences through dialogue that is mutually beneficial, inclusive, and enlightening in a spirit of mutual respect.

  • DIVERSITY

    We invite and respect many viewpoints and experiences, as we develop and sustain a diverse staff, board, and audience, and showcase art from the world’s diverse cultures.

  • ACCESSIBILITY

    We work to lower economic and physical barriers as well as barriers to understanding, so that art is accessible to everyone. We recognize the importance of excellent customer service in making art accessible to all.

  • STEWARDSHIP

    We are transparent and careful stewards of resources, including collections, staff, volunteers, facilities, investments, and institutional records. We share SAM’s collection, our greatest resource, and legacy to the future, with the public through scholarship and interpretation, creative installation, conservation, and programming.