OPPORTUNITIES
Internships / Volunteers / Employment
MOCAD INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
We are no longer accepting internship applications for Summer 2013. The deadline for applications for our Fall 2013 season is August 15 - please check back closer to that date for up-to-date information on opportunities at MOCAD.
You must be over the age of 18 to qualify for an internship at MOCAD.
Download Application (PDF Document)
The Internship Program at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) offers participants "hands on" training in the
museum profession and a comprehensive overview of museum operations. Interns also gain insight into the national and
international world of contemporary art.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit internship program welcomes students and recent graduates who wish to
broaden their education and professional experience by working and learning in a not-for-profit museum. All MOCAD
departments offer experiential education in a challenging, hands-on environment in exchange for a substantive
contribution from talented and interested individuals.
The Museum presents an ambitious schedule of cutting-edge exhibitions as well as educational and outreach programs, and
MOCAD interns have the unique opportunity to participate in the development and expansion of these programs and
operations.
There are three application deadlines and selection periods per year. Internships require a minimum commitment of
fourteen hours per week for three months, during which time interns may complete a number of exclusive projects as well
as daily assignments. Interns also participate in departmental meetings, special events, and various educational programs,
as well as attend regular museum programming including artist talks, lectures, etc.
Internship
Term
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Application
Deadline |
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Winter/Spring Term
Jan. 15 - Apr. 30 |
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December
20 |
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Summer Term
May 1st - Jul. 31 |
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April 15 |
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Fall Term
Sep. 1 - Dec. 30 |
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August 15 |
Days and Hours
Interns must be able to work a minimum of two days per week/seven hours per day. The exact schedule will be determined
with the department supervisor. Interns must be able to work a full term.
Eligibility
All interested individuals over the age of 18 are eligible to apply for an internship. Qualifications vary for each intern
position and some positions may require college or graduate training and/or professional experience.
In order to increase diversity in professions related to museums and the arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
seeks diversity in its intern staff and provides equal opportunity to its applicants.
When making your arrangements, please keep in mind that internships are unpaid.
Application Procedure
Interns must submit an intern application form along with two letters of recommendation from professors and/or previous
employers, a resume and a cover letter.
Once your file is complete, please do not call the Intern Coordinator to check on the status of your application. Only those
applicants whom the departments are interested in interviewing will be contacted. The Department Supervisor will notify
selected interns of acceptance at least two weeks before the start of each cycle.
Internships are available in the following Museum departments:
Education
Interns provide organizational and on-site support for several educational programs, which include school programs, family
programs, and other activities. Interns perform general departmental duties, such as preparation of program packets,
educational materials, research, correspondence, and scheduling. Candidates must have excellent organizational and basic
computer skills, and should be comfortable interacting with the public. Candidates should have research experience and have previously worked with children.
Exhibitions Interns will work with the MOCAD Exhibitions staff to realize upcoming projects. They will assist in aspects of the planning, preparation and production of museum exhibitions by assisting with research, registrarial projects and construction/demolition and installation of artwork in all media. Interns will also be responsible for maintenance of open exhibitions and other duties assigned by the supervisor, including attending galleries and performing periodic condition reports. Experience with construction, spatial planning, A/V and electronic equipment is a plus. Internship hours vary and demand larger time commitments during installations.
Museum Store The MOCAD Store compliments the Museum's exhibition schedule by providing a stunning assortment of contemporary art
related titles and objects for sale. Interns will gain experience in the day-to-day operations of a retail space, and work with
the Museum Store Coordinator on budgeting, visual merchandising, marketing, special events and maintaining an online store. Candidates should have experience in retail; merchandise display, or visual arts, plus an interest in shopping.
Programming
This internship is for anyone interested in learning more about the public programs that go on at a museum. The program
intern will attend meetings of the program committee and assist with organizing lectures, music performances and film
series. Projects will include assisting with set-up, tear down and the planning of programs. Candidates should be well-organized, able to work in a team and have a strong interest in educational programs and special events.
Special Events Interns gain experience in the planning and production of events including corporate receptions and dinners, not-for-profit
fundraisers, weddings, and other private events. Interns work closely with the MOCAD Special Event Director and other MOCAD Staff. Their responsibilities include basic administrative tasks, research, maintenance of client files and
databases, and assisting the staff with events. Candidates should be very well organized, out-going and punctual. They should have basic computer skills and research skills, as well as excellent customer service skills.
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