Opportunities

Internships

WHAT ARE THE PERKS OF BEING A MOCAD INTERN?

• VIP invitations to special events at MOCAD and events around Detroit
• Valuable, in-depth and hands-on experience
• School credit
• Letter of recommendation upon completion
• The opportunity to work closely and directly with experienced museum professionals
• Opportunities to meet some of the most influential artists in contemporary art, today!
• Become a part of an influential network of cultural workers and artists
• Receive a year-long membership at MOCAD (benefits include: invitations to special members preview hour for exhibition openings and a program guide delivered to your house; personalized MOCAD membership card; 10% discount at Café 78 and in the MOCAD store, double discount weekend (20% discount on MOCAD store items) during the first week of December; and free admission to select public programs.

ELIGIBILITY
Current students over the age of 18 are eligible for internships, and preference will be given to students in museum studies, the arts, arts administration, humanities and related fields. The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit provides equal opportunity to its applicants. When making your arrangements, please keep in mind that internships are unpaid. At this time MOCAD is unable to offer visa or immigration assistance to international students seeking an internship. It is recommended that interns have a personal laptop they can use during their internship

SCHEDULE + TIME COMMITMENT
Museum Department Heads will work with individual interns to determine specific start and end dates, roughly matching the listed start date. Interns must be able to commit to a regular schedule with a minimum of 14 hours per week, which they will determine with their department supervisor.

COMPENSATION + SCHOOL CREDIT
Unfortunately, at this time, MOCAD is not able to offer financial compensation for internships. We hope to be able to adjust that in the future! To the extent of our ability, we will assist you in receiving school credit. Please check with your university about how to make arrangements for receiving credit.

Museum Departments

DEVELOPMENT

This internship is ideal for anyone interested in the non-profit sector and the fundraising process for museums. Interns will: foster donor relationships, identify potential new funding sources for MOCAD programs and exhibitions, research and write grant narratives, prepare and update spreadsheets for grant tracking, update MOCAD’s funder database, create and analyze donor reports, and learn other development department tasks. Potential interns should be detail-oriented, organized, analytical, and have good written and oral communication skills. Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience working with donor data.

SPECIAL EVENTS + FACILITY RENTALS

Interns work closely with the Facility Rental Coordinator and other MOCAD Staff, gaining hands on experience in the planning and production of corporate receptions, fundraisers, weddings, film shoots, other rentals, and Museum specific events. Responsibilities include basic administrative work, research, maintenance of client files and databases, and assisting Museum staff with event specific tasks. Candidates should be very well organized, out-going, and punctual with basic computer and research ability, as well as excellent customer service skills.

CURATORIAL + EXHIBITIONS DEPARTMENT

MOCAD is looking for qualified Curatorial and Exhibitions interns. The interns will work with the Curatorial and Exhibitions Department on a number of projects ranging from exhibitions to public programs. Interns will assist in various aspects of the planning, preparation and production of museum exhibitions. Interns will also actively work with across the Curatorial and Exhibitions departments to support with research, registrar projects, some logistical assistance in addition to other duties assigned by the supervisor. Internship hours vary and demand larger time commitments during installations. Potential interns should be well organized, possess good written and oral communication skills, and have good analytical skills.

MEMBERSHIP

Interns will assist in drafting membership correspondences, promotions, and marketing materials. Interns will research membership strategies at comparable contemporary art institutions. Interns will assist with membership sales at Museum events and will provide database entry assistance. Interns will help with the 2019 Gala + Benefit Art Auction by coordinating donations and managing the donation list and auction binder. Interns will gain experience and knowledge of strategies and initiatives that museums employ to increase donor and membership engagement.

EDUCATION + PUBLIC PROGRAMS

This internship is for those interested in learning more about the public programs at MOCAD. The public programs intern will attend some meetings with the program committee and assist with organizing lectures, music performances and film series. Projects will include research and discovery of concepts relating to contemporary music, film and technology. It will also include logistical and production assistance of events, including both in-person and electronic communication with artists and performers. Candidates should be well-organized, able to work within a team and have a strong interest in music and/or technology.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Application deadline: Friday, April 17, 2020
Internship Orientation: Friday, May 1, 2020
Internship Start-Date: Monday, May 4, 2020

Please submit your resume and cover letter in PDF format to MOCAD’s Intern Coordinator, at mgoe@mocadetroit.org. Please state which intern position you are applying for in the email title.

Please do not call the Museum to check on the status of your application.