Arts Management – Studio Internships
Position Summary
A Penland internship offers a unique opportunity to live and work in a dynamic, creative educational community and work with accomplished professionals in a mutual learning and knowledge sharing environment. The studio interns provide day-to-day support for Penland staff, workshops, and studios and, in doing so, will gain a unique experience in their discipline. For the 2021 summer season, we will be offering up to 15 internships and seek applicants in clay (3-4), metals (1), iron (1), wood (1), hot glass and flameworking (2), papermaking and book arts (1), photography, drawing and painting (1), printmaking and letterpress (1), and textiles (1).
In this educational position, you will report directly to each studio coordinator and work closely with the studio operations manager and other studios’ coordinators. You will organize, implement, and support the teaching studios’ day-to-day operations both during and in between workshops during our busiest season. You will gain insight into the administrative and technical support necessary to create a smooth teaching and learning experience for all studio users, including machine maintenance, studio safety oversight, instructional support, and all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into preparing for and resetting after a workshop. You are expected to work 40 hours per week.
This experience will start by May 8 to allow for an on-campus quarantine and COVID testing period. Training begins on May 17. The internship will conclude on September 4, 2021. If summer programming is adjusted or canceled, we will align this internship with these changes. If necessary, we will work to communicate any changes promptly.
In this position, you will receive a $1000 stipend, and housing and meals will be provided at no charge to you for the duration of the internship period. If the dining hall is closed, we will provide a $75 stipend for each week of closure. Class and studio access are not provided. Penland will work with individuals seeking educational credit for the internship and meet any college or university requirements. Details can be discussed in the interview process.
Responsibilities
- Assist with receiving, inventory, tracking, and updating materials for workshops covering a wide range of traditional and experimental techniques in various media.
- Participate in preparing studios for incoming classes (requires weekend work).
- Assist with general studio questions and technical concerns, and serve as a point of contact for students and instructors.
- Develop working knowledge of the various skills and methods used for each summer workshop.
- Assist with managing studio consumables and resale, including sales tracking, inventory tracking, ordering, and cash out.
- Develop a working knowledge of the established maintenance cycles of studio tools and equipment; conduct routine and specialized maintenance as needed.
- Assist with the studio’s day-to-day operation, including cleaning, facilities upkeep, organizing storage spaces, and the support of studio safety and communication culture by example.
- Assist with rearranging or moving studio furniture and equipment in preparation for the needs of each workshop.
- As needed, support and collaborate with other studios staff and interns in day-to-day operations and weekend changeover.
Qualifications
- Familiarity and comfort working in a teaching studio and with the technical processes, equipment, and terminology of the discipline to which you are applying.
- Demonstrated interest in the arts/arts administration and/or nonprofit management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and positive professional behavior; comfort in communicating needs and expectations with students and instructors.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals.
- Excellent organization and time management skills; attention to detail and accuracy.
- Willingness to embrace a sometimes changing work schedule, including weekend work during changeovers from session to session.
- Must have computer experience with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
Physical Demands
This position requires an intern to walk unaided up and down hills and over uneven terrain, bend, stoop, reach above their head, use fine and gross motor skills, and work in close quarters. They must have normal visual acuity at a near and far distance with correction and hear the spoken word with correction. The individual must be fluent in English. The position demands frequent exposure to inclement weather. While performing this job’s duties, the intern must regularly sit and work at a computer. They are frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls and talk fluently. They must occasionally lift and/or move heavy objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
To Apply
Penland School of Craft believes that diversity and inclusion are essential to fulfilling its mission. We want to inspire and nurture the human spirit, and we value the perspectives and contributions of all people. We want the Penland experience to include varied ideas, world views, and personal characteristics. Penland is committed to being a community that welcomes and respects everyone regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, philosophical or political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, and socioeconomic status. We are committed to providing an environment free of discrimination and encourage all interested applicants to apply.
The internship will remain open until filled; however, the initial review of applications will consist of applications received by February 1, 2021. Application materials must indicate which studio you are applying to (clay, metals, iron, wood, hot glass and flameworking, papermaking and book arts, photography and drawing and painting, printmaking and letterpress, or textiles). Send your resume and cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in the internship, personal contact information, and contact information for at least three professional references (a minimum of 1 of the three shall be from an employer) to hrmanager@penland.org. Please put 2021 Internship in the subject of the email.
We look forward to hearing from you!