McDermott Intern for Interpretation
Reports to: Interpretation Specialist
Department: Exhibitions and Interpretation
Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Term: August 29, 2022–May 19, 2023
Compensation: $13.50/hour (approximately $18,000)
Benefits: Full benefits including medical and dental insurance and paid personal, holiday, and sick time; $500 stipend for professional development
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, 35 hours per week
Format: In-person with ability to work remotely up to two days per week upon supervisor approval
Mission: The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.
The DMA will:
- Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
- Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
- Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.
Scope of Position
The intern will assist with the development and production of compelling and engaging interpretive materials in the galleries. Projects may include creating evaluation instruments and collecting visitor feedback; prototyping and producing content for digital interactives, web-based resources, or in-gallery guides; or researching upcoming interpretive projects. As a member of the Design and Interpretation team, the intern will assist with multiple exhibitions in various planning stages as well as ongoing initiatives in the permanent collection galleries. The intern will attend various departmental and interdepartmental meetings and have regular opportunities to work collaboratively with colleagues in Curatorial and Education.
Internship Goals
- Understand the planning process for museum exhibitions by participating in multiple exhibitions in different stages of their development
- Expand art historical object-based research skills and build an increased knowledge of works of art in the DMA's collection
- Understand the role of museum interpretation and its interconnection with design as a visitor advocate and creative resource for projects originating from Curatorial
- Gain experience in the editing and revision process for gallery didactics
- Gain experience in the creation and implementation of visitor evaluation methods
- Understand how prototyping and visitor evaluation impact interpretive strategies
- Ascertain professional goals and interests through the support of mentorship
- Develop professional communication and interpersonal skills through collaboration with Museum colleagues
- Understand the roles and functions of different staff within the Museum as well as the relationship between the departments and how they all function together to comprise the organization
Requirements
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in art history or a related field prior to the start of the internship in August 2022
- Fluency in Spanish preferred
- Evaluation experience preferred
- Demonstrated research and writing skills
- Ability to work successfully within deadlines
Application Process
McDermott Internship Program applications must include all of the below items in order to be complete. Please ensure you have reviewed the list below closely and all files are included with your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered and late materials will not be accepted. If you have any difficulty with the application process or the Paylocity platform, please first reach out to internships@dma.org for assistance.
Upload and attach your resume, personal statement cover letter, and writing sample in your application form, as specified below. Please direct two references to submit a letter of recommendation through the McDermott Internship Recommendation Form. All items must be received no later than March 25, 2022.
Please save the files with your last name and document type in the title: e.g. Smith_Cover Letter.
Resume or CV
Submit in application under Select Resume to Upload
Personal Statement Cover Letter
A detailed one to two page cover letter explaining your interest in an art museum career. Include information regarding your personal learning expectations for the internship; any prior museum experience; and any art and art history related experience.
Submit in application under Upload Cover Letter
Writing Sample
No more than one page of text that provides an example of your writing within an academic context.
Submit in application under Upload Additional Files
Two Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation must be submitted directly by your recommenders. One of these letters must be from an academic reference. Please list these individuals in the reference list in the application.
Recommenders submit through the McDermott Internship Recommendation Form
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Dallas Museum of Art fosters equity, celebrates diversity, and supports inclusion. We acknowledge that diverse backgrounds and voices of visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and communities represented in the collection make us stronger and better equipped to make positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally.
Equity
Society’s historical legacies and systemic barriers have created disparities in the communities we serve. Knowing this, we strive to expand and enhance arts opportunities for all.
Diversity
Many factors—including but not limited to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetics, economic backgrounds, and experiences—make individuals and groups unique. Our goal is to ensure visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and collections reflect this diversity.
Inclusion
We commit to listening to and learning from diverse voices and perspectives. We create a vibrant and accessible social space that encourages dialogue and the exchange of ideas through arts and culture.
EOE
The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
COVID-19 Policy
Successful applicants for this position must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Vaccine verification will be required on your start date unless an exemption has been approved by the DMA via a bonafide medical or religious accommodation.