The Internship Program at the Asheville Art Museum offers participants "hands-on" training in the museum profession and a comprehensive overview of museum operations. Interns participate in the day-to-day activities of Museum departments in addition to working on specific projects. When making your arrangements, please keep in mind that internships are unpaid. We are happy to work with universities that offer credit for internships.

Interns must be able to work a minimum of two days per week. The exact schedule will be determined with the department supervisor.

Application Process: Please submit a 1-2 page letter of interest that states related educational experience and skills, and contact information for two references. Please specify which department you would be most interested in interning with, as we hope to match all interns with their first choices. Applicants who are applying for curatorial or development applications are asked to submit a writing samaple; ideally this is a research paper from one of your classes in college. 

We have a limited number of internships available each summer and we regret that we cannot always accommodate everyone as these internships are competitive.  Prospective interns will be interviewed by at least one staff member.

Asheville Art Museum
Attn: Internship Program
PO Box 1717
Asheville, NC 28802

Or email your letter with RE: INTERNSHIPS in the subject line to: nsokolove@ashevilleart.org

Please do not call before you have sent your application. Application deadline is March 15, 2011.

Summer 2011 internships:

Communications & Public Relations

The Communication & Public Relations department expands public awareness of the Museum and aims to increases attendance and revenue. The Department produces the Museum’s media releases; circulates images for reproduction, places advertisements, produces newsletters and other promotional materials, organizes the annual gala/art auction, exhibition openings. Interns will assist in producing media and in coordinating special events.

Curatorial

The Curatorial Department researches and organizes upcoming exhibitions, including the development of timelines, checklists, and signage; produces exhibition catalogues; corresponds with artists, curators, galleries and museums. Interns will be introduced to issues relating to art history and will obtain administrative and curatorial skills in organizing art exhibitions.

Development

The Development department is responsible for all grants from government, foundation, and corporate sources; the membership program; contributions to the Museum; and the capital campaign for building and endowment needs. Interns will assist in researching prospective donors, program planning, membership events and grants writing.

Education

Education internships offer college art and art education students the opportunity to experience and develop skills in all aspects of arts education in a contemporary arts organization.

The Museum’s education staff will work closely with interns, mentoring such skills as interacting with groups of varying ages, assisting with exhibition/curriculum based art projects for various age groups, collaborating with our summer arts program teachers in the studio and more.

Requirements: Interns will be assisted by Education Department with administrative tasks and are expected to be involved with the stimulating and creative activities of our program. We are looking for congenial, energetic, highly motivated and creative individuals. Applicants should be familiar with a variety of art materials. Most importantly, you must have a positive enthusiastic attitude towards interacting with young people.

Museum Store & Visitor Services

The Museum Store complements the Museum's exhibition schedule by providing a stunning assortment of art related titles and objects for sale. Interns will gain experience in the day-to-day operations of a retail space, budgeting, visual merchandising, marketing, visitor services and special events.