The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is one of the largest art museums in America, located in the nation’s largest arts district in downtown Dallas. The DMA is a catalyst for community creativity, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds with a diverse spectrum of programming, from exhibitions and lectures to concerts, literary events, and dramatic performances. The DMA is currently seeking an SMU Intern for Collections.
Scope of Internship:
The collections internship will provide a basic understanding of collections management and registration work related to the care of the permanent collection at the Dallas Museum of Art. Tasks may include object handling, numbering and rehousing artwork, and conducting collections inventories of artwork. The internship will include hands-on work with artwork through a primary project inventorying the Works on Paper storage vault, but interns will also gain experience with the collection’s object files and associated records, including working in the Museum’s collection database The Museum System (TMS).
Additional opportunities will likely arise to take part in smaller-scale gallery rotations, sit in on exhibit planning meetings, and assist with other Collections department activities.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Primary internship project: Conduct a comprehensive inventory of the entire Works on Paper storage vault (see details below).
- Additional internship duties/projects as time allows:
- Assist in organizing the collection object files.
- Database entry in the collection database, TMS.
- Take part in small-scale gallery rotations (depending on available schedule).
- Sit in on exhibition planning meetings.
- Re-house and create storage supports for specific small objects collections (ex. Quimbaya plaques/ornaments and Roman glass).
Internship Goals:
- Learn how museums care for artwork in their collections.
- Gain hands-on experience with object handling and numbering.
- Get practical experience working with a Collection Management System such as TMS.
- Gain a greater understanding of the types of information museum’s preserve about the artwork in the collection.
- Ascertain professional goals and interests through the support of mentorship.
- Develop professional communication and interpersonal skills through collaboration with Museum colleagues.
Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Applicants should be a current student looking to fulfill degree requirements with an internship. Coursework Art History, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related fields encouraged. Candidates should be detail-oriented and have a basic familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite as well as be comfortable using a laptop.
Internship Project:
The intern’s primary project will be to conduct a partial inventory of the Works on Paper storage vault, focusing on the vertical bin storage. This project will involve several tasks including object handling, numbering and creating archival tags for objects, working in the database to ensure records are accurate and adhere to the Museum’s standards, and assessing any condition concerns for the artwork. This project will allow the intern to work independently on a hands-on project that will provide good practical experience with art handling, numbering, and data management in addition to exposing them to how a museum engages in preventative conservation activities.
Start & End Date of Internship:
Spring 2024 in accordance with academic calendar
Work Schedule & Hours:
Approximately 10 hours/week, with the schedule mutually determined between student and supervisor
Format:
In Person
Due to the hands-on nature of this position, it will be onsite and in-person at the Dallas Museum of Art
Are you willing to complete a survey at the end of the term regarding the student’s performance?
Yes
Is your organization for-profit or non-profit?
Non-profit
Is this internship paid?
No
Is it possible for this internship to result in a job offer for the student?
No
Organization Contact Info:
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N Harwood
dma.org
Contact Info:
Sarah Coffey
HR Specialist for Academic Partnerships
scoffey@dma.org
214-922-1372
