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interact: Internships and Employment Opportunities

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Young, Gifted and Black: The Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art, 2021

Internships and Employment Opportunities

Internships

The Gallery 400 internship program welcomes UIC undergraduate students who want to broaden their education and professional experience by working at one of the nation’s most vibrant university galleries, showcasing work at the leading edge of contemporary art, architecture, and design. Working collaboratively under the guidance of the Gallery’s staff, interns assist in regular gallery work, ranging from curatorial research, programming, visitor services, and special projects to administrative roles. Our internship program provides hands-on opportunities to learn directly from arts professionals and to connect with professionals in various Chicago cultural institutions.

Our internships are Federal Work Study funded and interns are paid through the UIC Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Award (CURA). To be eligible for CURA, UIC students must have Federal Work-Study as part of their 2024-2025 financial aid award. You are required to submit proof of your Federal Work Study award in your application. See how to view your financial aid award notification here. Internships require a commitment of 7 hours per week and are typically a semester in length. A major in art history or fine art is not required. Academic credit can be arranged.

Reach Denny Mwaura, Assistant Director & Curator for all inquiries.

EXTENDED DEADLINE: Sunday, May 4, 2025, 11:59 p.m. CT.

Curatorial Intern

The Curatorial Intern assists the curatorial team with exhibition development, research, and coordination efforts for upcoming 2025-2026 exhibitions. This role provides substantial insight into curatorial practices and exhibition organization in a contemporary art gallery. Possibility to extend the internship to the Fall 2025 is available.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Write, edit, and produce audio descriptions, wall labels, and other print materials with the Curatorial Graduate Staffer
  • Conduct research on artists, artworks, and archives for upcoming exhibitions
  • Prepare loan agreements, shipping contracts, checklists, condition reports, and other exhibition documents
  • Contribute to the Gallery’s blog by conducting interviews with artists, guest curators, and partners
  • Attend meetings, exhibition openings, and select events. Includes occasional evenings and weekends
  • Other administrative tasks as needed

DESIRED SKILLS

  • Significant knowledge of modern and contemporary art
  • Excellent written, research, and verbal communication skills
  • Attention to detail and strong editorial skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Microsoft Office Suite

TO APPLY: Send a 3-page writing sample, résumé, cover letter, and proof of your Federal Work Study award here.