Deadline:
June 15, 2025
Location(s)
United States of America
Washington, D.C.
Overview
Since 1968, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery have provided instruction and inspiration to over one thousand graduate and undergraduate students, as well as others seeking self-enrichment. Former interns have achieved success in professional positions in the art and museum fields, both nationally and internationally. The Advanced-Level Program takes place during the fall and spring semesters.
Details
The Advanced Level Program provides its participants with a comprehensive overview of museum operations by combining hands-on project experience with professional instruction. The program structure is designed specifically to identify, stimulate, and promote the academic and professional goal of each student and to encourage and support their career development. This program is excellent for graduate students, as a supplement to their academic programs or for others interested in developing a career focus prior to attending graduate school.
Along with selected projects, an introduction to the museum profession is presented by the Smithsonian American Art Museum staff and other field professionals. Students attend over twenty-six workshops and seminars in art history, conservation, registration, administration, budget procedures, development efforts, resume design and writing, career development, and other topics. An extensive bibliography is available to supplement practical experience and workshop presentations. Participants are required to maintain a detailed journal during their final project. Students receive a letter grade and evaluation from their project supervisors after their tenure in each assigned area is completed. Program participants submit a confidential evaluation of their internship experience, for each museum assignment area, to the Intern Program Officer.
Program Options
Two format options are available for the Advanced Level Program:
- Option 1: The recommended option is the two-semester, part-time, format. Students complete the program on a part-time schedule, participating twenty hours weekly for both the fall and spring semesters. Intern assignments in the fall semester are made by the intern Program Officer based on the student's interests and career goals. The spring semester assignment is selected by the intern, in conjunction with the Intern Program Officer. This option is recommended because it allows students to have the benefit of the entire workshop and seminar series, planned for both semesters. It also allows students assisting with long-term projects a more in-depth experience.
- Option 2: The one-semester, full-time format. Students participate forty hours weekly with one or two assignments. The number of assignments is dependent on department or office availability during the semester chosen. The student, in conjunction with the intern Program Officer, assists in choosing at least one of the assigned areas. (Please note that not all workshops are available in the one-semester option)
INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS
All internship placements for both the Advanced-Level and the Summer Programs internships are made by the Intern Program Officer, based on project availability and the individual’s qualifications and interests. Interns do not create nor bring with them projects on topics unrelated to the museum's schedule.
Internships in the Conservation Department are only available to students currently enrolled in a graduate-level art conservation program. Some volunteer positions are sometimes available for college graduates who have had chemistry and previous treatment experience with a qualified conservator. See also Post-Graduate Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections.
Applicants may suggest assignment in one or more of the following museum areas:
- Curatorial Office (includes the Lunder Conservation Center)
- Development Office
- Office of Educational Programs
- Exhibitions Office
- External Affairs Office (includes Public Programs and Special Events)
- Media and Technology Office (includes the Luce Foundation Center)
- Publications Office
- Registrar’s Office
- The Renwick Gallery (part of the Curatorial Office)
- Research and Scholars Center
- The Smithsonian American Museum and National Portrait Gallery Library
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Master’s degree candidates, who have completed twelve graduate hours of academic credit, are preferred. Exceptional College seniors or four-year college graduates, whether or not currently enrolled in an academic program, are eligible to apply. College graduates should have had some previous experience in an art or museum-related organization, in lieu of graduate studies. Pre-doctoral candidates, who have had little previous museum experience, will also be considered.
Programs Available to International Students
International students with current visas, who are living in the U.S. at the time of application, are welcome to apply to either the Summer Program or the Advanced-Level program.
For International students living outside the U.S., insufficient time is available for visa arrangements prior to the beginning of the Summer Program. In addition, the Advanced-Level program is considered the most advantageous for International students because it provides more time for both training and cultural enrichment opportunities.
Dates
Deadline: June 15, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Through endowments established by very generous donors to the Museum's internship programs: Harry and Beverly Mandil, Jack and Margery Rachlin and Allan J. and Reda Radwan Riley, some stipend awards are available for students participating in the Advanced-Level Program. The amount of these awards may vary yearly. These stipends are meant to provide a supplement to the total cost of living in the Washington, D.C. area. Applicants may request their need for financial support in their statements of purpose.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
