McDermott Intern for Interpretation

Description

Position: McDermott Intern for Interpretation

Reports to: Interpretation Specialist

Level: Intern

Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid holiday, personal and sick time; $500 for professional development

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with one hour for lunch; ability to work remotely 2 days per week following introductory period

Internship Period: September 3, 2024 - May 9, 2025

Salary: $15/hour, 35 hours per week

Scope of Position:

The intern will assist with the development and production of compelling and engaging interpretive materials in the DMA galleries. Projects may include prototyping and producing content for in-gallery guides and activity stations, digital interactives, or web-based resources. As a member of the Exhibitions and Interpretation team, the intern will be exposed to the formulation and planning of exhibitions by assisting with multiple exhibitions in different stages of their development as well as ongoing initiatives in the permanent collection galleries. While assisting with the maintenance and introduction of in-gallery interpretive resources, the intern will become more acquainted with the numerous formats and approaches the DMA uses to engage visitors across ages and backgrounds. In addition to working closely with members of the Exhibitions and Interpretation team, the intern will have regular opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in other departments including Curatorial and Education. The intern will work with their supervisor to identify and complete a project which could include: serving as primary interpretive reviewer and exchanging revisions with the Interpretation team and the content author; developing unfacilitated activities and resources for visitor use in the galleries; or developing and implementing visitor tracking methods for use in the galleries or temporary exhibitions.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Collect and record visitor tracking and feedback forms
• Review and provide feedback on texts drafted for use in the galleries
• Research upcoming interpretation projects 
• Create visitor evaluation resources (digital and/or print materials to document visitor observations, research, or exhibition resources)
• Attend and participate in weekly meetings with their supervisor and regular departmental and cross-department project-based meetings as needed

Internship Goals:

• Enhance research skills in art and art history and build an increased knowledge of works of art in the DMA’s collection
• Understand the role of interpretation within an art museum—as a visitor advocate and creative resource for projects originating from curatorial
• Understand how prototyping and visitor evaluation can impact interpretive strategies
• Gain experience in the editing and revision process for gallery didactics
• Gain experience in the creation and implementation of visitor evaluation methods
• Develop a greater understanding of the museum exhibitions process and its collaborative nature
• 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

Education, Experience, and Certification:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in art history, museum studies, the humanities, or a related field prior to the start of the internship
• Some experience and/or coursework in journalism, copy-editing, or technical writing encouraged
• Some knowledge or interest in evaluation preferred
• Basic fluency in Spanish preferred

Key Qualifications:

• Demonstrated research and writing skills, particularly with content for a general audience
• Ability to juggle multiple assignments and work successfully within deadlines
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 

Application Directions

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 system, please first reach out to internships@dma.org for assistance.

Upload and attach your resume, personal statement cover letter, writing sample, and two letters of recommendation in your application form, as specified below. If your two references would prefer to submit their letters directly, please direct them to submit the letter of recommendation through the McDermott Internship Recommendation Form. All items must be received no later than March 18, 2024.

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 or art related experience; and any prior evaluation related experience.

Submit in application under Upload Cover Letter

Writing Sample

Approximately 100 words of text on a topic of your choosing that shows how your writing is accessible to a wide range of readers. 

Submit in application under Upload Additional Files

Two Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an academic reference. Please list these individuals in the reference list of the application. Only two references are required in the application.

Submit in application under Upload Additional Files or

Direct your references to upload through this link: McDermott Internship Recommendation  

Our Core Values

• Act with Integrity: We are honest and ethical.
• Build Inclusivity: We create spaces where everyone can feel like they belong.
• Communicate Respectfully: We listen intentionally and advocate for diverse perspectives.
• Embrace and Drive Change: We are innovative, creative, and solutions driven.
• Foster Connections: We collaborate around shared goals.
• Maintain Balance: We encourage ourselves and each other to reflect and recharge.
• Remain Curious: We pursue personal and professional learning.

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.

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.

Salary : $15