Curatorial Intern

Established in 1979, The Museum of Contemporary Art is the only artist-founded museum in Los Angeles. We are dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. We house one of the most compelling collections of contemporary art in the world, comprising roughly 7,500 objects, and have a diverse history of ground-breaking, historically-significant exhibitions.

Overview

The Museum of Contemporary Art seeks a detail-oriented and self-starting team player to serve as a compiler and organizer of archival resources, working in the curatorial department. This person is responsible for assisting in tasks that lead to building an archive of catalogues, an updated artist contact list, and other resources that help to carry out the Museum's mission. This role is designed to offer real-world, project-based experience in a contemporary art museum for those interested in learning about archives, recordkeeping, and institutional history. As one of two pilot participants in MOCA's newly established internship program, this intern will meet with the Director of Education and Visitor Engagement and other museum staff to identify opportunities to maximize their learning and advise on internship programming.

Essential Functions

• Working primarily with the Curatorial Administrator, the intern will regularly interact with a variety of curatorial staff to gather information and complete assignments
• Perform internet, library, and archival research for specific projects
• Assist in data entry to archives
• Organizing and locating MOCA catalogues within the museum offices
• Observe and participate in departmental and interdepartmental meetings as appropriate
• Participate in reflection and documentation of internship experience
• Perform other related duties as assigned
  
  

Requirements

• High school diploma required
• Must possess the ability to communicate and interact well with others
• Demonstrates an ability to learn quickly and independently
• Detail-oriented, with excellent grammar, writing, and organizational skills
• Interest in contemporary art required
• Interest in contemporary culture, and organizational structure and procedures at a museum or other non-profit arts institution preferred
• Ability to use Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Workspace
• Commitment for the duration of the program
• Completion of an end-of-internship reflection
  
  

Hourly Rate: $17.00

POSITION COVERED BY MOCA/AFSCME COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT: NO

Schedule and location:

Beginning in January 2024 or later and concluding in May 2024, a mutually agreed- upon schedule not to exceed 280 hours; one full day per week or twice per week as agreed. On-site in MOCA Grand Avenue staff offices only; no remote work.

Physical Demands

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following: sit for extended periods; bend and reach for filing and other job-related functions; bend, stoop, and lift to move and retrieve materials; pull, push, and lift; reach both above and below shoulder height. Must be able to visually inspect work. Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other office equipment is required. Heavy usage of computers and phones required.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Art's commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.