Archive Intern

Nycarchivists; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

In-person

Job summary

Cai Studio is seeking a paid Archives Intern to join its Archives Department starting Fall 2026. This in-person internship requires a minimum six-month commitment and is based at the East Village office, with occasional days at the New Jersey office.

You will support the organization, description, and digitization of archival materials documenting Cai Guo-Qiang’s work and practice, focusing on project files across artworks, exhibitions, and publications.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in archive, libraries, preservation, or collections care.
• Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail.
• Ability to handle large quantities of archival materials with care.
• Ability to follow established workflows and documentation protocols.
• Basic proficiency with Excel.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs and navigate stairs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with organizing and describing the archive’s digital image collection.
• Organize, label, and digitize project file materials following archival structure.
• Assist with physical handling and rehousing of archival materials.
• Learn to use CollectiveAccess for project records and context materials.
• Conduct archival research related to project materials.
• Perform other duties in support of the Archives department.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Data handling

Following workflows

Excel

Physical lifting

Education

MSLIS student

Tools

CollectiveAccess

Database navigation

Job description

Supervisor Title (All student, intern, and volunteer position supervisors should be qualified, professional archivists.)- Archives Manager

Position Type - Paid Internship

Does this position satisfy requirements for course credits? - No

Hourly wage range - $18- $25

Archive Intern

Overview:

Cai Studio is seeking a paid Archives Intern to join its Archives Department beginning in Fall 2026. This fully in-person position requires a minimum six-month commitment and is based primarily at the studio’s East Village office. Occasional workdays at the New Jersey office may be required; transportation to and from is generally arranged by the studio.

The intern will support the organization, description, and digitization of archival materials documenting Cai Guo-Qiang’s work and practice. The role will primarily focus on project files, which trace the development and realization of artworks, exhibitions, publications, and other initiatives of the artist.

This internship is well suited to someone interested in working in contemporary art and art archives who wishes to gain close experience within a living-artist archive that continues to grow and evolve. For the right candidate, the position may develop into a long-term, full-time role, depending on performance and the studio’s needs.

The intern is expected to work 3–4 days per week, from 10am–6pm.

Compensation is $17/hour.

About Cai Studio:

Under the direction of the artist, Cai Studio oversees the fabrication of original artworks, the coordination of public exhibitions, and the conception and production of related publications. The archive department is one of the studio’s four principal departments, alongside Projects, Collections, and Administration.

The Archives Department catalogs and maintains photographs, videos, and printed documentation of artworks, the art making process, and exhibitions, from the earliest stages of Cai’s career up to the present. The team supports publications, exhibitions, and scholarship that contribute to a wider understanding of the artist.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the organization and description of the archive’s digital image collection, including reviewing and updating database records, standardizing titles in English and Simplified Chinese, and verifying image credit information.
• Organize, label, and digitize project file materials according to the studio’s established archival structure, file naming conventions, and digitization standards.
• Assist with the physical organization, handling, and rehousing of archival materials according to established archival practices.
• Learn to navigate and search the studio’s CollectiveAccess database, using existing project records and related information to identify and contextualize archival materials.
• Conduct archival research related to the identification, organization, and description of project materials.
• Perform other duties and tasks in support of the Archives department, as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Demonstrated interest in archive, libraries, preservation, or collections care.
• Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail.
• Ability to work carefully and consistently with large quantities of archival materials and data.
• Ability to follow established workflows and documentation protocols.
• Basic proficiency with Excel.
• Ability to carry and lift heavy boxes and other material (up to 20 lbs.), including up and down stairs.

Preferred:

• Ability to read Chinese and/or Japanese.
• Previous experience working in an archive, library, or museum collection.
• Current or recent student in an MSLIS program.
• Background or interest in contemporary art and art history.
• Experience working with databases and digitizing archival materials.
• Familiarity with working with CollectiveAccess or other digital asset management systems.

Questions? [e-mail]