Archives Intern Cai Studio

Collectionsthatcare; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Cai Studio seeks a paid Archives Intern for Fall 2026, based in its East Village, New York office. The role requires a minimum six-month commitment and includes occasional travel to the New Jersey office.

The intern will assist with organizing, describing, and digitizing archival materials related to Cai Guo-Qiang’s work. Ideal candidates have an interest in contemporary art archives, strong organization, and comfort handling large volumes of materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• Interest in archives, libraries, preservation, or collections care.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle large quantities of archival materials and data.
• Follow established workflows and documentation protocols.
• Basic proficiency with Excel.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Support organization, description, and digitization of archival materials.
• Assist with project files documenting artworks, exhibitions, and related publications.
• Follow established workflows and documentation protocols.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to handle archival materials &

Follow established workflows

Excel (basic)

Lifting up to 20 lbs

Education

Bachelor's degree

MSLIS student (current/recent)

Tools

CollectiveAccess

DAM/databases

Job description

Summary

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.

Key Details

Compensation: $17/hour

Duration: 6 months

Schedule: 3-4 days/week

Deadline:September 30, 2026

Eligibility

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree.


• 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.

About

Under the direction of the artist Cai Guo-Qiang, 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.