Curatorial Intern (Fall’26-Spring’27) ICA

Montserrat College-Art Gallery; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA) seeks an enthusiastic and organized Curatorial Intern to join the Curatorial team for Fall 2026–Spring 2027. The program runs a full academic year at 15 hours per week across two days, for up to 32 weeks.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Curator, the intern will gain hands-on experience in research and development of contemporary art exhibitions, preparing dossiers, didactic labels, and public-facing presentations while supporting upcoming ICA

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in contemporary art history; interest in material culture, craft, and/or object-based research is especially welcome
• Enrolled in a graduate program in Art History, Studio Art, Museum Studies, or a related field
• Precise attention to detail and ability to manage deadlines and multiple responsibilities simultaneously
• Excellent writing, editing, analytical, and communication skills
• Collaborative attitude, tact, and discretion managing sensitive information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), experience with TMS or other databases a plus
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple responsibilities, and communicate professionally with colleagues and external partners, including visitors and vendors
• Interest and enthusiasm for the arts, the ICA’s mission, and the curatorial field
• Commitment to values of diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging (DEAIB)
• Ability to work collegially, professionally and collaboratively with a diverse group of constituents including staff, visitors and vendors
• Must be available to work 15 hours per week for a maximum of 32 weeks over the 2026–2027 academic year, starting in mid‑October 2026.

Responsibilities

• Assist with exhibition planning for upcoming projects
• Prepare research dossiers, exhibition didactics, presentations, and other exhibition-related materials
• Other projects, including research support for current and future ICA exhibitions, as assigned

Skills

Research

Writing

Organizational

Communication

Collaboration

Office Suite

TMS (plus)

Education

Graduate program in Art History

Tools

Microsoft Office

TMS or databases

Job description

Position Title: Curatorial Intern (Fall’26-Spring’27)

Department: Curatorial

Reports to: Assistant Curator

Position Status: Part Time, Hourly Non-Exempt, At Will (fixed term)

Work Schedule: 15 hours per week, Approx. 32 weeks (onsite)

Number of Positions: One (1), starting Fall 2026–Spring 2027 (Oct 2026–May 2027)

ICA/Boston Curatorial Internship, Academic Year 2026–27

The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA) seeks an enthusiastic and organized Curatorial Intern to join the Curatorial team in Fall 2026–Spring 2027. The program commitment is for a full academic year, consisting of 15 hours per week, typically across two days, for up to 32 working weeks distributed across Fall 2026/Spring 2027 academic semesters.

Overview

Under direct supervision of the Assistant Curator, the Curatorial Intern will gain hands‑on experience in the research and development of contemporary art exhibitions. Through training, direct work experience, and professional development opportunities, the Intern will contribute to upcoming ICA exhibitions by conducting art historical research; preparing research dossiers; drafting exhibition didactic labels; creating public‑facing presentations; and providing additional curatorial and administrative support related to upcoming exhibitions.

The Curatorial Intern should possess excellent research skills, meticulous organization, and curiosity about contemporary art and artists. They should be detail oriented and familiar with online and library research resources and portals.The work will be completed independently and in partnership with a team.

The Curatorial Intern contributes to a culture of collaboration, community, and respect while embodying the principles of ICA’s Quality of Service and centers the work of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging in all areas of their work.

Working at the ICA

1. All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within commuting distance from our Seaport location as of their first day of work.
2. The ICA offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule for employees who are eligible to work remotely (at manager’s discretion and subject to change). This position requires onsite work that may modify (or affect) hybrid work flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Assist with exhibition planning for upcoming projects;
• Prepare research dossiers, exhibition didactics, presentations, and other exhibition-related materials;
• Other projects, including research support for current and future ICA exhibitions, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in contemporary art history; interest in material culture, craft, and/or object‑based research is especially welcome;
• Enrolled in a graduate program in Art History, Studio Art, Museum Studies, or a related field;
• Precise attention to detail and ability to manage deadlines and multiple responsibilities simultaneously;
• Excellent writing, editing, analytical, and communication skills;
• Collaborative attitude, tact, and discretion managing sensitive information;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), experience with TMS or other databases a plus;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple responsibilities, and communicate professionally with colleagues and external partners, including visitors and vendors;
• Interest and enthusiasm for the arts, the ICA’s mission, and the curatorial field;
• Commitment to values of diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging (DEAIB);
• Ability to work collegially, professionally and collaboratively with a diverse group of constituents including staff, visitors and vendors.
• Must be available to work 15 hours per week for a maximum of 32 weeks over the 2026–2027 academic year, starting in mid‑October 2026.

Physical Requirements

• Possess mobility to work in an office setting and use office equipment; move about throughout the museum.
• Prolonged periods of remaining stationary working on a computer, standing and/or moving about in the office to access files, printers, etc.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds, pushing and pulling, keyboarding and gripping
• Ability to see, listen and talk for extended periods in person, over the telephone and computer, and understand printed materials

This is not necessarily an all‑inclusive list of position‑related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While the above is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Location

The ICA is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, and is accessible by public transportation via the Red and Silver Lines.

Other Locations

• Seaport Studio
  100 Pier 4 Blvd, Second Floor
  Boston, MA 02210
• ICA Watershed
  256 Marginal Street
  Boston, MA 02128

The ICA values building a pluralistic workforce to foster a culture of collaboration, community and respect. We are committed to hiring talented, creative and qualified candidates from all backgrounds.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the ICA is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are dedicated to fair employment practices for all individuals, adhering to all non‑discrimination laws. The ICA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

To request reasonable accommodation (as defined by the ADA) to participate in the job application or interview process, contact [e-mail] or 617‑478‑3171.

Application Deadline

Submission must be received by Friday, September 18th at 11:59 pm for consideration.

Salary

$19.00 per hour

About this Organization

https://www.icaboston.org/about/history