Exhibitions Spring Internship

Virginia MOCA; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia MOCA is seeking an Exhibitions Intern to support its exhibitions program. The role offers hands-on exposure to behind-the-scenes museum work, including research, gallery preparation, installation logistics, and coordination with the Gallery and Exhibitions Manager.

The internship is ideal for students pursuing contemporary art, museum studies, or related fields, with a focus on bringing exhibitions from concept to installation.

Qualifications

• Research, organizational, and administrative skills.

Responsibilities

• Exhibition Planning & Preparation: Assist with upcoming installations and deinstallations.
• Gallery & Installation Support: Assist during installation and deinstallation under supervision.
• Curatorial Research: Conduct research on artists, artworks, themes, and topics related to exhibitions.
• Museum Learning & Professional Development: Attend planning meetings and learn museum practices.

Job description

POSITION: Exhibitions Internship

TYPE: Part-time Hourly

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

DEPARTMENT: Exhibitions

REPORTS TO: Gallery and Exhibitions Manager

The Exhibitions Internship is a short-term role that supports Virginia MOCA’s exhibitions work. The intern will conduct research for upcoming exhibitions, assist with exhibition preparation, and work closely with the Gallery and Exhibitions Manager on the many details involved in bringing exhibitions from concept to installation. The role offers hands‑on exposure to the behind‑the‑scenes work of a contemporary art museum, including research, gallery preparation, installation logistics, and more.

This internship is ideal for students interested in contemporary art, museum studies, exhibition design and production. It is designed to provide a broad introduction to how museum exhibitions are researched, developed, installed, maintained, and deinstalled.

SCHEDULE:

Hours: 10-20 hours per week, totaling 120 hours

Days: Tuesday to Friday

Time: Between 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Note: This internship is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027. Some evening and weekend hours may be requested, particularly during exhibition installations, openings, and special events.

COMPENSATION: $15 per hour

RESPONSIBILITIES

Exhibition Planning & Preparation

• Work with the Gallery and Exhibitions Manager to prepare for upcoming installations and deinstallations.
• Assist with gallery preparation, including organizing materials, supplies, tools, labels, and installation‑related documents.

Gallery & Installation Support

• Assist during exhibition installation and deinstallation under staff supervision.
• Assist with routine gallery checks and help identify maintenance or presentation needs.

Curatorial Research

• Conduct research on artists, artworks, themes, and topics related to upcoming exhibitions.
• Compile artist biographies, exhibition histories, bibliographies, image references, and other research materials.
• Support research for exhibition texts, interpretive materials, public programs, and other curatorial projects as needed.

Museum Learning & Professional Development

• Attend selected exhibition and installation planning meetings to learn how projects move from concept to opening.
• Gain exposure to museum practices including curatorial research, exhibition design, registration, installation, interpretation, and artist relations.
• Participate in other exhibition‑related projects based on departmental priorities and the intern’s interests.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong interest in contemporary art, exhibitions, and behind‑the‑scenes museum work.
• Strong research, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Interest in hands‑on work related to exhibition preparation, installation, and gallery operations.
• Comfort working with basic tools and equipment, or willingness to learn under staff supervision.
• Ability to assess priorities and manage multiple projects.
• Clear and effective communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a flexible, resourceful approach to problem‑solving.
• Knowledge of standard computer programs, including Microsoft Office.
• Coursework or experience in art history, studio art, museum studies, curatorial studies, or a related field, preferred.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand and sit for prolonged periods
• Ability to maintain continuous physical activity while working safely in office, gallery, and exhibition installation environments

REQUIREMENTS

• Currently enrolled, or intend to enroll in the upcoming semester, at a Virginia college or university. Must have a high school diploma and cannot have already completed their undergraduate degree.
• Background check is required.

Virginia MOCA strives for an inclusive work environment and actively embraces a diversity of people, ideas, talents, and experiences. We highly encourage black, indigenous, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented groups to apply.