Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) Curatorial Research Internship

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at Virginia Commonwealth University invites applications for a Curatorial Research Intern for 2026–27. This paid internship supports graduate students or recent graduates in researching, exhibition development, and publication projects under ICA curators.

The 9‑month internship runs Oct 2026–Jun 2027. The role is onsite, with 10–20 hours weekly at $17/hour, supporting research, catalogs, and resources management.

Qualifications

• Current graduate student or recent graduate.
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Interest in contemporary art and curatorial practice.
• Available 10–20 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research for upcoming exhibitions.
• Process, catalog, and organize research materials.
• Prepare indexes and finding aids.
• Assist with image rights and catalog production.
• Organize curatorial resources within ICA's Google Workspace.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Organizational skills

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Advertising Summary

The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU seeks a Curatorial Research Intern for the 2026–27 academic year. This paid internship offers current graduate students or recent graduates the opportunity to work closely with ICA curators on research, exhibition development, and publication projects.

Unit

Institute for Contemporary Art MBU

Department

Institute for Contemporary Art

Department Summary

Designed by Steven Holl Architects and located at the corner of Broad and Belvidere, the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU presents the art of our time and provides an open forum for dialogue and collaboration across the region and throughout the world. With free admission, the ICA is a major resource for VCU, Richmond, and beyond.

Duties & Responsibilities

The 9‑month Internship is for the 2026-27 academic year, running from October 2026 - June 2027. The Curatorial Research Assistant will work 10-20 hours per week and receive an hourly rate of $17/hour. The candidate must be a current graduate student or recent graduate.

The Curatorial Research Intern will conduct research for upcoming exhibitions; process, catalog, and organize research materials; prepare indexes and finding aids; support artists and curators with reference requests; and assist with image rights and catalog production. The intern will also help organize curatorial resources within the ICA's Google Workspace.

This position is ideal for students with strong research, writing, and organizational skills and an interest in contemporary art, curatorial practice, and socially engaged public programming. Those with an interest in contemporary art and arts education are strongly encouraged to apply.

Graduate students pursuing an MFA degree that have been assigned an assistantship are ineligible to hold secondary employment at VCU.

What You'll Gain

• Experience in curatorial research, exhibition planning, and production
• Exposure to contemporary artists and socially engaged artistic practices
• Insight into the work of a contemporary art institution and its engagement with wide audiences

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a current graduate student or recent graduate.
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills

Salary Range

$17/hour

Benefits

All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Hours per Week

10-20 hours per week

ORP Eligible

No

Flexible Work Arrangement

Fully Onsite

University Job Title

82371 - H - Curatorial Assistant MS 1

Rank

Non Faculty

Application Deadline

October 27, 2026

Contact Information

Contact Name: Arts HR
Contact Email: [e-mail]