The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.
The Exhibition Design department is responsible for the three-dimensional design of all temporary exhibitions and permanent collection galleries across the museum. Our work brings together architecture, design, and storytelling to create meaningful experiences for visitors. The team includes designers with diverse backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to collaboration, creativity, and cultural engagement.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The McMullan Arts Leadership Intern in Exhibition Design will work directly with the exhibition design team as a contributing member on projects at various stages of development. The intern will gain exposure to the full scope of the exhibition design process, from concept to installation, and develop hands-on skills through tasks such as drafting layouts, preparing models, and supporting design documentation.
The intern will join a museum-wide intern cohort and have access to a range of programs to support their development in addition to their placement in Exhibition Design. Mentorship is provided throughout the experience and connections with an intern alumni network will be established.
Goals of the McMullan Arts Leadership Internship Program
The McMullan Arts Leadership internship program is part of a museum-wide effort to provide students the opportunity to gain experience, career awareness, networks, and skills that will position them to thrive as future art museum leaders.
This program specifically aims to support students who encounter economic challenges when considering a career in the arts. Aligned with this goal, we aim to help shape a diverse group of leaders whose actions are informed by a wide range of perspectives, varying career paths, and values inspired by their own lived experiences.
INTERNSHIP OUTCOMES:
In this position, the intern will have the opportunity to:
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred:
APPLICATION:
You must upload all of the requested materials below (resume and essay responses) into only one pdf document and list your last name and “AY 25-26” in the title of the file (example: [LAST NAME]_AY 25-26.pdf.) Please upload your materials where asked in the online application. Please make the digital portfolio present as an accessible website, Dropbox, or Google Drive hyperlink in your resume. Please upload your materials where asked in the online application.
PLEASE NOTE: You will not be considered if any requested application element is missing.
To apply for this internship, tell us your story. We want to understand who you are, what motivates you, how you think, and where you’re coming from. Please submit the following materials:
o What about this job description interests you the most?
o With the mission of the McMullan Arts Leadership intern program in mind, what perspectives might you bring to this role that you think museums need more of?
o How do you envision this opportunity helping you towards your professional goals?
o Describe a design project you contributed to — what was your role and what did you learn through the process?
DEADLINE: The deadline to submit an application to this position is Friday, July 25 at 11:59 pm CDT. We will not accept late applications. We will contact the candidates we want to interview within three weeks of our deadline.
INTERNSHIP INFORMATION
Duration of Position: 32 weeks / September 2025 (start date anytime during the week of September 22–26) through April 2026 (end date anytime during the week of April 27–May 1)
Compensation: Paid / $16.73/hr / part-time / Temporary
Schedule: This is a part-time, 32-week position for a currently enrolled or recently graduated undergraduate or graduate student. The intern will work 14 hours per week, for a total of up to 448 hours over the course of the internship. Work days will occur between Monday–Friday; the start date and schedule will be determined upon agreement with the candidate and the host department.
Hourlong virtual and in-person intern professional development programs will be scheduled throughout the internship term that the student is strongly encouraged to attend. These programs will occur during the week; we ask that the intern make this part of their internship schedule.
Format: The internship will be a hybrid of onsite and remote workdays. Internet access and appropriate technology will be necessary to complete this internship; technological accommodations will be provided by the Art Institute of Chicago based on necessity.
Number of openings: 1
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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