The Lunder Summer Internship (for Maine Residents) in Studio Art Education
The MFA is delighted to continue the internship supported by the Lunder Foundation. This is a needs-based paid internship offered to an outstanding student who is a resident of the state of Maine. The criteria to apply for this internship are:
- Maine resident
- Currently enrolled undergraduate, returning to undergraduate study at end of internship
- Proof of Federal Student Aid eligibility required
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Learning Department is responsible for programs that give visitors of all ages opportunities to make direct connections with the Museum’s collection and exhibitions. The Department offers internships to college students who enjoy working with people and are interested in learning more about the many facets of Museum Education.
Eight Studio Art Interns fulfill the important role as Teaching Assistants (TA’s) to assist with the Summer Studio Art Class program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. These are weeklong, theme-based Studio Art Classes offered to children (ages 5-11) and teens (ages 12-17) that take place on-site in the Museum’s galleries and studios.
Studio Art Interns assist with these classes by helping students to understand a range of art concepts, experiment with art materials, and explore the galleries. Interns are expected to design and teach their own lesson, develop classroom activities, and/or implement a gallery visit using the method of Visual Thinking Strategies.
This is a valuable opportunity for those interested to work with a wide range of age groups, to explore teaching in a museum setting, as well as gain pre-practicum experience when applying to graduate programs. Interns will gain valuable communication and customer service skills while also developing skills in classroom management and experience in working with students across a range of age groups. Additionally, interns get to hone their skills at lesson planning and curriculum implementation under the mentorship of experienced art instructors.
Studio Art interns must commit to a regular schedule of 35 hours per week (8:15am-4:15pm, Monday through Friday), from June 26 through August 25, including 1-2 hours on Thursdays to participate in the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course. In addition, all Studio Art interns are required to participate in three-four department-specific orientations between June 16-23, for a total of 10-15 hours.
Intern will be paid at a rate of $16.00 per hour.
As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution, ensuring that diversity, equity, and access are lived values, we actively encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply to the program. We are especially mindful of those in our community impacted by inequity due to ability, language, class, age, gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity, and are working diligently to address perceived and real barriers that keep anyone from fully experiencing an internship at the Museum.
Essential Functions
● Support the instructors with classroom management and art lessons, both in the classroom and galleries
● Maintain the organization of the supply room
● Help instructors prepare project materials for classes
● Assist parents/accompanying adults and students
● Supervise students during drop-off, pick-up, and lunch periods
● Escort students to classrooms and various locations
● Lead enrichment and activities as needed
Qualifications
- Current enrollment in and returning to an undergraduate program
- Proven ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
- Proven ability to interact easily and successfully with children and teens ages 5-17 years old
- Previous experience working with children and/or teens
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment and take initiative
- Those studying Studio Art, Childhood/Elementary Education, Art Education, and Liberal Arts are encouraged to apply
- Ability to work onsite 35 hours per week, (between 8:15am-4:15pm, Mon-Fri), between June 26-Aug 25 -- including 1-2 hours per week to participate in the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course
- Ability to attend MFA Pathways orientation on Tues, June 13, 10am-3:30pm and Studio Art Program orientations on Tue-Wed, June 20-21.
To apply, you must upload a single document (Word or PDF), containing your cover letter and resume, via our web portal, Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP. (Failure to combine resume and cover letter into a single disqualifies your application.) Early application is urged; application deadline is Fri, Mar 24, 2023.