Curatorial Collections Intern - Renee & Chaim Gross Foundation

Position Overview: 

For our Summer Curatorial and Collections Internship, the Renee & Chaim Gross Foundation is seeking students with interests in art history, research, exhibitions, collections, and public programming. We are a small nonprofit arts organization located in the historic home of and studio of sculptor Chaim Gross. Interns should have interest in the collection, which includes works of African, American, European, Pre-Columbian, Oceanic, and decorative arts.  

Interns will complete research utilizing collection objects, archival materials, and the Foundation’s historic library. In collaboration with Foundation staff, interns will work on public programming, exhibition planning, and/or collections documentation. Interns will use the Foundation’s database and may assist in database management. Interns will learn object handling, best practices for historic houses, and participate in activities related to the physical care and organization of the collection. This opportunity is targeted towards interns that plan to be on-site in New York City for the duration of the internship. 

The Renee & Chaim Gross Foundation sees this internship as a central part of the organization’s educational mission. In addition to crafting a strong focal research project for the duration of the internship, the Foundation stresses learning about the range of activities and roles within the organization and other related institutions. The internship work plan includes biweekly field trips to other arts nonprofits, conversations with professionals in the field, and ongoing discussion related to the role of artist-endowed foundations in the art world as part of our curriculum with the Artist Legacy Coalition (ALC), a group of 10 artist-endowed foundations or artist-focused public charities that are committed to developing knowledge of the AEF field through educational sessions and site visits during the duration of the summer internship. 

Key responsibilities: 

Research utilizing the Foundation’s collection, archives, and library 

Collaborate with a small staff 

Under the supervision of staff, handle art, archival material, and other historic objects 

Assist in the development of new programming and/or exhibitions 

Assist with collections management and database maintenance 

Attend Arts Intern, ALC, and Foundation learning opportunities and site visits 

Qualifications: 

Demonstrated interest in the visual arts  

Excellent written and verbal communication 

Ability to work independently 

Comfortable using email, internet-based research, Google Drive, and Microsoft suite