Arts Intern: Climate Initiative Intern
Background
The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in and understanding of the visual arts and the work of Helen Frankenthaler (1928–2011).
It supports the artist’s legacy through a variety of initiatives, including exhibitions, loans of artwork, research, publications, conservation, grants, educational programs for the public and the scholarly community, and through the Helen Frankenthaler Catalogue Raisonné, LLC, the publishing of a catalogue raisonné.
Persistently experimental and courageous over some sixty years, Frankenthaler produced an impressive oeuvre comprised of paintings on canvas and paper, ceramics, sculpture, tapestries, and prints. The Foundation’s holdings include an extensive collection of works by Frankenthaler and other artists, as well as original papers and materials pertaining to her life and work.
Climate Initiative Intern Overview
The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative (FCI), established in 2021 by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation in collaboration with RMI and Environment & Culture Partners, is the leading private national grantmaking program in the United States dedicated to addressing climate change within the visual arts sector.
As the first nationwide initiative to support energy efficiency and clean energy adoption for cultural institutions, FCI has awarded over $14 million to 200 museums and arts organizations across 37 states to date, funding 244 energy efficiency and clean energy projects: including solar panels, new HVAC and LED lighting systems, building improvements, and climate action plans.
This $15-million ongoing program empowers visual arts organizations to assess their environmental impact, reduce energy costs, and implement clean energy solutions. By supporting initiatives such as net-zero designs, retrofitting historical buildings, and creating climate action plans, FCI demonstrates how arts institutions can lead in combating climate change.
This internship will focus on assisting the Education Department and the Foundation's Deputy Director with the organization and dissemination of public-facing information about the program's current grantees and their projects as the Foundation publicly announces its 2025 award cycle.
The Intern will play a key role in requesting, organizing, and preparing materials that highlight the impact of FCI-funded projects, contributing to the program's communications and outreach strategy. This role will provide the Intern with a unique opportunity to engage with the Foundation’s educational and philanthropic work at the intersection of sustainability and the arts. They will gain practical experience in managing program communications, supporting outreach efforts, and documenting grant achievements.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research on past and current grantees
- Develop promotional materials for website and social media platforms
- Contribute to and participate in an ongoing public relations campaign
- Communicate with FCI collaborators and partners (including grantees) regarding project updates
- Process and organize image and text files
Requirements, Skills, and Qualifications
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with accuracy and consistency
- Highly detail-oriented
- Excellent communication skills
- Enthusiasm and interest in art and research
- Excellent organizational skills and the capacity to prioritize workload and multiple tasks
- High degree of discretion and willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement, employee handbook, and equipment agreement
Compensation
$22.50 per hour
INTERNS WILL WORK 28 HOURS PER WEEK AND ATTEND A MANDATORY OFFSITE PROGRAM DAY ONE DAY PER WEEK WITH THEIR COHORT.
Internship Period: June 2 – August 4
Total Weeks: 9 weeks
Work Hours per Week: 28
Total Hours: 252
Workdays: Hybrid position; the intern will work from home on Mondays and be in the office Tuesdays – Thursdays. On Mondays we will have a check-in zoom meeting to discuss the week ahead and answer any questions. We will also be available to connect at any point that the Intern needs assistance or feedback.
PROGRAM DAY:
On Fridays, intern will attend an offsite program day with their cohort.
These hours are separate from the internship hours.
How to Apply:
This internship is through the Studio Institute Arts Intern program.
You must first apply to Arts Intern to be eligible for this internship. Once your application has been approved, we will provide you with the next steps to apply for the Climate Initiative Internship at the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation.
Submit Your Application Here: