McDermott Intern for Design and Decorative Art

Description

Position: McDermott Intern for Design and Decorative Art 

Reports to: Margot B. Perot Senior Curator of Decorative Arts and Design 

Level: Intern 

Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly 

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid holiday, personal and sick time; $500 for professional development 

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with one hour for lunch; ability to work remotely 2 days per week following introductory period 

Internship Period: September 2, 2025 - May 8, 2026 

Salary: $15/hour, 35 hours per week 

Application Deadline: March 17, 2025

Scope of Position: 

The intern will research design and decorative art subjects, assisting with exhibition preparation, acquisition proposals, and collection management. There will be a focus on modern and contemporary Jewelry with a major exhibition opening in November 2025. The intern will work with the curator on the jewelry project, focusing on the website component and preparations for installation of the exhibition. Tasks may include writing, editing, compiling, and uploading information related to objects and artists for the web component. Another main project is the re-installation of several design collection galleries and the Reves collection. The intern will work on everything related to this project from drafting gallery label text and to compiling documentation on works in the Museum’s permanent collection. The intern also will support curatorial projects by attending interdepartmental meetings and working collaboratively with staff across the Museum as needed.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Research the collection, potential new acquisitions, and loans from key local collections in preparation for collection gallery installations
• Conduct and review research and write texts for the jewelry component on the Museum’s website
• Support ongoing research and documentation of the Dallas Museum of Art’s collection of decorative art and design
• Conduct a general assessment of the decorative arts collections, assessing missing and underrepresented areas as well as areas that could benefit from light pruning
• Support Decorative Arts and Design Initiative events through preliminary research and interacting with donors at events
• Draft didactic texts which may be used in the galleries and/or online
• Conduct primary and secondary source research utilizing a multitude of resources, including object files and the Museum's Mayer Library
• Attend regular one-on-one, departmental, and interdepartmental team meetings as needed
• Support other curatorial tasks under the supervision of the curator as needed

Internship Goals: 

• Learn design historical object-based research skills, including the use of TMS collections management software
• Gain experience with writing in a museum context, including exhibition didactic texts, labels, acquisition proposals and/or publications
• Understand the museum exhibitions process
• Ascertain professional goals and interests through the support of mentorship
• Develop professional communication and interpersonal skills through collaboration with Museum colleagues
• Understand the roles and functions of different staff within the Museum as well as the relationship between the departments and how they all function together to comprise the organization

Requirements 

Education, Experience, and Certification: 

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in design history, jewelry, or a related field prior to the start of the internship; graduate work encouraged
• Knowledge, coursework and interest in jewelry and/or design

Key Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated research and writing skills
• Ability to juggle multiple assignments
• Ability to work successfully within deadlines

Our Core Values 

• Act with Integrity: We are honest and ethical.
• Build Inclusivity: We create spaces where everyone can feel like they belong.
• Communicate Respectfully: We listen intentionally and advocate for diverse perspectives.
• Embrace and Drive Change: We are innovative, creative, and solutions driven.
• Foster Connections: We collaborate around shared goals.
• Maintain Balance: We encourage ourselves and each other to reflect and recharge.
• Remain Curious: We pursue personal and professional learning.

Mission 

The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive. The DMA will: 

• Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
• Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
• Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

The Dallas Museum of Art fosters equity, celebrates diversity, and supports inclusion. We acknowledge that diverse backgrounds and voices of visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and communities represented in the collection make us stronger and better equipped to make positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Equity 

Society’s historical legacies and systemic barriers have created disparities in the communities we serve. Knowing this, we strive to expand and enhance arts opportunities for all. 

Diversity 

Many factors—including but not limited to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetics, economic backgrounds, and experiences—make individuals and groups unique. Our goal is to ensure visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and collections reflect this diversity. 

Inclusion 

We commit to listening to and learning from diverse voices and perspectives. We create a vibrant and accessible social space that encourages dialogue and the exchange of ideas through arts and culture. 

EOE 

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.