McDermott Intern for Interpretation

Description

Position: McDermott Intern for Interpretation 

Reports to: Senior Manager of Interpretation 

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 Internship:   

The intern will assist with the development and production of compelling and engaging interpretive materials in the DMA galleries. Projects may include prototyping and producing content for in-gallery guides and activity stations, digital interactives, or web-based resources. As a member of the Exhibitions and Interpretation team, the intern will be exposed to the formulation and planning of exhibitions by assisting with multiple exhibitions in different stages of their development as well as ongoing initiatives in the permanent collection galleries. While assisting with the maintenance and introduction of in-gallery interpretive resources, the intern will become more acquainted with the numerous formats and approaches the DMA uses to engage visitors across ages and backgrounds. In addition to working closely with the Exhibitions and Interpretation team, the intern will have regular opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in other departments including Curatorial and Education.  

 Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Attend and participate in weekly meetings with their supervisor and regular departmental and cross-department project-based meetings as needed
• Collect and record visitor tracking and feedback forms
• Review new content (gallery didactics)
• Research upcoming interpretation projects
• Create visitor evaluation resources (digital and/or print documents aimed at documenting visitor observations, research, or exhibition resources)

 Internship Goals: 

• Enhance research skills in art and art history and build an increased knowledge of works of art in the Dallas Museum of Art’s collection
• Understand the role of interpretation within an art museum—as a visitor advocate and creative resource for projects originating from curatorial
• Understand how prototyping and visitor evaluation can impact interpretive strategies
• Gain experience in the editing and revision process for gallery didactics
• Gain experience in the creation and implementation of visitor evaluation methods
• 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

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in art history, museum studies, the humanities, or a related field
• Some experience and/or coursework in journalism, copy-editing, or technical writing is encouraged
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred
• Research and evaluation experience or interest is preferred

Internship Project: 

Possible internship projects include: 

• The intern may serve as the primary interpretive reviewer and exchange revisions with the Interpretation team and the content author (usually a member of the Curatorial team). This experience is vital to most Interpretation positions at museums and will hone both writing and negotiation skills.
• The intern may develop unfacilitated activities and resources for visitors, such as self-guides, audio tours, and didactic stations.
• The intern may develop and implement visitor tracking methods for one or more permanent collection galleries or temporary exhibitions.

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.