Job Description

INTERNSHIP POSITION SUMMARY

The Cincinnati Art Museum has an opening for a Curatorial Intern working with the Decorative Arts & Design and Fashion Arts & Textiles curatorial divisions this fall. This is a 12-week paid internship that runs between September to December 2026 and is scheduled for 15-25 hours per week during the Monday-Friday 9am-5pm workweek. 

The Curatorial Intern will assist in cataloging and processing a transformational gift of 85 modern and contemporary enamel objects. This collection will be integrated into the Decorative Arts & Design collection, with select enameled jewelry pieces joining the Fashion Arts & Textiles collection. The intern will conduct object research, capture reference photographs, prepare formal accession paperwork, and input comprehensive data into the museum's collections management system, TMS (The Museum System). 

ESSENTIAL INTERNSHIP FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Curator of Decorative Arts & Design, internship duties include:

• Conduct Art Historical Research: Verify and document provenance, artist histories, and material execution for 85 modern and contemporary enamel objects using primary and secondary research sources.
• Database Management: Input detailed cataloging data, reference and provided publication-quality images, and research findings into TMS to ensure prompt public and internal digital access. 
• Accession Documentation: Prepare museum accession paperwork, including detailed accession worksheets, following institutional standards. 
• Object Photography: Take clear, accurate reference photographs of collection objects for identification, documentation, and database attachment. 
• Art Handling: Assist with the safe handling, movement, and physical inspection of delicate enamel and jewelry pieces during the cataloguing phase. 
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Coordinate workflow and insights between the Decorative Arts & Design and Fashion Arts & Textiles departments to properly categorize incoming pieces. 
• Professional Development: Participate in regular curatorial meetings, mentorship sessions, and institutional learning opportunities to build foundational knowledge of museum operations. Author a blog post about the enamel collection.
• Other duties as assigned. 

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

• Current undergraduate upperclassman or graduate student pursuing a degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Material Culture, Decorative Arts, or a closely related field. 
• College-level coursework in art history, with a preferred interest or focus on modern/contemporary art, design, or craft histories. 
• Demonstrated experience utilizing primary and secondary sources, such as archival materials, library databases, and other published records. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; prior exposure to museum databases like TMS (The Museum System) is a plus but is not required. 
• Strong written communication skills for documentation and excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating across multiple curatorial and affiliated departments. Writing sample is required with application. 
• Exceptional organizational habits and attention to detail, specifically regarding data entry, object descriptions, and administrative paperwork. 
• Basic knowledge of or a strong willingness to learn the museum standards for the safe and ethical handling of delicate art objects and jewelry.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Compensation details: 15-18 Hourly Wage

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