The Contemporary Austin Internships

Interns at the Art School assist through a variety of duties related to art education, day-to-day operations of the Art School, the curriculum and programs, and its students and faculty. Interns are expected to provide general administrative support to the Office of the Registrar, Associate Director, and Administrative Manager; assist faculty with digital instruction, computer lab upkeep, monitoring children’s digital classes, and general classroom management; and help staff with coordination of all classroom volunteers. Interns will learn about scheduling, managing a large volunteer database, and the logistics of day-to-day operation. This internship is located at Laguna Gloria.

Marketing and Public Relations

Marketing and Public Relations interns perform such administrative tasks as creating and updating media lists, coordinating research projects, tracking and clipping news coverage, distributing news releases, market research, and assembling media kits. Other opportunities could include assisting with advertising and marketing collateral production schedules. This internship is located at Laguna Gloria. To apply, submit a cover letter, résumé, internship application form, and a writing sample of no more than three pages in length (preferred writing samples will be press release or media alert drafts of upcoming exhibitions or events at the museum).

Qualifications:

• Ideal candidates will have had several public relations classes, possess strong writing skills, and be familiar with the Chicago Manual of Style
• Preference will be given to junior or senior-level individuals
• Interest in contemporary art and experience with Adobe Photoshop and InDesign a plus

Digital Communications

Digital Communications interns assist with building and maintaining a vibrant digital presence for the museum. Responsibilities may include working on social media posts and email campaigns, tracking results, performing research, and creating content for the museum website to communicate with the public about exhibitions, events, public programs, and membership opportunities. This internship works closely with the staff editor and digital coordinator and is located at Laguna Gloria (around 10-12 hours a week). To apply, please submit a résumé, writing samples (non-academic writing for a general audience is preferred), and links to any social media accounts or blogs.

Qualifications:

• Candidate should possess strong writing and editing skills, fluency with and passion for digital media, and strong attention to detail
• Some experience with WordPress; HTML; social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Soundcloud, Vimeo, and Snapchat; and Adobe Creative Suite is preferred
• Ideal for creative thinkers and self-starters with a background in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Visual/Media Studies, or Studio Art/Art History with an interest in contemporary art

Graphic Design

The Graphic Design internship is ideal for upper-level students who are creative and reliable, possess excellent attention to detail, and have a proficient knowledge of print and Web design software (Adobe Creative Suite). This internship is located at Laguna Gloria and will require 15–20 hours per week, with flexibility to work around school schedules. The intern will work one-on-one with the lead designer to complete projects ranging from ad design, museum printed materials, and signage to digital newsletters and Web design. This internship is not an errand-running, coffee-making, or studio-cleaning internship, so come ready to produce real-world work. Candidates are required to submit a résumé and at least five samples of previous work.

Qualifications:

• A creative thinker with a strong interest in contemporary art, current issues, and visual culture
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite

Membership and Development

The Membership and Development intern provides assistance with the implementation of key development strategies and programs for the museum, supporting staff in the maintenance and growth of membership, earned income opportunities, and special events. This position offers unique insight into the overall operations of nonprofit membership and development operations and is located at Laguna Gloria. Responsibilities include maintaining current membership information for visitors as well as facilitating membership communications, renewal mailings, and member solicitation efforts. This intern will also be involved in the execution of The Contemporary Austin’s exhibition openings and special events, and will work closely with staff in all aspects of their work. Some evenings are required for exhibition openings and special events.

Qualifications:

• Strong organizational and communication skills with an attention to detail
• Fluency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Database Management
• Basic understanding of the Web, use of Web services, and low-level Web technologies
• Interest in and knowledge of contemporary art a plus
• Basic experience with the Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premier, etc.) a plus

Special Event and Fundraiser Production

The Special Event and Fundraiser Production intern assists the Event Production Manager and Development Department by providing support for special events, such as seasonal fundraisers and exhibition openings, as well as maintaining sponsor and vendor relations. This position is located at Laguna Gloria and will program events at both Laguna Gloria and the Jones Center. Responsibilities include budget management, vendor research, sponsor outreach, event detail management, promotional copy editing, etc.

Qualifications:

• Exceptional communication and organizational skills
• Logistically minded with a strong attention to detail
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment
• Fluency in Microsoft programs, specifically Excel
• Basic understanding of the Web, use of Web services, and low-level Web technologies
• Past experience in events as an employee or volunteer a plus
• Interest in and knowledge of contemporary art a plus

Are you an outgoing, creative person who wants to learn about teaching in a contemporary art museum setting? Do you want to help foster a love of the arts in Austin-area kids and teens? Are you an artist considering potential career paths? Join our dynamic education department as we welcome visitors of all ages and show them everything The Contemporary Austin has to offer through our wide-ranging educational programming.

Applicants are welcome to note specific programs of interest within the museum, as outlined below. However, all applicants will be reviewed for every available education internship position.

Qualifications for Education internships:

• Background in Art Education, Studio Art, or Art History
• Ability to meet a time commitment of 10–12 hours/week
• Must be self-motivated and able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proactive spirit, professional demeanor, and positive attitude
• Familiarity with use of a PC, MS Word and Excel, and email applications
• Experience working with children a plus
• Spanish-speaking ability a plus
• Ability to to the Jones Center and Laguna Gloria

Teacher Programs, Docents, and Tours

Learn the ins and outs of giving a museum tour, assist with writing teacher materials, work closely with our docent corps, and help improve our programs by researching educational initiatives.

Teen Programs

Interact with creative teens, assist during multi-visit teen program meetings, conduct hands-on studio activities with teens, and design curriculum for three dynamic teen programs.

Family and Community Programs

Develop rich, interactive art experiences for family audiences, conduct hands-on studio activities with tour groups, and facilitate art-making activities through our unique community outreach programs.

Teaching Assistant

Do you already have basic teaching experience and are interested in hands-on classroom experience? Co-teach a ten-week Wednesday evening or Saturday morning teen arts program. Work closely with the instructor to assist in the implementation of program meetings, leading demonstrations or discussions as necessary. Gain firsthand teaching experience in a program of up to twenty students, as well as insight into the planning and application of weekly activities and field trips.

Graduate students in Art Education, Studio Art, or Art History or non-students with prior teaching experience encouraged to apply. Must be available either every Wednesday, 5:30–8P, or every Saturday, 9A–1P, for the duration of the ten-week semester program.

The Videography and Photography intern assists the Community Engagement and Education Department in documenting events and tours, editing photos/videos as needed, and creating content for resources to be used both internally and externally. This position provides the opportunity to work under art direction in order to capture the essence of the museum and strengthen one’s portfolio by working at events hosted by The Contemporary Austin and attended by donors, patrons, artists, and the cultural community. This position is located at the Jones Center, with occasional visits to Laguna Gloria for events. Weekly in-office hours and attendance at events will be expected. Candidates are required to submit examples of previous work with the application.

Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled in a photography or related visual media program
• Experience documenting events and editing photos and videos
• Experience using Adobe Suite required
• Interns may bring their own equipment, but some resources are available