The Museum of Modern Art - Internship Program

Work with MoMA curators and educators and gain experience in the museum field.

• Learn about our mission, collections, and organizational systems
• Gain practical and theoretical training in museum work
• Contemplate the role of museums in contemporary society
• Work closely with a member of the MoMA staff
• Attend curator talks and a weekly lecture series

Full-time, seven-month internships with stipends are offered at MoMA for recent graduates of bachelor’s or master’s degree programs interested in pursuing or exploring a museum career. Interns will be provided focused departmental training, complemented with regular activities designed for this cohort to receive greater exposure to the museum and art fields. At this time, interns are expected to begin the program on a rotational basis between onsite and remote work. The Museum will evaluate this periodically according to internal health and safety guidelines.

Internships provide training in specific museum fields through close work with a professional staff member, familiarity with modern and contemporary art through seminars and discussions, and an educational program that exposes interns to the workings of the Museum as a whole, while considering the role of museums in the broader cultural context.

MoMA PS1 Internship Program

MoMA PS1 offers blended internships with onsite and remote opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and beginning professionals with practical experience in a specific area of museum work. Our internship program provides the opportunity to learn about the operations of a non-profit art institution and work alongside some of the world’s most exciting contemporary artists and curators. In addition to departmental work interns participate in weekly professional development activities designed to increase understanding of the Museum’s various programs, exhibitions, and departments.

How to apply

All applications must include a cover letter, resume and the completed Internship Application below, sent to: internships_ps1@moma.org (one consolidated PDF only).

Applicants should apply to one of the following departments:

• Development & Special Events: The Development & Special Events Summer Internship offers hands-on experience with prospect research, administrative support, and special events including donor cultivation events and signature PS1 programs like Warm Up. This role is an integral part of the External Affairs team, conducting preliminary research on prospective corporate, foundation, and individual donors; preparing donor communication materials; and providing administrative support such as expense reconciliation. Interns will be exposed to the full development and execution of special and donor cultivation events, from inception through production. Ideal candidates have some experience in event production, and are organized, motivated, and adaptable. Excellent communication, writing skills, and knowledge of basic office software such as Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace are a must. Candidates should be prepared to work three days per week, including availability on weekends and the occasional late night.
• Performance & Live Programming: The Performance & Live Programming internship offers hands-on experience in all aspects of organizing and producing performance and live programs at MoMA PS1, including Warm Up, programming related to exhibitions, special events, and other large-scale museum programs. Interns will be exposed to the full development of our programs across disciplines, from inception through production. The internship offers experience in audio-visual production, direct interaction with artists, planning and producing events, artistic research, and arts administration. Ideal candidates have some experience in live performance or event production, and are organized, motivated, and adaptable. Knowledge of audio-visual production is desired but not required. Excellent communication, writing skills, and knowledge of basic office procedures such as spreadsheets and Google Docs are a must. Candidates should be prepared to work three days a week, including occasional weekends and late nights.
• Exhibitions & Programs Production: MoMA PS1 seeks a motivated intern interested in the production of exhibitions and programs. The intern will work closely with the Exhibitions & Programs production team and will participate fully in all department activities during their tenure as they gain invaluable experience working within a leading contemporary art institution to assist in researching and implementing future exhibitions & programs. Interns will be exposed to the full development of our exhibitions and programs across disciplines - from inception through implementation - with a possible focus on Greater New York opening in the Fall of 2021. The ideal candidate must be organized, adaptable, and have excellent written and interpersonal skills with a basic knowledge of spreadsheets.
• Curatorial: The Curatorial internship offers hands-on experience in organizing exhibitions and public programs. The internship would be focused on supporting the research, organization, installation, and post-opening activities surrounding upcoming exhibitions and programs. Curatorial interns are fully integrated within the larger curatorial department and work in close contact with the curatorial staff. Ideal candidates are meticulous and detail-oriented, possess exceptional writing skills, and are able to coordinate large-scale, multifaceted organizational projects. Candidates should demonstrate excellent discretion and judgment, and have a working knowledge of and curiosity about contemporary art and art history. Microsoft Office skills are required; Adobe Photoshop skills are desirable. Although not required, most successful candidates have some prior experience in a museum or gallery setting.
• Additional Activities
  Interns will be invited to attend departmental workshops that have been organized by the Internship Coordinator, including site visits and lectures as part of the MoMA Seasonal Internship program. In addition, interns may be asked to assist staff with special events, public programs, and exhibition openings.

MoMA PS1 Internship Application

List below the department to which you are applying and briefly describe your interest and qualifications for each. Please answer each of the following questions in 200 words:

1. What is the role of a contemporary arts institution and what are its strengths and challenges in the United States?
2. What inspired you to apply for the MoMA PS1 Internship Program?

Please be advised that due to the high volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those candidates whose skills and background best fit the needs of the open positions.

School Credit

It is the responsibility of applicants to retrieve information from their school concerning possible academic credit once selected for the internship.