Designed specifically for Cal Poly Pomona Art History Majors with a 3.0 overall GPA or better. Learn how to and assist in management, inventory, and preservation the University’s Permanent Art Collection. This internship involves learning unique skills such as art collection inventory, registration, cataloging, archiving, digitizing and photo-documenting collections, and collections data management. May also include researching artists and specific artworks for development of text for future exhibits and publications, conduct oral history interviews with living artists and donors, participate in accessioning and processing collections, learn to use collections management systems (CMS) software, work on photograph identification and indexing, and/or archival preservation projects. Handling art and learning art preservation, packing and storage techniques. All of these skills are essential for students seeking careers in museums, art historical research, producing art catalogue publications and historic preservation.

Hours vary depending on project needs and internship credit requirements, but generally includes availability to work 8-10 hours/week on weekdays (M-F from 9am-5pm) per semester.

This internship is for 2 units of credit for 120 hours per semester for up to 4 semesters.

All students must have the following qualifications to apply:

Qualifications Required: reliability; attention to detail; sensitivity to art as a form of expression; some flexibility with regard to necessary scheduled hours especially during installation/de-installation times (always outside of student’s scheduled classes); moderate lifting ability; ability to climb a ladder, use some basic tools (hammer, drill, box cutter, scissors, X-acto knife, packing tape dispenser, Brother label maker) as needed; knowledge of MAC computers and Microsoft Office, incl. Word, Excel and PowerPoint; basic knowledge of Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and the use of a digital camera; basic math and measuring skills; ability to get along with others in a team-oriented environment, while still able to work diligently on projects on one's own, and successfully managing project deadlines.

A successful Art History major applicant will:

• Make a request for University Art Collections Internship Interview with the University Collections Curator (see contact info below) at least 4 weeks prior to the start of the intended internship semester;
• Prior to interview: provide an up to date resume, with a cover letter expressing relevant skills, interests and objectives, and planed date of graduation;
• A copy of student’s weekly class schedule for that internship semester;
• Enroll in Art History 4410 during that internship semester using an enrollment code provided by the Department of Art.
• Complete three forms to be kept on file with the Department of Art:
  1. Release of Liability Form
  2. Academic Internship Learning Plan and
  3. Emergency Contact Form

     These forms will be provided and require completion at the beginning of the internship, or when successful interview process is completed after an offer and agreement of internship with applicant transpires.

• This internship also requires Safety, Security and Art Handling Training with Gallery/Collections staff upon start of the internship which will also requires a “signature of understanding” from any participating interns.
• Complete trainings and required readings as assigned.

Interview requests

Interview requests should be made at least 4 weeks prior to the start of any given semester for an interview (incl. Summer or Winter Break periods). If internships slots are already filled, or an interview request is made late, students may still be eligible for an interview, and/or may be considered for the following semester’s internship opportunity.  

 

To Apply...

If interested in participating in the above Internship Opportunity please send a cover letter and resume with current semester class schedule to the University Art Galleries & Permanent Art Collections Curator, Michele Cairella Fillmore via email at: michelec@cpp.edu with “ Internship Opportunities” written in the Subject Line.