Curatorial Intern

Established in 1979, The Museum of Contemporary Art is the only artist-founded museum in Los Angeles. We are dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. We house one of the most compelling collections of contemporary art in the world, comprising over 8,000 objects, and have a diverse history of ground-breaking, historically-significant exhibitions.

Overview:
The Museum of Contemporary Art seeks a detail-oriented and self-starting team player to serve as a compiler and organizer of archival resources, working in the curatorial department. This person is responsible for assisting in tasks that lead to building an archive of catalogues, an updated artist contact list, and other resources that help to carry out the Museum’s mission. This role is designed to offer real-world, project-based experience in a contemporary art museum for those interested in learning about archives, recordkeeping, and institutional history. This intern will meet with the Director of Education and Visitor Engagement and other museum staff to identify opportunities to maximize their learning and advise on internship programming.

Essential Functions

● Working primarily with the Curatorial Administrator, the intern will regularly interact with a variety of curatorial staff to gather information and complete assignments
● Perform internet, library, and archival research for specific projects
● Assist in data entry to archives , collection-related research via The Museum System
● Organizing and locating MOCA catalogues within the museum offices
● Observe and participate in departmental and interdepartmental meetings as appropriate
● Participate in reflection and documentation of internship experience
● Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

High school diploma required

Must possess the ability to communicate and interact well with others

Demonstrates an ability to learn quickly and independently

Detail-oriented, with excellent grammar, writing, and organizational skills

Interest in contemporary art required

Interest in contemporary culture, and organizational structure and procedures at a museum or other non-profit arts institution preferred

Ability to use Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Workspace

Commitment for the duration of the program

Completion of an end-of-internship reflection

Hourly Rate: $17.28
POSITION COVERED BY MOCA/AFSCME COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT: NO

Schedule and location:
Beginning in January 2025 or later and concluding in May 2025, a mutually agreed-upon schedule not to exceed 280 hours; two full days per week. On-site in MOCA Grand Avenue staff offices or The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, with some remote work.

Physical Demands
While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following: sit for extended periods; bend and reach for filing and other job-related functions; climb up and down stairs; bend, stoop, and lift to move and retrieve materials; pull, push, and lift; reach both above and below shoulder height. Must be able to visually inspect work. Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other office equipment is required. Heavy usage of computers and phones required.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Art’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

Salary: $17.38, hourly

Benefits: Holiday pay, Paid sick leave

Education requirements: High School Degree

Deadline to apply: February 28, 2025

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: Apply here.