Mellon Foundation Asian Art Intern

Industry: Spencer Museum of Art

Company: University of Kansas

Job Description

Research and Exhibitions (90%)

• Conduct research on objects in the museum collection and assist in cataloging newly acquired works of art.
• Assist with collection research and documentation, logistical planning and research related to future exhibition projects, class and storage visits.
• Contribute to the exhibition planning process, including writing and editing exhibition labels.

Administration (10%)

• Maintain familiarity with current exhibitions/events/objects on display.
• As appropriate, participate in related project-based meetings, departmental meetings, as well as SMA staff meetings.
• Participate in intern meetings and activities, including collaborative intern project.
• Perform other duties and special projects as specified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.

Contact Information to Applicants

Applicants may contact the internship supervisor, Kris Ercums, kiercums@ku.edu, or Jennifer Talbott with questions. Please complete all areas of the application, including all application questions. Applications will not be accepted without all questions answered.

Required Qualifications

1. Must be a University of Kansas graduate student seeking a master’s or Ph.D. degree.
2. Strong spoken and written communication as evidenced by application materials and interview.
3. Demonstrated computer competency (Office, Outlook, databases, web skills).
4. Must have a flexible schedule and be available to work weekends and after hours if needed.
5. Routinely lift storage boxes weighing 20-40 lbs with or without assistance.
6. Fluent in at least one East Asian language (Chinese, Korean or Japanese)
7. Enrolled in six credit hours of graduate coursework or at least one hour of thesis/dissertation (approval form from graduate program required).
8. During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: 1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or 2) be pre-enrolled in upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or 3) be enrolled in summer session or 4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments)

Preferred Qualifications

1. Outstanding research and written and oral communication skills.
2. Strong written and oral presentation skills.
3. Ability to work independently and in collaboration with museum staff, university faculty and students.
4. Ability to formulate probing questions about art and its many roles.
5. Interest in and knowledge of Asian art and culture, both historical and contemporary.
6. Interest in a museum career is taken into consideration.
7. Acceptance of Federal Work Study (for eligibility please fill out a FAFSA form through the KU Financial Aid Office).

Position Overview

Interns will participate in a full range of professional staff activities. They will have the opportunity to conceptualize and write for gallery installations and exhibitions when the exhibition schedule allows. All interns will assist with a variety of departmental duties in order to gain broad understanding of museum operations, including attending various staff meetings and assisting with museum-wide responsibilities, for example serving at the Welcome Desk or a Study Center.

The Asian Art Intern works closely with the Curator of Global Contemporary and Asian Art on research and documentation of the collection, exhibitions, and other aspects of curatorial work within the department.

Per the State of Kansas, student employees may hold concurrent appointments not to exceed maximum appointment and hours worked levels. However, concurrent student appointments must be of matching FLSA designation (exempt/salaried or non-exempt/hourly).

Additional Candidate Instruction

1. This internship is an hourly, approximately 20 hours/week, position for 24, 2-week pay periods.
2. This position is an 11 month (24 pay periods) appointment beginning August 11, 2025 and ending July 10, 2026.
3. This position is also eligible to participate in the university health insurance program. Visit http://policy.ku.edu/graduate-studies/benefits-for-GRAs-GTAs-GAs for more information.
4. Students may apply for one or more positions.
5. Students who previously have held an SMA internship are also eligible to apply again for the same internships or different internship.
6. Interns are also eligible for a $1,000 travel stipend contingent upon available funding.
7. SMA interns receive a tuition waiver for up to 9 credit hours for both the fall and spring semesters.

Application deadline is 2/9/2025.