WHO WE ARE:
Founded in 1978, Mingei International Museum collects, preserves, and exhibits “art of the world, art of the people,” including folk art, craft, and design from all eras and cultures. Located in San Diego’s iconic Balboa Park, our highly respected Museum offers stunning exhibitions and diverse educational programs to more than 200,000 visitors each year. The Museum is a nonprofit organization.
Mingei has a deep commitment to creating a space where people are inspired to see their own world through new eyes and, in turn, rediscover, embrace, and nurture their own creativity. The recently transformed Museum is a place where all are welcome, where the community can gather, and where individuals can rest and find creative inspiration.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Collections & Registration Intern will work with Mingei Staff to support Collections Care projects and Registration tasks related to exhibitions. This is a hands-on internship that revolves around real-world Museum work.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The Intern will learn basic Collections care skills, including inventory, cataloging, condition reporting, object storage methods, and using the Museum’s Collection Management Database. They will also learn basic Registration skills related to shipping/packing, loans, and installation/deinstallation. The Intern will have at least one project that they will see through from start to finish.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
- General knowledge of or interest in Museum Collections Care/Registration
- Interest in Mingei International Museum and the Collection of folk art, craft, and design
- Actively enrolled in a Junior College or four-year university
- Great attention to detail
- Competency with technology such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc.
- Ability to follow directions and work with a team
- Be a self-starter and manage several small projects at one time
- Flexibility, tact, diplomacy, and the ability to interact well with Museum members, volunteers, staff, visitors, and the public
- Ability to plan, problem-solve, and to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Physical ability to reach, bend, stoop, lift, and move file boxes, pedestals, vitrines, etc., up to 25 pounds on a regular basis
TERMS AND COMPENSATION
- This is an unpaid internship.
- Interns must be enrolled to receive course credit for the internship through their program/university.
Hours:
15-20hrs/week; up to 200hrs total
Museum Hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
To apply, please complete the online application.
Application materials: resume with cover letter describing how this internship might further your career in museums or the arts.