IDEAL Summer Curatorial Internship 

Funded By The Decorative Arts Trust

10 Weeks - 30 hours/week

June - August (Flexible)

$15/hour

Summer Curatorial Intern Desrciption 

The Clay Studio internship is meant to provide students with a comprehensive experience in gallery management and artistic programming. The internship offers various opportunities for professional development and Community Engagement, including attending symposia (as available), exhibition openings, and events at TCS. These opportunities put the intern in touch with the community and other professionals in the Philadelphia art scene. The grant funding from the Decorative Arts Trust, is intended to support internships that improve and promote inclusivity, diversity, equity, access, and leadership in the museum field by creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.

The Intern and Curator will create a capstone project (and subsequently a final project report) based on the intern’s personal goals, discussed and outlined with their supervisor at the beginning of the internship. We aim for the internship project to align with the individual’s professional development objectives and a range of beneficial skills and experiences.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Current college student 

  • The ability to work collaboratively is essential

  • Spanish language skills (preferred but not required)

  • Strong writing and editing skills 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

  • We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply

 

WORK SCHEDULE  & COMPENSATION

  • June - August - 10 weeks - flexible start and end dates

  • Approximately 30 hours per week. Flexible schedule depending on the needs of meetings, exhibition installation, and events

  • Compensation: $15/hour

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work with the Curator of Artistic Programs and Exhibition Coordinator to manage the planning and production of the exhibitions including three Resident Artist solo shows (Summer 2025), and Clay as Care (Fall 2025).

  • Work on all aspects of exhibition planning, including gathering images, photo credits, gallery installation, and other materials for publication on the website, social media, press releases, exhibition wall text, registration paperwork, etc. 

  • Provide general administrative support, including note-taking, filing, scheduling meetings, preparing presentations, and other tasks as needed.

  • Archive maintenance - including adding historical  exhibition records to the website

  • Permanent Collection Maintenance - including documenting new accessions, art handling and physical upkeep of items of display

  • Work around supporting events related to the exhibitions, including Exhibition Council Meetings and public events during each exhibition. 

  • Conduct surveys of visitors in the gallery 

  • Duties will include some evening and weekend hours.

HOW TO APPLY

Send resume and cover letter to jobs@theclaystudio.org. No phone calls, please. Contact information for two references (preferably past supervisors in related positions)

The Clay Studio is an equal-opportunity employer. The Clay Studio values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of ethnic minorities to apply.

About The Clay Studio:

The Clay Studio is Philadelphia's only nonprofit solely dedicated to the education and promotion of the ceramic arts and is one of the world's leading institutions in the field. Founded in 1974, The Clay Studio supports the ceramic arts through its artist residencies, gallery, studio space, and school, educational & outreach programs. The Clay Studio programs reflect the organization's dual character: as a community-centered institution involved with the life of the city and region and as a national and international focal point for ceramic arts.