The Museum of Contemporary Art internship program welcomes students and recent graduates who wish to broaden their education and professional experience by working and learning in a not-for-profit museum. All MCA departments offer experiential education in a challenging, hands-on environment in exchange for a substantive contribution from talented and interested individuals.
The MCA, in its 220,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, presents its renowned collection and an ambitious schedule of cutting-edge exhibitions as well as educational and outreach programs. MCA interns have the unique opportunity to participate in the development and expansion of these programs and operations.
There are three application deadlines and selection periods per year. Internships require a minimum commitment of sixteen hours per week for three months, during which time interns complete a specific target project as well as daily assignments. Interns also participate in departmental meetings, special events, and various educational programs, as well as attend staff lectures.
In order to increase diversity in professions related to museums and the arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art seeks diversity in its intern staff and provides equal opportunity to its applicants.
Click here to view a list of Frequently Asked Questions
The Application Process
Applications may be submitted electronically by emailing internships@mcachicago.org and attaching your application form, resume, two letters of recommendation, and any additional materials by the appropriate deadline. Letters of recommendation may be submitted separately with the applicant's name in the subject line. When submitting electronically, only one copy of each document is required. Include your school's credit requirements in the e-mail. Please note that the curatorial, editorial, and development departments require writing samples with applications. The graphic design department requires samples of graphic design work.
When submitting an application by mail, send three copies of your application form, resume, two letters of recommendation, and any additional materials by the appropriate deadline. If applicable, include your school's requirements for credit with your application. Please note that the curatorial, editorial, and development departments require writing samples with applications. The graphic design department requires samples of graphic design work.
Please address all application materials (including letters of recommendation) to:
Ashley Glicken
Internship and Volunteer Coordinator
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
220 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Application materials are under review for approximately four to six weeks after the deadline. Candidates for interviews will be notified by e-mail. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.
Download the Internship Application Form
 (PDF Format)
 (Word Document)
The MCA does not offer paid internships but does participate in some cooperative education programs. Students interested in cooperative education or academic credit should contact their college placement office or counselor for more information.
If you have questions about applying for an internship, please email (aglicken@mcachicago.org) or call the Intern Coordinator at 312.397.3822.
| Application Deadlines (three yearly) |
| Internship Term |
Application Deadline |
| Summer Term (May - August): |
March 15 |
| Fall Term (September - December): |
July 15 |
| Winter/Spring Term (January - May): |
November 15 |
Please address all application materials (including letters of recommendation) to:
Ashley Glicken
Internship and Volunteer Coordinator
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago IL 60611
Those interested in applying after a deadline are invited to contact the MCA internship office at 312.397.3822.
The Museum of Contemporary Art's Jimmy Jones Internship was established to honor the memory of Dr. Jimmy Jones, a dedicated member of the MCA's Board of Trustees for more than twenty-eight years. He exemplified a commitment to community, excellence, and Chicago's lively and vibrant arts community. Each fall, beginning in 2006, the Jimmy Jones Intern will receive a stipend of $2,500.
The MCA will consider all applicants who have been accepted to the program during the autumn term regardless of department. Qualified applicants should meet the requirements of the Internship Program listed on the MCA website and will be asked to write an essay on a topic proposed by the selection committee. The MCA seeks increased diversity in the MCA Internship Program and provides equal opportunity to its applicants. Qualified candidates will be notified of the details upon acceptance to the program.
The Museum of Contemporary Art's Greg Cameron Internship has been established to recognize the dedication of Greg Cameron, a long-time and key member of the MCA staff whose leadership and passion set an example for the entire MCA family for nearly twenty years. Now a devoted supporter of the MCA, Greg Cameron's commitment to enriching the arts in Chicago continues to inspire. Each winter/spring, beginning in 2009, the Greg Cameron Intern will receive a stipend of $2,500. The MCA will consider all applicants who have been accepted to the program during the winter/spring term regardless of department. Qualified applicants should meet the requirements of the Internship Program listed on the MCA website and will be asked to write an essay on a topic proposed by the selection committee. The MCA seeks increased diversity in the MCA Internship Program and provides equal opportunity to its applicants. Qualified candidates will be notified of the details upon acceptance to the program.
Interns assist with various aspects of accounting for a not-for-profit institution-accounts payable and receivable processing, account reconciliation, and the month-end general ledger. Interns may also assist with special accounting projects. Candidates must have completed some accounting coursework, be detail oriented, and have strong computer skills.
Interns gain exposure to the internal functions of the MCA through a variety of projects in the Administration, Visitor Services, and Human Resources departments. Responsibilities include assisting with further developing the volunteer and internship programs, as well as formalizing and documenting administration procedures, policies, and operations. Candidates must be detail oriented and have excellent organizational skills. They should also have basic computer and word processing skills.
Interns assist with research projects and administrative tasks including preparing artists' bibliographies and biographies and responding to general inquiries from scholars and the public about artists and artworks. Interns may also assist with writing gallery labels, data entry, copying articles, typing, filing, and preparing correspondence. Applicants should include writing samples with application. Candidates must have excellent organizational skills and be detail oriented. They should also have computer and administrative skills.
Interns participate in drafting proposals to corporations, foundations, and government-funding sources to request restricted and unrestricted support for the MCA. Interns also assist staff in writing reports and conducting research on prospective funding sources. Applicants should include writing samples with application. Candidates should have computer and administrative skills.
Interns offer support to staff working with unrestricted individual gifts to the MCA. Duties include Annual Fund event- and program-planning support and assisting with the execution of solicitation mailings. Candidates should have computer and administrative skills.
By assisting in the production of catalogues, gallery guides, invitations, calendars, and ads, interns gain exposure to all aspects of museum publishing. Specific responsibilities include proofreading, editing, and some writing and research. Candidates must be detail oriented and have excellent organizational skills. Applicants should include writing samples and may be asked to take a proofreading test as part of the application process.
Interns provide organizational and on-site support for several educational programs, which may include lectures by artists, panel discussions, classes and workshops for adults, school programs, family programs, arts camp, and guide-training sessions. Interns perform general departmental duties, such as preparation of program packets, educational materials, research, correspondence, and scheduling. Candidates must have excellent organizational and basic computer skills, and should be comfortable interacting with the public. Candidates should have research experience or previously worked with children.
Interns assist designers in developing and producing materials related to the MCA's graphic needs, including exhibition catalogues, gallery signage, and promotional materials. Candidates should have experience in print production and proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite in a Macintosh environment. Web design knowledge is preferred, but not required. Candidates must be currently enrolled in or have graduated from a graphic design program and include a PDF portfolio with their application.
Working with the Information Systems Department, interns will work on specific projects. For example, interns might maintain the IS Asset Database, which tracks hardware and software; or qualified interns might assist in the development of new databases; install new PCs; and provide basic network support. Candidates should be familiar with Microsoft access database concepts and able to enter data accurately. Working knowledge of Windows XP and Microsoft Office products will be very helpful.
Library interns support the research of the MCA staff, interns, volunteers, and visiting scholars by assisting the Librarian on a variety of projects. Current projects include cataloging the Art in Chicago and the MCA Publications Archives, as well as the Artists' Books and Video Collections. Interns are responsible for reference, circulation, labeling, scanning, and shifting materials. Interns gain a solid understanding of the operations of an art museum library, as well as other MCA departments. Experience in libraries is preferred. The ability to work independently with a strong attention to detail is required. Some heavy lifting is involved.
Interns assist in creating visibility for the museum, exhibitions, and programs, and in attracting new audiences. Duties include conducting research on prospective audience markets and participating in the analysis of demographic, clipping MCA ads, admissions, and other data. Interns work with members of the marketing department and the visitor services department on specific, smaller projects, including direct mailings, database maintenance, special events, internal marketing, and management of marketing files. Due to participation in events such as First Fridays and galas, applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
Interns write media releases, assist film crews, and manage photographers to help create and pitch media stories for exhibitions, performances, educational programs, special events, and the MCA Store. Interns interact with visual and performance artists and many different types of press including print, TV, and radio. They also assist with program-related research, handle inquiries and visits from the media, maintain the newsclip system, and manage listings distributions for all public programs. Special projects include working at media previews, exhibition openings, and special events such as First Fridays and galas. Candidates must have strong writing, organizational, and computer skills. Interns work both independently and with many other museum departments in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Responsibilities and tasks vary daily for new projects. Journalism students are encouraged to apply. Due to participation in events such as First Fridays and galas, applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
Interns participate in all aspects of the membership program. Duties include researching how to convert museum visitors to members and donors, coordinating members' openings and events, organizing direct mailings, and contributing ideas for membership drives. Interns also help maintain the membership database and perform administrative tasks. Candidates should have computer skills and excellent communication skills, as well as be detail oriented and creative.
Interns assist in various aspects of developing and presenting dance, music, theater, and media arts programs. Interns develop and maintain resource files, compile program notes, assist in productions, and complete clerical and administrative tasks. Candidates must have studied the humanities, art history, or studio arts and have experience with Excel and Word software. Applicants should have experience in performing arts administration and stage work.
Interns organize and label photographic reproductions of works of art in the collection and temporary exhibitions. Interns facilitate rights and reproduction requests writing correspondence, researching artists and copyright holders, and processing and tracking invoices. Interns also work with the MCA photographer to photograph works of art in the collection and temporary exhibitions, process internal work requests, and log photographic material and photography requests. Candidates should have experience with photography and a background in art.
Interns assist with the internal functions of the Preparators Department. Interns may have the opportunity to assist with current exhibitions from the initial organization following through to the completion, organizing past exhibition files, and updating MCA Collection documentation and instruction. Other responsibilities may include data entry, filing, preparing correspondence, and research. Candidates must have good computer and organizational skills. Computer-aided design and AutoCAD experience is preferred.
Interns gain practical experience working directly with the MCA Collection Registrar and the Special Exhibitions Registrars. Interns assist with daily operations involving collections management, exhibition organization, research, and contracts. Interns are also responsible for daily tasks including typing, filing, data entry, and use of collections management software. Candidates must have excellent organizational skills and be detail oriented. Applicants should have computer and general administrative skills.
Interns gain experience in the planning and production of rental events including corporate receptions and dinners, not-for-profit fundraisers, weddings, and other private events. Interns work closely with on-site caterer and various vendors, and their responsibilities include basic administrative tasks, research, maintenance of client files and databases, mailings, and assisting the Rental Events staff with events. Candidates should have basic computer and word processing skills, as well as excellent customer service skills. Due to participation in events such as First Fridays and galas, applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
Interns assist the Manager of Retail Operations with the daily operations of the MCA Store, including merchandising, marketing, and public relations. Candidates should have experience in retail, merchandise display, or visual arts, plus an interest in shopping.
Interns are exposed to many aspects of event planning and production. MCA special events incorporate the efforts of numerous departments, including Development, Membership, Curatorial, and Education, and provide a major part of the MCA's operating funds. Responsibilities include basic administrative tasks, maintenance of databases, mailings, assisting with special events, and problem solving. Candidates should have computer and word processing skills. Due to participation in events such as First Fridays and galas, applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
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