About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Internship Program Description 

The Museum’s Internship Program offers college undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates' valuable insights into the operations of a professional museum environment. Interns collaborate on meaningful and engaging projects with museum staff and participate in a series of meetings and workshops focused on contemporary museology. 

*Please note: Only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States are eligible for this program.*

Job Summary

The Curatorial Intern will work under the direction of the Curatorial Assistants. Interns will be involved in a range of curatorial research projects. A key component of this internship will be conducting research and writing for objects and artists represented in the permanent collection, as well as administrative tasks to support the department’s curatorial library. Projects will also include deep research on mission specific-related exhibitions happening globally. The intern may also be completing administrative tasks for exhibition-related projects. 

The Curatorial Internship position is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring/minoring in art history, visual culture, or a related field. Applicants should be interested in curatorial work and have excellent writing and research skills and knowledge of the contemporary art world. Applicants must be able to handle multiple projects at once and work independently.

Application Information 

The Fall 2026 season will feature eight internship positions: Communications, Curatorial, Director’s Office, Development, Education, Graphic Design, Public Programs, and Registrar. 

Applicants are encouraged to designate both a first and second choice for the positions they wish to be considered for. Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only candidates chosen for interviews will receive direct communication regarding the status of their application.

Application Materials: 
To be considered, applicants must submit the following

• Resume 

• A cover letter 

• A writing sample (no more than 5 pages) 

Dates and Details

Fall 2026 Program Dates: September 14, 2026 – December 18, 2026 (14-weeks) 

Requirements: 20 hours/week, during the workweek (M-F). Interns must work in-person three days of the week, with Tuesdays mandatory for interns. 

Stipend: $5,040

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM on July 27, 2026

Applicants will be notified about interviews by August 14, 2026

• If you have not heard back before the set date, you have not been considered as a finalist for the Fall 2026 cohort.

All interns must attend an in-person orientation day the morning of September 14, 2026, to commence their program.