Overview:
The Getty Marrow Curatorial Intern will report to MOCA’s Curatorial Assistant, working closely with MOCA’s Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs and Guest Co-curator, MOCA’s Curatorial Administrator, as well as staff from other departments as necessary. The Curatorial Intern will gain experience in the developmental processes of a thematic exhibition scheduled to open in the fall of 2026 at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. The intern will assist with object research, compiling a bibliography and exhibition histories, writing and editing artist entries, and more. Throughout the course of the summer, the intern will gain valuable insight into the exhibition and catalogue planning.
Work Hours: 9:30am–5:30pm, Monday through Friday, for 10 consecutive weeks from June–August 2025 (starting date flexible). While this internship is primarily on-site, the selected candidate should be prepared for occasional remote work, which will require a stable internet connection.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Carry out historical, object, and artist research for an upcoming exhibition and publication, including compiling a bibliography and exhibition histories
- Assist in writing and editing artist entries for an exhibition catalogue
- Update and expand records in the museum’s database (TMS training will be provided)
- Draft correspondences to artists, artists’ estates, archives, and museums to seek permission for borrowing works, acquiring images and image rights, as well as for general inquiries
- Assist with administrative tasks as needed
- Observe and participate in departmental meetings as appropriate
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Requirements:
- Possess an interest in modern and contemporary art history, curation, and exhibition planning
- A curiosity about museums, collection management, and publications is also preferred
- Ability to write clear, concise, and well-researched texts on artists
- Interest in rethinking postwar American art history
- Excellent communication, research, and organizational skills
- Detail-oriented and able to work independently
- Ability to use Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Workspace
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in cultural institutions.
GETTY MARROW UNDERGRADUATE INTERNSHIP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Member of a group underrepresented in museums and visual arts organizations, which can include groups defined by–among other things–socioeconomic status, cultural background, physical or other disability, geographical origin and/or any life experiences that add diverse and underrepresented perspectives.
- Currently enrolled undergraduate (bachelor’s degree program, associate’s degree program, or a vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate level). Students must have completed at least one semester or two quarters of college by June 1, 2025. Students who graduated the semester or quarter immediately before the internship are also eligible. (Students who are enrolled in a second BA or BS program are not eligible.)
- Reside or attend college in Los Angeles County;
- United States citizen or permanent resident (non-citizen authorized to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis; also known as a “green card” holder). Students with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) status valid through the internship period are also eligible; and
- May have previously interned as a Getty Marrow Undergraduate Intern at an organization other than MOCA.
GETTY MARROW INTERN REQUIRED ACTIVITIES
- Attend three mandatory Education Events:
- Arts Summit (June 23)
- Two Learning Community events in July, to be selected by the end of June (two dates will be selected from July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31)
- Submit end-of internship evaluation.
Hourly Wage: $19.00
Position covered by MOCA/AFSCME Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement: NO
Physical Demands:
While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following: sit for extended periods; bend and reach for filing and other job-related functions; climb up and down stairs; bend, stoop, and lift to move and retrieve materials; pull, push, and lift; reach both above and below shoulder height. Specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to visually inspect work. Manual dexterity to operate computer and other office equipment required. Heavy usage of computers and phones required.
The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, hairstyle, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Art’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices. Details of our equal employment opportunity policies are further explained in Anti-Discrimination & Harassment.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
