About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, The Studio Museum in Harlem is a cultural leader that champions and preserves the prolific legacy of artists of African descent while simultaneously promoting critical thinking about art, culture, and community. Born out of an urgent need amid the political, social, and cultural ferment of the late 1960s, the Studio Museum was founded to create a new paradigm in which institutionally ignored artists of color would be seen, discussed, rewarded, and made known to the public. Today, the Studio Museum continues to serve as the nexus for Black artists locally, nationally, and internationally, and for work inspired and influenced by Black culture.

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 that only individuals authorized to work in the United States will be considered for acceptance into the internship program. However, the Museum is open to receiving expressions of interest from non-work authorized individuals who wish to volunteer their services to the Museum.

Application Information

The Summer 2024 season will feature seven internship positions: Communications, Curatorial, Development, Director’s Office, Education, and People and Culture (HR). 

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.

Applicants are required to submit the following for consideration:

• Resume
• Writing Sample (no more than 5 pages)
• Optional video, up to 2 minutes (max) that discusses your interest in the Studio Museum, the specific position you have applied for, and how an internship would impact your career sent to smi@studiomuseum.org.

Dates and Details

Summer 2024 Dates: June 3, 2024 – August 9, 2024 (10-weeks)

Requirements: Minimum 15 hours/week, during the workweek (M-F); interns are also required to work in-person one day a week in our offices in Harlem.

Stipend: $2250

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM on March 11, 2024

Applicants will be notified about interviews by April 8, 2024. If you have not heard back before that date, you have not been considered as a finalist for the Summer 2024 cohort.

All interns must attend an in-person orientation day the morning of June 3, 2024, to commence their program.

While this internship follows a hybrid model, all interns must be able to work in-person on Wednesdays. This day is designated for enrichment activities and field trips around the city. Additionally, it provides interns with a valuable opportunity to build relationships with each other.

People & Culture (HR) Department (1 Position)  

The People & Culture (HR) Department seeks to employ an enthusiastic and driven HR intern to assist with administrative and HR-related tasks. The People & Culture intern will work under the Senior People Operations Coordinator’s supervision. Interns will be involved in research projects for recruitment and employee engagement. A key component of this internship will be conducting research for diversity candidates for our cultural institute, helping plan volunteer events and bi-monthly employee engagement events. Probable projects may also include helping with the scheduling of interviews, onboarding process, posting jobs, and new hire announcements, etc. Interns will work directly with the People & Culture team and cross departments. The Human Resources internship position is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in human resources, business management, or a related field. Applicants should have an interest in human capital, have excellent written and organizational skills, communication, and high attention to detail.