Barnes Foundation

Internship Description
The purpose of this internship is to offer graduate art history students the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of curatorial research and exhibition development within one of the most renowned art collections in the United States.

Working closely with the curatorial or research and interpretation teams, the successful candidate will research a selected work from the Barnes Foundation’s permanent collection, research and write short- and long-format interpretive materials, or contribute to the preparation of a special exhibition. Interns may develop an “object white paper” — a scholarly report for the museum’s internal files — and present their findings to colleagues at the end of the program. The internship also includes participation in departmental meetings, research colloquia, and training in The Museum System (TMS), the Barnes’ collections management software.

About the Barnes Foundation
Founded in 1922 by Dr. Albert C. Barnes, the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia is home to one of the world’s most important collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings, as well as exceptional examples of African sculpture, metalwork, and decorative arts. The Barnes is dedicated to promoting the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts through its unique curatorial vision and educational mission.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

• Case study:
  Write and submit a case study (500 words): Select one artwork from the Barnes Foundation’s collection and discuss its historical and artistic significance.
• Resume
• Cover Letter