Art Gallery InternAt — DMST Atelier

The gallery intern supports daily operations, exhibition installation/de-installation, gallery hours, and visitor engagement. This internship will provide  hands-on experience in art gallery function, community outreach,  art handling, marketing, and administration.

Key responsibilities include greeting visitors, updating databases, managing social media, assisting with events, studio visits, and community engagement projects.

This role is ideal for art, graphic design, communication and marketing students. 

Tasks:

Assist with the installation and de-installation of exhibitions, including proper handling, placement, and documentation of artworks to ensure preservation and presentation standards.

Greet and engage with gallery visitors, providing information about exhibitions and programs, thereby developing professional communication and customer service skills.

Manage and update the gallery’s databases, including artist records, inventory, and visitor logs, ensuring accurate and organized administrative documentation.

Create, schedule, and monitor content for the gallery’s social media platforms to support marketing efforts and community outreach.

Support the planning and execution of gallery events, workshops, and community engagement projects, collaborating with staff and external partners to coordinate logistics and participant engagement.

Participate in studio visits and artist meetings, assisting with documentation and reporting to gain insight into artist-gallery relationships and professional art practices.

Conduct research on artists, exhibitions, and community programs to contribute to marketing materials and gallery communications.

Attend weekly Zoom meetings, to discuss the coming week and tasks.

Weekly gallery maintenance and taking inventory on supplies for up coming events or shows.

Training:

Students will begin with a mandatory general employer orientation to familiarize them with gallery policies, safety procedures, and an overview of daily operations. Throughout the internship, students will participate in weekly one-on-one mentor meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and set goals aligned with their learning outcomes.

Training will include hands-on job shadowing during exhibition installation and de-installation, providing practical experience in art handling and display techniques. Students will also receive workshops on community engagement strategies, marketing best practices, and visitor interaction skills.

An overview and contextualization of assigned tasks will be provided regularly to ensure clarity and relevance to gallery functions. Additionally, students will have access to training materials such as literature on art administration, marketing, and outreach, supplemented by periodic assessments to reinforce learning.

This structured training approach is designed to support student growth, skill development, and a comprehensive understanding of gallery operations.

Learning Outcome:

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to effectively assist with exhibition installation and de-installation, demonstrating proper art handling and installation techniques.

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to engage professionally with gallery visitors and community members, enhancing communication and customer service skills.

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to manage and update gallery databases and social media platforms, applying marketing and administrative skills in a real-world setting.

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to support event coordination and community outreach projects, gaining experience in project management and collaborative teamwork.

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to articulate the functions and operations of an art gallery, gaining a comprehensive understanding of gallery management and community engagement.