Graduate Intern, Modern & Contemporary Art

Internship

Title:

Graduate Intern, Modern & Contemporary Department

Academic Level: College Graduate Student

Supervisors: Alison de Lima Greene, Isabel Brown Wilson Curator, and Dr. Brittany Webb, Curator - Department of Modern and Contemporary Art

Department: Curatorial

Dates of Internship: Summer

Schedule:

June 1 – August 7, 2026

The Graduate Internship with the Modern & Contemporary Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers a unique opportunity for college students to gain first-hand professional experience with a curatorial team. Over the summer of 2026, this internship will contribute to an in-depth review of the Museum’s permanent collection in preparation for upcoming installations in the Kinder Building galleries and selected projects elsewhere on the larger campus.

The internship will focus on the role of a permanent collection as a community resource, emphasizing best scholarly practices and object-based learning. Participants will gain exposure to research methodologies, public engagement, and the evolving field of art history, which increasingly includes diverse fields of study and perspectives. As part of this learning experience, interns will participate in the department’s daily activities, such as responding to requests from visiting scholars and the public, updating information on the collection website, and interfacing with other museum departments and with the larger internship cohort.

Included will be opportunities to undertake field trips to notable art galleries, artists’ studios, and alternative spaces, offering a broader view of Houston’s dynamic art scene.

• Strong research and writing skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Dependable and punctual.

This internship is open to students currently enrolled in a graduate program or those who have recently completed (within one year) a Master’s degree.

The internship will comprise 350 hours of work (35 hours per week for 10 weeks), running from June 1 to August 7, 2026. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with an hour-long lunch).

This position requires on-site attendance, and cannot be undertaken remotely.

This is a paid internship at $17 per hour.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV):
  Highlighting relevant experience, education, and skills.
• Cover Letter:
  Explaining your interest in the Modern & Contemporary Department internship and how it aligns with your academic and professional goals.
• Writing Sample:
  Approximately 1,000 words, demonstrating research and analytical skills.