Contribute to the New Museum's Annual Fund or join as a Member and support an institution that's fearless, open, and alive!

A haven for today's most daring, cutting-edge, and dynamic artists, the New Museum is the destination for contemporary art. Thanks to Annual Fund contributions and Memberships from friends like YOU who support our mission of new art and new ideas, we are able to present exhibitions that push boundaries, organize stimulating public programs, serve students and teachers, and foster innovative ideas about contemporary art and culture.

Support the art of tomorrow, today!

Making your 100% tax-deductible gift or joining as a Member is quick and easy and will make a tremendous difference!

To donate to the Annual Fund with a credit card by phone, please call our Development Office at 212.219.1222 x 252. You may also mail contributions in any amount to:

Development Office
New Museum
235 Bowery
New York, NY 10002
U.S.A.

Thank you for supporting new art and new ideas!

The Internship Program at the New Museum offers participants hands-on training in the museum profession and a comprehensive overview of Museum operations. Interns also gain insight into the world of contemporary art.

Internships are available in the following Museum departments: Administration, Curatorial, Development, Director’s Office, Education, External Affairs, Information Systems, Registrar/Exhibition Management, and Retail and Institutional Sales. Interns participate in the day-to-day activities of these departments, in addition to working on specific projects. When considering whether or not to apply for an internship at the New Museum, please keep in mind that they are unpaid.

Eligibility

All interested individuals eighteen years of age and older are eligible to apply for an internship. Qualifications vary for each intern, and some positions may require college or graduate training and/or professional experience. International candidates are encouraged to apply, but please note that we do not provide visas.

Application Procedure

Interns must submit an intern application form, two letters of recommendation from professors and/or previous employers, a resume, and a cover letter.

Download an application

Schedule

Spring cycle (January 15–April 30)
Application Deadline: December 1

Summer cycle(June 1–August 31)
Application Deadline: April 15th

Fall cycle (September 15–December 31)
Application Deadline: August 15

Days and Hours

Interns must be able to work a minimum of two full days per week, seven hours per day. The exact schedule will be determined with the department supervisor. Interns must be able to work a full trimester. No interns will be accepted for shorter periods.

Once your file is complete, please do not call the Intern Coordinator to check on the status of your application. Only those applicants whom the departments are interested in interviewing will be contacted. A department supervisor will notify selected interns of their acceptance at least two weeks before the start of each cycle.

Administration

The Administration department is responsible for the financial management of the Museum, including budgeting, accounting, tax, and audit preparation, as well as benefits and human resources. In addition, this department manages the day-to-day administrative functions of the Museum offices. Interns interested in developing their business and management abilities will learn skills in program budgets and non-profit financial administration.

Curatorial

The Curatorial department researches and organizes upcoming exhibitions, including the development of timelines, checklists, and signage; produces exhibition catalogues; manages the travel of selected exhibitions; corresponds with artists, curators, galleries, and museums; and orchestrates a weekly slide review of artists’ work. Interns will be introduced to issues relating to contemporary art and will obtain administrative and curatorial skills in organizing art exhibitions.

Development

The Development department is responsible for all grants from government, foundation, and corporate sources; the Membership program; contributions to the Museum; and the capital campaign for building and endowment needs. Interns will assist in researching prospective donors, program planning, Membership events, budgeting and solicitation for special projects, and grants writing.

Director's Office

The Director and Deputy Director manage the work of all the Museum’s departments. Interns will be involved in all areas of museum operation and will be able to gain an understanding of how a contemporary art museum is run.

Education

The Education department organizes programs for high school students and teachers, public programs for adults (lectures, panel discussions, performances), family days, and group tours. Interns will gain an understanding of public education programs related to a contemporary art museum, as well as the programming of the Museum as Hub program and the New Museum’s Resource Center.

External Affairs

The External Affairs department expands public awareness of the New Museum.  The department produces the Museum’s media releases; circulates images for reproduction; places advertisements; produces catalogs, newsletters, and other promotional materials; organizes the Annual Gala and other events; and plans exhibition openings. Interns will assist in producing media and marketing materials and in coordinating special events.

Information Systems

Information Systems is responsible for the Museum’s computer hardware and software, network, and database applications. Interns will assist in maintaining computer systems. It is recommended that all applicants have technical experience.

Registrar/Exhibitions Management

This internship provides an opportunity to develop skills related to the installation, preparation, and shipment of works of art for exhibition. Interns will assist in maintaining inventory and the documentation of the Museum’s Semi-Permanent Collection. Experience with collection maintenance is a plus. It is recommended that all applicants have basic clerical and word processing skills.

Retail and Institutional Sales

The New Museum Store complements the Museum’s exhibition schedule by providing a stunning assortment of contemporary art-related titles and objects for sale. Interns will gain experience in the day-to-day operations of a retail space—budgeting, visual merchandising, marketing, and maintaining the online store—as well as an insider view into the world of fine art books and library services.

Special Events

The Special Events department organizes the New Museum’s annual spring gala, exhibition openings, corporate rentals, and private events. Interns will assist in producing and in coordinating special events.  

If you are familiar with the New Museum and are interested in donating some of your valuable time to the institution, please consider joining the New Museum’s Volunteer Docent Program.

The Museum’s Volunteer Docent Program trains qualified volunteers to lead groups of adults, students, and families through the Museum. Docents give introductions to, and facilitate discussions of, exhibitions and the architecture of the building. Museum docents learn a variety of techniques that encourage their audiences to look, analyze, and discuss artworks. Docents assess the needs of each group and use a flexible approach that takes into consideration the backgrounds, interests, and abilities of all visitors who wish to explore contemporary art.

Qualifications

Candidates with a strong knowledge of 20th-century art history and contemporary art (or have a background in studio art or art education) are welcome to apply. Candidates must have a genuine appreciation for all visitors, including adults and children from diverse backgrounds, and must be able to convey information in a clear, concise, and articulate manner. An ability to conduct tours in more than one language is a plus; Chinese and Spanish speakers are encouraged to apply. A commitment of one year is required.

Responsibilities

Docents provide educational services for the New Museum education department and serve as ambassadors of the Museum. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Lead exhibition and non-exhibition related tours and programs throughout the Museum, and beyond our walls.
• Develop and facilitate educational programs for families, high school and college students, and adults.
• Participate in Family Days throughout the year.
• Provide information on the museum and current projects, as well as general education and media programs.
• Assist with visitors’ questions, suggestions, and problems.
• Participate in all Volunteer Docent trainings and professional development.

Training

Training consists of introductions to the architecture of the new building, exhibitions and in-depth discussion of the opening exhibition “Unmonumental,” and instruction on tour techniques, questioning strategies, and visitor-service protocols. Training also requires that guides observe several tours on their own time. New guides then give two practice tours for which they receive feedback before working independently. Active docents are provided with training for new exhibitions and continuing-education sessions throughout the academic year.

Benefits

Volunteer Docents are admitted free of charge (plus one guest) to the Museum, invited to educational programs and to private gallery tours, and receive a 15% discount at the New Museum Store.

If you are interested in being part of the Volunteer Docent family please call 212.219.1222 x 235 or email volunteer@newmuseum.org to receive an application.