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!

Donate to the Annual Fund by calling 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.  

Volunteering at the New Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum’s Volunteer Docent Program trains qualified volunteers to lead public tours through the Museum. Docents give introductions to, and facilitate discussions of, exhibitions and architecture of the building. Through a series of training sessions and tour observations, museum docents learn a variety of techniques that encourage audiences to look at, analyze, and discuss artworks. Assessing the needs of each group, docents use a flexible approach that considers the backgrounds, interests, and abilities of all visitors who wish to explore contemporary art.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a working knowledge of twentieth-century art history and contemporary art (or have a background in studio art or art education). Applicants must have a genuine appreciation for all visitors 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; Italian, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese speakers are encouraged to apply. A commitment of one year is required.

Responsibilities

Docents provide educational services for the New Museum of Contemporary Art Education Department and serve as ambassadors to the Museum.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Research, plan, and facilitate public tours on New Museum exhibitions. Tours are offered Wednesday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.; docents are asked to lead a minimum of 2–3 tours per month
• Engage through touring with the general public, including visitors with a wide range of range of experience with contemporary art
• Provide information about the Museum’s institutional history, membership, exhibitions, public programs, and visitor services
• Participate in docent orientation and continued training, including exhibition walk-throughs, observation debrief meetings, and tour assessment

Apply

If you are interested in applying to be a Volunteer Docent, please email a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in teaching contemporary art and the experiences, training, and education that will help you facilitate dynamic tours.

Contact Information:
volunteer@newmuseum.org
212.219.1222 x235