Rockford Art Museum provides four internship paths for students looking to pursue a career in the arts or museum studies: Curatorial, Education, Social Media & Marketing, and Public Relations. Interns receive membership status and have access to those benefits throughout the duration of the internship. The RAM Internship Program is unpaid and requires a minimum commitment of 1 day/week.

Ongoing internships are open to college undergraduates and graduate-level students, as well as recent graduates seeking additional experience. There are three-month, six-month and one-year internship options. Interns will work with an assigned staff member to develop their project and create a list of goals they work towards throughout their internship.

Internship Opportunities

Interns will work with the Education and Engagement team to support the operation of RAM Summer Camps and Classes. Summer Programs are offered from mid-June to early August for art enthusiasts in grades K–12. Interns will gain a better understanding of the organization of informal education programing and experience in program development and facilitation.The RAM Internship Program is unpaid and requires a minimum commitment of 1 day/week.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assisting Education Staff with daily summer programs
  • Maintaining accurate records of daily drop-off and pick-up procedures
  • Organization and development of Camp Collage aftercare programing
  • Development and facilitation of two age-appropriate activities during the RAM Sonic Disruptions camp programs at the end of internship
  • Maintaining accurate inventory of supplies and materials
  • Supporting other educational programs as needed

Qualifications:

  • Applicant must be a recent High School Junior or Senior, or college student of any level
  • Strong interest or experience in education, museum education, art education, art, or related field required
  • Strong interest or experience working with children and/or teens preferred
  • Strong interest or experience in program development preferred
  • Ability to work and make decisions both independently and collaboratively
  • Strong organization skills and detail-oriented required
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite required

 

To apply: Send a resume/CV, cover letter and Intern Application form to education@rockfordartmuseum.org.

The Art to Go Intern will work with the Education and Engagement Manager to revitalize the RAM Art to Go program. The Art to Go program is an art-appreciation resource that introduces participants to the visual arts through themed portfolios containing art reproductions and lesson plans with art history content, age-appropriate questions and activity ideas—all free of charge. Intern will gain a better understanding of informal education outreach programing and experience in program creation and the educational standard alignment process. The RAM Internship Program is unpaid and requires a minimum commitment of 1 day/week.

Responsibilities include:

  • Create and maintain accurate inventory and records of Art to Go program materials
  • Evaluate current programing and present revitalization plan to RAM staff
  • Develop portfolio lesson plans that provide relevant and age-appropriate content for students in grades K–12
  • Align Art to Go portfolios with current educational standards
  • Support other educational programs as needed

Qualifications:

  • Internship is open to college undergraduates and graduate-level students as well as recent graduates
  • Strong interest or experience in education, museum education, art education, art history, studio art or related field required  
  • Ability to work and make decisions independently required
  • Strong organization skills and detail-oriented required
  • Strong interest or experience in outreach program and lesson plan development preferred
  • Strong interest or experience working with Illinois State Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards preferred
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite required

To apply: Send a resume/CV, cover letter and Intern Application form to education@rockfordartmuseum.org.

Ongoing internships are open to college undergraduates and graduate-level students, as well as recent graduates seeking additional experience. There are three-month, six-month and one-year internship options. Interns will work with an assigned staff member to develop their project and create a list of goals they work towards throughout their internship. The RAM Internship Program is unpaid and requires a minimum commitment of 1 day/week.

Interns will gain professional experience in a museum setting through hands-on training with a wide range of curatorial duties, including: assisting with the research, management, and interpretation of the museum’s collection. Gain an understanding of the organization behind exhibitions while learning about the various responsibilities of the curatorial team. The RAM Internship Program is unpaid and requires a minimum commitment of 1 day/week.

Possible projects could include:

EXHIBITIONS

  • Assisting the RAM Curator and Registrar during feature and permanent collection exhibition installations
  • Assist with the creation of interpretive signage and interactive elements in the Museum galleries
  • Label and didactic research
  • Assist with the creation of educational materials

COLLECTIONS

  • Work with RAM’s collection, including observing how objects are stored, moved, and installed/deinstalled in the galleries
  • Work with a digital collection database organizing and developing physical curatorial object files
  • Compile bibliographies and photographic materials for catalogues and collection files
  • Assist with the installation of collection exhibits
  • Research and write articles for the website and social media outlets

 Interns will gain experience fostering community relationships with volunteers, the public, and institutional partners and/or experience in the development and facilitation of educational and exhibition-related programming. The RAM Internship Program is unpaid and requires a minimum commitment of 1 day/week.

Possible projects could include:

  • Planning and implementation of onsite programing including: RAM Homeschool classes, Family Events, Young Artist Show student exhibition and various workshops
  • Working with our various volunteer programs and developing tour resources
  • Experience in development and facilitation of informal education programs
  • Building relationships with after school and outreach programs lead by local schools and childcare groups
  • Development of Family and Teacher Gallery Guides

To apply: Send a resume/CV, cover letter, and Intern Application form to education@rockfordartmuseum.org.

Interns will gain experience in the field of marketing and communications in the nonprofit museum sector through the lens of print and digital design. The RAM Internship Program is unpaid and requires a minimum commitment of 1 day/week. Possible projects could include:
  • Keeping social media updated and brand focused, and seeking out new ways to connect with audiences
  • Researching industry best practices for communication methods and suggesting implementation ideas
  • Assisting with print/digital design projects and the distribution of marketing materials
  • Experience photographing events and programs for documentation and marketing
To apply: Send a resume/CV, cover letter, and Intern Application form to saxelson@rockfordartmuseum.org.

Interns will gain experience in fundraising, marketing and brand management and exposure to the techniques and practices of the nonprofit museum sector.

Possible projects could include:

  • Drafting press materials while keeping to brand guidelines, proofread as necessary
  • Working on mailings on an as-needed basis, and assisting to develop and maintain targeted mailing lists
  • Assisting with press check-in at events, as needed
  • Assisting staff with set-up for events that take place on site
  • Assist in writing and distributing press releases, preparing media kits, maintaining media guides and other communication tools to help promote earned coverage of the museum and its programs
  • Helping to foster relationships with media, including newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations, and other outlets to ensure effective dissemination of museum information
  • Occasionally assisting with general office tasks, such as filing and answering phones

To apply: Send a resume/CV, cover letter, and Intern Application form to education@rockfordartmuseum.org.

Application Form