The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has offered students the opportunity to intern with the staff since 1940. Interns work under the guidance of museum staff and participate in the ongoing work of the department. Internships acquaint students with the challenges and rewards of planning and implementing a variety of projects, programs, and services and introduce them to specific areas of the museum profession.
The museum currently offers academic year and summer internships to qualified undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining practical museum experience and who have a strong interest in a museum career. The candidate’s relevant study or experience will determine placement. First-choice placement will be made when possible, but candidates should also indicate a second and third department/office placement preference. Museum staff review application materials and finalists are contacted for interviews.
When Are Internships Offered?
Fall semester: Sep – Dec
Spring semester: Feb – May
The number of hours varies depending on whether students are receiving academic credit from their schools for the internship. A minimum of 8- to 12-hour commitments per week is expected during the fall and spring semesters. No stipends are provided.
Summer semester: Late May or early June to August
Weekly hour commitment ranges from 24 to 40 hours depending on the program, project, and staff requirement, or if the student is receiving academic credit for the internship. No stipends are provided.
How Do You Apply?
Applicants must submit the following items in an application packet:
- Print and fill out the cover sheet, which can then be scanned and e-mailed with the other documents or mailed together with the other documents. (E-mail is preferred.) This form is a PDF file requiring Adobe® Acrobat® Reader.
- A letter detailing your interest in a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts internship, how such an experience will help you achieve your education and career goals, and three department/offices of interest, along with reasons for these preferences
- A résumé or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty
- Official copy of most recent undergraduate or graduate transcript
- A brief writing sample (e.g., a short essay, press release) Please note: Application materials cannot be returned.
What Are the Deadlines?*
Fall semester: Jul 1
Spring semester: Nov 15
Summer semester: Feb 15
*Students are placed after the deadlines if internships have not been filled.
Which Departments Offer Internships?
Art Reference Library
Collections Management: Photographic resources and registration departments
Curatorial Departments (graduate students only)
Development: Donor and corporate relations, planned giving, and membership departments
Education: Serving Infants to Infinity with a range of classes and programs, the Education department designs experiences that engage with authentic objects, exchange knowledge and stimulate creativity! Be a part of this dynamic team with opportunities in Advancement/Development, Early Childhood Education (3 months-pre-K), Youth, Family, and Teen Studio Programs (ages 5-18), Family Events, Adult Programs, Teacher Programs, Gallery Evaluation and more. Visit Programs to see the full range of what Education offers.
Statewide Partnerships: statewide media resources, lending library, and statewide programming departments
Marketing and Communications: Be a part of the team that shapes strategic and tactical plans to support VMFA’s exhibitions and programs, including preparing analytics reports; drafting copy, press releases, and blog and social media content; and updating community calendars.
Please indicate your first, second, and third departmental choices on your application.
How Do You Submit Application Materials?
The preferred method of delivery is by e-mail to kim.frola@vmfa.museum. You may also mail applications to Kim Frola, Program Manager for Volunteers and Community Service, VMFA, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220. Documents may be submitted separately or together in one mailing. Reference providers may e-mail or send their letters of recommendation to Kim Frola directly or may provide a copy to the applicant in a signed, sealed envelope for submission.