Getty MUI Collections and Curatorial Intern
The Getty MUI Collections and Curatorial intern at JANM will delve into the various processes inherent to collections and curatorial work at the Japanese American National Museum by cataloging, digitizing, rehousing and researching artwork in JANM’s permanent collection created by Japanese Americans while they were incarcerated in America’s concentration camps during WWII. This work will help to advance the curatorial efforts to create a catalog of WWII art from JANM’s permanent collection. Ultimately, the internship will culminate in a capstone project that the Collections and Curatorial intern will design to make the WWII era artwork relatable and accessible to a broad audience, in advance of the forthcoming catalog.
Internship is 10 consecutive weeks from June 9 to August 15, 2025. Schedule is Monday – Friday, Full-Time, In-person located in the Collections Management & Access Office. Requires some local travel to the Getty Museum for Intern events.
The internship opportunities are intended for students from backgrounds underrepresented in museums and the visual arts professions, Eligible candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for consideration. In addition, each intern applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate (bachelor’s or associate degree program) and have completed at least one semester or 2 quarters of college by June 2025. Students who graduated the semester or quarter immediately before the internship begins are also eligible.
- Attend college in or be a permanent resident of Los Angeles County; and
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident eligible to be legally employed in the US. Students with DACA status valid through the internship period are also eligible.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- In order to advance cataloging and digitization and make the artwork accessible to the public, the collections and curatorial intern will review existing documentation in donor files, catalog the objects in TMS (collections management database), work with the digitization specialist on staff to digitize the artworks, research the historical context around the artworks and relevant themes that the materials represent for the project curator, and develop written content for inclusion on JANM’s various public-facing platforms.
- Training on art handling, cataloging standards, searching and entering data in the TMS collections management system will be provided. In addition to these skills, the collection and curatorial intern will hone research and writing skills.
- Determine digitization needs for artwork. Work with JANM’s digitization specialist to determine a schedule for digitization.
- Determine outstanding cataloging needs.
- Make images and metadata available on JANM’s website
- Create (3) three social media posts to highlight artworks
- Write an article for JANM’s Discover Nikkei site or JANM’s“First and Central Blog”
- Capstone project
- Provide support for JANMs Natsumatsuri Family Festival Day (Saturday in August)
This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Incumbent will perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions outlined above.
Education: High School Diploma. Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate (bachelor’s or associate degree program) and have completed at least one semester or 2 quarters of college by June 2025
Experience/Knowledge: Interest in Collections and Curatorial work preferred. Previous experience in art handling, cataloging, or Digitization is beneficial. Willingness to learn and apply new skills. Ability to multi-task and prioritize. Ability to work well under pressure to meet deadlines. Excellent organizational skills and be detail oriented. Strong proofreading skills. Professional phone manner is essential. Ability to plan and manage tasks according to firm deadlines, clearly communicate delays, and respond to request in a timely manner. Demonstrated commitment and flexibility in order to ensure a high level of quality service. Ability to adjust and provide appropriate action when unanticipated need arises. Knowledge of Japanese American history and culture a plus.
Communication Skills: Has excellent communication and negotiation skills. Must be able to provide courteous and effective service to co-workers, volunteers and the general public. Is able to read, write and comprehend routine reports and correspondence, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Is able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group format and large group format.
Computer Skills: Is Computer literate, Internet savvy and experienced with MS Office, and Google Suite is preferred. Knowledge of TMS (collections management database) is beneficial. Experienced using scanners, photocopiers and printers. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to act on own initiative, making consistently sound decisions. Must be able to comply with institutional policies and procedures. Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload. Ability to make practical decisions and solve problems, adapt to change and communicate effectively. Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and articulate challenges and request support where needed. Reliable follow-through on assigned projects in a complete, well conceived and timely manner.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to: Kristen Hayashi, Ph.D., Director of Collections Management and Access & Curator
Positions supervised: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The Getty Marrow Collections and Curatorial Internship at the Japanese American National Museum is a Temporary, Full-Time Internship position from June 9 to August 15, 2025. Please note, however, that this is an at-will position, meaning that your employment may be terminated at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause. There is, in other words, no guarantee that you will be employed until any date in the future, Including August 15, 2025.