NOTE: Applications submitted through Handshake will NOT be considered.
Desired Majors or Areas of Study: Exhibit Design, Graphic Design, Architecture, Interior Design
The Office of Project Management and Planning (OPMP) manages museum-wide projects which include new exhibitions and existing exhibition maintenance, symposia and festivals, and graphic design for a variety of smaller projects. The OPMP is comprised of two divisions (Project Management & Design and Production) that together provide a full range of services including exhibition planning and budgeting, design and fabrication, objects care and gallery maintenance, AV and lighting maintenance and support, and de-installation and renewal of exhibition spaces.
The Exhibition Design Intern will work closely with museum professionals to gain broad knowledge of design work at a national museum. The intern will support the Exhibition Design Department at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) with computer-aided drafting, graphic production file creation, material and finish research, graphic design, 3D design, and/or creation of presentation materials. Under the guidance and mentorship of a staff designer, the intern will join an inter-departmental team and develop, design, and create production files for a small exhibition. When the internship is completed, the Exhibition Design Intern will gain insight into the complexity of exhibition design and will develop some exhibition design and production skills. Applicants must be able to work independently, and on a team; have a basic understanding of Adobe InDesign software and/or CAD program drafting; and be enrolled and completed some coursework in a college-level design program. Please submit samples of your design work with your essay when applying.
Duties Include (but are not limited to):
- Develop, design, and create production files for a small exhibition
- Create graphic design files for temporary signage, and aid in the production of them
- Assist staff designers and/or detailer in production of design drawings and/or graphic files
- Attend project meetings related to upcoming exhibitions, to experience a portion of the multi-year process required to create a large exhibition
- Attend and observe various in-gallery sessions, such as object rotations, artifact cleaning, or lighting adjustment