Public Programs and Academic Engagement Intern

Job Description

[Fall 2026] Education – Public Programs and Engagement Internship | Whitney Museum of American Art

The Tone:
This is an internship at the Whitney Museum of American Art, located in New York, NY. The Whitney is an established organization, founded in 1930, dedicated to housing and championing American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This role is crucial in helping the Public Programs and Academic Engagement team develop and implement innovative events that explore the museum’s exhibitions, collection, and mission. The intern’s contributions ensure audiences, especially adults and the academic community, can engage deeply with artists, curators, writers, and scholars.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, New York, NY

• Team: Public Programs and Academic Engagement
• Mission: This person helps create engaging programs that connect audiences with contemporary American art and the museum’s mission.
• Tech Stack: MS Office, Photoshop

What You’ll Actually Do
• Research: Research artists, curators, writers, filmmakers, and scholars to identify potential participants for panels, workshops, and film screenings.
• Coordinate: Draft agreements, track invitations, and coordinate logistics for public programs and events.
• Plan: Assist with advance planning for various public programs, collaborating across departments like Curatorial, Digital Media, Marketing, and Visitor Services.
• Support: Help coordinate with museum staff, speakers, and members of the public on the day of events to ensure smooth execution.
• Archive: Maintain digital archives for the Public Programs and Academic Engagement division.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Student currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate academic program, with demonstrated interest in art history, contemporary art, American studies, and/or museum education.
• Experience: Familiarity with MS Office and Photoshop.
• Skills: Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously; strong collaborative and interpersonal skills.