Exhibition Intern

Job Description

Exhibition Intern | Duke University School of Nursing

The Tone:
This is an internship at Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, a leading research institution situated in the heart of the Research Triangle. Duke is committed to fostering a community built on collaboration, innovation, and belonging, celebrating individuality and unique perspectives. As the Exhibition Intern, you will be a vital part of a creative environment at Duke University Libraries, where your curiosity for public scholarship and design can thrive. You will join a team dedicated to shaping how stories are told through exhibits that inspire, inform, and spark engagement across campus and beyond, gaining practical skills for diverse professional pathways.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Part-time
• Location: Durham, NC
• Pay: $18.00–$22.84 hourly
• Team: Duke University Libraries
• Mission: To facilitate the telling of stories through curated exhibits that inform, inspire, and spark engagement across campus and beyond.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Learn and implement best practices for library exhibitions, encompassing preparation, layout planning, visual storytelling, design, and installation to create visitor-centered experiences.
• Develop practical design and production skills by assisting with label creation, including editing, formatting, printing, and mounting for various exhibits.
• Contribute to public programming and outreach efforts by supporting exhibit websites, social media posts, and event planning, and strengthening digital skills through image management and copyright research.
• Curate materials, conduct research, write compelling copy, and develop full exhibit design for a small, independent exhibition, providing a tangible portfolio piece.
• Manage the Hubbard Exhibition Case, communicating with curators, developing layouts, and executing monthly installations for public-facing displays.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Student or early career professional with strong curiosity, a unique perspective, and a passion for public scholarship and design.
• Experience: Eagerness to gain hands-on experience across all phases of exhibition work, from initial concept and design to installation, curation, and outreach.
• Skills: An interest in developing practical skills in design and production, research-driven curation, compelling exhibit writing, and digital content management.
• Skills: Strong communication and collaboration skills for interacting with faculty, students, and various project partners.