Museum Internships in Athens
Where Meaning Meets Opportunity
Shape Your Future in the Arts
The Georgia Museum of Art offers museum internships in Athens that provide hands-on experience and mentorship to guide your next chapter. Join us in sharing more art and inspiring more people — while forging a path for a meaningful career in the arts.
Internships provide undergraduate and graduate students and beginning professionals with valuable hands-on experience in a specific area of museum work at the Georgia Museum of Art.
Internships at the museum:
- are approximately 8 to 10 hours per week (unless otherwise specified)
- are available to rising juniors, seniors and graduate students
- are paid ($13.50/hour for undergraduate students; $16/hour for graduate students
- meet the Experiential Learning requirement at UGA (undergraduate internships only)
- are non-credit, but the student may obtain course credit through an internship course in their respective departments
- have a professional development component to learn from experts in the museum field and work on key professional skills
The deadline to apply for spring semester internships is October 15. The deadline to apply for summer semester internships is March 15. The deadline to apply for fall semester internships is July 7.
Interns have continued their careers in organizations such as the Seattle Symphony, Zoo Atlanta, Dreamworks, CNN, the UGA Foundation, the Chronicle of Higher Education and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Some have continued their careers in other museums such as the Michael C. Carlos Museum, the High Museum, Sotheby’s, LaJolla’s Scott White Contemporary Gallery and the William Doyle Galleries.
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in its programs or activities.
For general questions about internships at at the museum, please contact Alexis Gorby, associate curator of academic and campus engagement, at alexis.gorby@uga.edu or 706.542.4050.
Curatorial Interns
Interns working with museum curators support exhibitions from research to realization, while aiding with research for our permanent collection. To apply, please submit a 1-to-10-page writing sample and a list of completed art history courses with grades, along with your résumé and cover letter.
Daura Center Graduate Intern
This paid graduate internship supports the Pierre Daura Curator of European Art in researching and organizing the Daura archive and collection. Interns also assist with broadening the museum’s European art programming, including publications and acquisitions. Alongside your application, cover letter and résumé, please submit a writing sample of 10 to 20 pages for consideration.
This position is not available to students already employed by the University of Georgia.
Development Interns
Interns in the development department of the Georgia Museum of Art gain a behind-the-scenes look at how nonprofits are funded. They aid our staff in managing financial records and supporting fundraising efforts, attending board meetings and analyzing yearly financial statements to help assemble information for contributing members. Experience with Excel and a strong interest in nonprofit development are preferred but not required. Please submit a résumé and cover letter with your application to be considered.
Learning and Engagement Interns
Interns in the museum’s department of learning and engagement help curious minds connect with art, helping us develop educational materials and execute interactive programs. While a background in art, art history or education is preferred, we welcome all with an interest in these fields. Please submit a cover letter and résumé with your application for consideration.
Exhibition Design
Interns in exhibition design assist in building digital models for upcoming virtual and in-person exhibitions. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and creative, and all academic backgrounds are welcome — no design experience required. You’ll work independently as well as with our design team. To apply, complete an internship application and submit a résumé and cover letter.
Exhibition Preparation Interns
We offer exhibition-focused museum internships in Athens that allow students to assist with art handling and installation, learning what it takes to prepare exhibitions. No experience is necessary, but carpentry or framing knowledge is preferred. This position is ideal for hands-on learners with a keen eye for detail. To apply, please submit a cover letter and résumé with your application.
This position is only open to individuals who can lift up to 50 lbs.
Graphic Design Interns
Graphic design interns help us shape how we tell our story, producing digital and print materials for the museum’s quarterly newsletter, for educational programs and more. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite is required, and undergraduate design students are especially encouraged to apply. Submit your résumé and a cover letter alongside your application.
Publications Interns
From exhibition catalogues and brochures to our newsletter, publications interns work on every stage of museum publishing. Responsibilities include researching, writing, proofreading, editing and working with visual assets. Ideal for English and comparative literature majors, but open to all with a strong grasp of the mechanics of writing. Submit a résumé, cover letter and application to apply.
Public Relations Interns
Interns in public relations at the museum learn how to build excitement around art, focusing on press releases, blogs and newsletters, and pitching to publications. Best for students with experience in PR, communications or journalism, this role does not require art knowledge — only strong writing skills and an understanding of social media best practices. Please submit a résumé, cover letter and application to be considered.
Registration Interns
Registration interns dive into the technical side of museum work, assisting with processing and cataloging our collection and researching and planning for temporary exhibitions. Learn museum database systems, condition reporting and vault procedures. This position requires attention to detail and strong organizational skills, and the ability to sit at a computer for an extended period. To apply, please complete an internship application and send it with a cover letter and résumé.
What to Expect From
Your Internship
Work That Matters
Your time here matters. Interns take on meaningful projects to bring our exhibitions, programs and operations to life, inspiring the community through art.
Collaborative Culture
Work alongside passionate creatives, including established professionals and fellow interns who welcome and value your perspective every day.
Professional Mentors
Our museum internships in Athens allow you to work closely with experienced specialists dedicated to preparing you for a future in the arts.
Art with a Mission
Since starting in the basement of the University of Georgia’s library with 100 paintings, the Georgia Museum of Art has grown into a statewide resource with over 20,000 artworks. More than a museum, it’s a mission in motion — bringing more art to more people.
