ICA Archival Research Internship

The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU is seeking a paid Archival Research Assistant who will assist the ICA’s Curator with research activities related to a forthcoming exhibition and publication. The Archival Research Assistant will provide support for tasks including processing, cataloging, analyzing, and organizing archival materials. The Archival Research Assistant will prepare indexes and finding aids to facilitate research by curatorial staff and artists participating in the exhibition. The Archival Research Assistant will also assist in organizing materials and obtaining rights for the production of an exhibition catalog.

Position Description
The 9-month Internship is for the 2023-24 academic year, running from August 2023 - May 2024. The Archival Research Assistant will work 10-20 hours per week and receive an hourly rate of $18/hour. The Archival Research Assistant must be a degree-seeking (master’s or doctorate) student in good standing with no other VCU employment.

Qualifications for this position will include archival research experience including but not limited to the following tasks: arrange and describe collections according to archival standards; ability to decipher handwritten documents, assist in providing reference services to artist(s) and curator; and assist in the retrieval of requests made by phone, email, or letter. The Archival Research Intern will work with ICA’s registrar to catalog and organize archival materials on the ICA’s digital asset management system.

While candidates from a wide range of backgrounds would be considered, preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated commitment to research in the fields of Black American History, Architecture, Contemporary Art, and Education.

The responsibilities of the position are meant to provide an experience that is of mutual benefit to the ICA and the Archival Research Assistant. They will gain experience in the following areas:
curatorial practice, including research, exhibition planning and production, and interpretation;
contemporary art and artists, emphasizing socially engaged public practice;
current issues facing contemporary institutions and audiences