Art Portfolio Intern

Job Description

Position: Art Portfolio Intern - Summer 2026
Reports To: Managing Director, Core Services
Location: Chicago, IL
Duration: June 9 – August 12, 2026

Compensation: Paid internship (Hourly rates will start at $22.00/hour)
      

About the Foundation

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the nation's largest independent foundations. The Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. We work on a few big bets that strive toward transformative change in areas of profound concern, including the existential threats of climate change, the challenges of criminal justice reform, revitalizing local news in the U.S., and corruption in Nigeria.

In addition, we maintain enduring commitments in our hometown Chicago, where we invest in people, places, and partnerships to build a more inclusive Chicago and in journalism and media, where we invest in more just and inclusive news and narratives.

We also make awards to extraordinarily creative individuals through the MacArthur Fellows program and for solutions to critical problems of our time through 100&Change. For more information, please visit our website at www.macfound.org.

About the Art Portfolio

Established in 1990, the MacArthur Foundation Art Portfolio was created to enrich the cultural and educational environment for Foundation Staff and guests. The portfolio features contemporary artworks that reflect the Foundation’s values and programmatic focus areas. Over the years, the Foundation has curated a portfolio of more than 500 pieces, emphasizing works by emerging artists—particularly those based in Chicago—as well as artists from regions where the Foundation has maintained offices, and individuals with non-traditional artistic backgrounds. Although the Foundation is no longer actively acquiring new pieces, the portfolio remains an integral part of the workplace. Artworks are displayed throughout the Foundation’s facilities and are rotated periodically to ensure continued engagement and inspiration.

About the Internship

This internship presents a distinctive opportunity for undergraduate students with academic interests in art history, curatorial practice, or museum studies. Interns will gain practical experience in art historical research and exhibition development, working collaboratively with seasoned professionals in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Responsibilities may include:

• Research: Conduct comprehensive research on artists, artworks, and relevant topics, including historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts.

• Exhibition Planning: Assist in the conceptualization and execution of a small-scale art exhibition, including planning, design, and installation.

• Writing and Editing: Draft and refine interpretive materials such as artwork labels, descriptive texts, and other exhibition-related content.

• Collections Management: Assisting with the care and management of the Foundation's Art Portfolio.

Qualifications

Undergraduate juniors and seniors are welcome to apply. The ideal candidate will have a background in the visual arts, art history, museum studies, or collections management and will have experience or interest in studying the impact of the visual arts on society.

• Strong research and writing skills.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Effective organizational and time management abilities.

• Proficiency in relevant software applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite.

This internship is based in Chicago, Illinois. Our work environment is hybrid with designated in-office days and virtual days. Interns will be required to reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program. Housing assistance for non-local students may be available and will be discussed during the interview process.

Application Process

The application deadline isSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2025 AT 11:59 PM CST. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. As a requirement, students “must be returning back to school” to be eligible. Students meeting the minimum requirements should apply through the MacArthur Foundation website (www.macfound.org/jobs).

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The work environment is an office setting.  Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and moving around the office during working hours.  Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable a person with disabilities to perform the job.  Reasonable accommodations are also available during the interview process.