McMullan Arts Leadership Internship, Provenance Research

Summary

The Art Institute of Chicago is excited to offer a McMullan Arts Leadership intern position in the department of Provenance Research

The intern will join the Provenance Research department in an initiative to uncover and document the journey of artworks and to research the stories of the art dealers and collectors who shaped the collection.

This internship comprises two parts: first, transferring provenance information from archival documents into the collection database; and second, conducting focused research on a lesser‑known dealer or collector whose history will be shared in a web article.

By reviewing archival records and adding provenance information to the database, the intern’s contributions will enable researchers and visitors to connect with the stories behind the objects in our collection. In so doing, the intern will develop a deep understanding of the dealers and collectors who shaped the Art Institute’s collections, enabling them to select a suitable topic for their research project and article.

The intern will join a museum‑wide intern cohort and have access to a range of programs to support their development in addition to their placement in Provenance Research. Mentorship is provided throughout the experience, and connections with an intern alumni network will be established.

Duration of Position: 32 weeks / September 2026 (start date anytime during the week of September 21–25) through April 2027 (end date anytime during the week of April 26–April 30).

Compensation: $17.50/hour

Term: 32 weeks (September 2026 – April 2027)

Schedule: PT (max. 14 hours/week)

Format: The internship will be fully onsite. Due to onsite necessity, applicants based or attending school in the Chicagoland area during the internship timeframe will be prioritized. Internet access and appropriate technology will be necessary to complete this internship; technological accommodations will be provided by the Art Institute of Chicago based on necessity.

Deadline: 07/27/2026 (11:59 PM CDT)

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate student; recent graduates (within one year of graduation) will also be considered;
• Applicants must be based in the Chicagoland area and/or attending school in the Chicagoland area over the course of the internship term;
• Willingness to connect with others;
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills;
• Detail‑oriented mindset and demonstrated organizational skills; ability to multitask and flexibly prioritize when appropriate;
• Possesses an interest in:
  • The Art Institute’s collection and how art dealers and collectors contributed to its creation
  • Reviewing archival documents, such as receipts or ledgers
  • Learning about museum documentation practices
  • Researching a specific dealer and collector, using resources available in the archives and library
  • Sharing this research with the Art Institute’s audiences through online publications

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.