Archive Intern

Supervisor Title (All student, intern, and volunteer position supervisors should be qualified, professional archivists.)- Archives Manager

Position Type - Paid Internship

Does this position satisfy requirements for course credits? - No

Hourly wage range - $18- $25

Archive Intern

Cai Studio is seeking a paid Archives Intern to join its Archives Department beginning in Fall 2026. This fully in-person position requires a minimum six-month commitment and is based primarily at the studio’s East Village office. Occasional workdays at the New Jersey office may be required; transportation to and from is generally arranged by the studio.

The intern will support the organization, description, and digitization of archival materials documenting Cai Guo-Qiang’s work and practice. The role will primarily focus on project files, which trace the development and realization of artworks, exhibitions, publications, and other initiatives of the artist.

This internship is well suited to someone interested in working in contemporary art and art archives who wishes to gain close experience within a living-artist archive that continues to grow and evolve. For the right candidate, the position may develop into a long-term, full-time role, depending on performance and the studio’s needs.

The intern is expected to work 3–4 days per week, from 10am–6pm.

Compensation is $17/hour.

Under the direction of the artist, Cai Studio oversees the fabrication of original artworks, the coordination of public exhibitions, and the conception and production of related publications. The archive department is one of the studio’s four principal departments, alongside Projects, Collections, and Administration.

The Archives Department catalogs and maintains photographs, videos, and printed documentation of artworks, the art making process, and exhibitions, from the earliest stages of Cai’s career up to the present. The team supports publications, exhibitions, and scholarship that contribute to a wider understanding of the artist.

• Assist with the organization and description of the archive’s digital image collection, including reviewing and updating database records, standardizing titles in English and Simplified Chinese, and verifying image credit information.
• Organize, label, and digitize project file materials according to the studio’s established archival structure, file naming conventions, and digitization standards.
• Assist with the physical organization, handling, and rehousing of archival materials according to established archival practices.
• Learn to navigate and search the studio’s Collective Access database, using existing project records and related information to identify and contextualize archival materials.
• Conduct archival research related to the identification, organization, and description of project materials.
• Perform other duties and tasks in support of the Archives department, as assigned.

• Demonstrated interest in archive, libraries, preservation, or collections care.
• Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail.
• Ability to work carefully and consistently with large quantities of archival materials and data.
• Ability to follow established workflows and documentation protocols.
• Basic proficiency with Excel.
• Ability to carry and lift heavy boxes and other material (up to 20 lbs.), including up and down stairs.

• Ability to read Chinese and/or Japanese.
• Previous experience working in an archive, library, or museum collection.
• Current or recent student in an MSLIS program.
• Background or interest in contemporary art and art history.
• Experience working with databases and digitizing archival materials.
• Familiarity with working with Collective Access or other digital asset management systems.

Questions? communications