Marketing & Archive Intern
Chicago Public Art Group
Marketing & Archive Intern
Position Overview
Chicago Public Art Group (CPAG) seeks a creative and detail-oriented Marketing & Archive Intern to support our Project Manager and Executive Director in expanding organizational visibility and preserving our 50+ year legacy. This position offers unique experience in arts marketing, archival development, grant writing, and cultural preservation while contributing to Chicago's public art history.
About CPAG
For over 50 years, CPAG has united artists and communities through collaborative public art that speaks with the voice of the community. With nearly 1,000 completed projects and 35 linear feet of materials in the Smithsonian Archives, we are both active practitioners and historical stewards of Chicago's public art movement. Our lean but mighty team manages complex projects while building an archive to document public art across Chicago, ensuring these community voices are preserved for future generations.
Position Details
Time Commitment
15-20 hours per week
Duration
Semester-based (3-4 months) or summer intensive
Location
Flexible remote with 1-2 days/week at Bridgeport studio (3314 S. Morgan St.)
Compensation
$500 Stipend
Reports To
Project Manager, with guidance from Executive Director
Primary Responsibilities
Social Media & Digital Communications
- Develop content calendar aligned with project milestones and organizational news
- Create engaging posts for Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn with project photos and artist features
- Photograph projects at various stages for documentation and social media use
- Write blog posts and newsletter content highlighting project stories and CPAG history
- Monitor engagement metrics and compile monthly social media reports
- Research and implement social media best practices for arts nonprofits
Archive Development & Documentation
- Organize historical project files, photos, and documents from 50+ years of work
- Digitize analog materials including slides, prints, and paper records
- Create metadata standards for digital assets including projects, artists, locations, and dates
- Research and document historical projects using Smithsonian Archives materials
- Conduct oral history interviews with founding artists and longtime collaborators
- Support archive accessibility by creating finding aids and catalog systems
Website & Communications Materials
- Update website project pages with new work, photos, and descriptions
- Draft project case studies including process narratives and community impact
- Create presentation materials for funder meetings and board reports
- Maintain press kit with high-resolution images and organizational backgrounders
- Support media outreach by compiling press contacts and drafting press releases
Grant Research & Development Support
- Research foundation and government grant opportunities aligned with CPAG mission
- Maintain grant calendar with deadlines, requirements, and funder information
- Compile data for applications including demographics, metrics, and impact statistics
- Draft grant proposal components including project descriptions and engagement plans
- Create template language for common grant narrative sections
Qualifications
- Current student or recent graduate in arts marketing, museum studies, public history, communications, or related field
- Strong writing skills with ability to adapt tone for different audiences
- Experience with social media management and content creation
- Interest in archival practices and cultural preservation
- Basic photography skills and eye for visual storytelling
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (preferred) or similar design tools
- Self-directed work style with ability to manage multiple projects
- Passion for public art, community engagement, and Chicago history
What You'll Gain
- Portfolio-building opportunities with bylined content and creative projects
- Hands-on experience in nonprofit marketing, grant writing, and archival practices
- Direct contribution to preserving 50+ years of Chicago public art history
- Skills training in Adobe Creative Suite, archival tools, and digital asset management
- Professional development through workshops and cultural sector networking
- Exposure to museum practices through work with Smithsonian Archives materials
- Academic credit facilitation with partner universities
- Letter of recommendation and professional references from CPAG leadership
- Invitations to project openings, community celebrations, and cultural events