Arts & Media Practicum | The Newberry Library | Research & Writing for the Abraham Ortelius Exhibition

Careers in The Arts & Humanities Program 

Arts & Media Practicum 

During the Arts & Media Practicum, you will work part-time to complete a deliverable for an employer partner. The Arts & Media Practicum is terrific way to hone professional development in technical research, analysis, strategic planning, and presentation skills and a great boost to your resume.

ABOUT THE PROJECT 

Newberry Library | Research and Writing for the Abraham Ortelius Exhibition

The Director of the Smith Center, the Director of the Center for Renaissance Studies, and the Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts are together curating a large exhibition on Early Modern mapping through the lens of the life and work of Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598). Running from November 2027 to February 2028, the exhibition aims to elucidate the significance of Ortelius as both an innovator and as a major source of inspiration in the field of cartography. In particular, it will focus on Ortelius’ central work as a collector and crowdsourcer. Part of what defines the modern atlas is the standardized display of a wide range of places across the world. The atlas allows you to do everything from planning commercial ventures to imagining far-flung journeys you may never take. 

To make this kind of product Ortelius relied on a vast network of other mapmakers and contributors. To tell this story, the exhibition will explore maps from Ortelius’ atlases and those of his contemporaries through the many different cartographic and textual sources Ortelius relied on. These examples will show how atlases developed over the course of Ortelius’ career and also how Ortelius and his inheritors brought together a variety of sources, both cartographic and narrative, to create a new kind of mapping. 

Primary responsibilities on this project will involve 

• researching the networks and sources Ortelius and his contemporaries used for the specific maps in the exhibition. 
• use this research to help craft the narrative of the exhibition and a subset of the actual labels in the show. 

The Intern will be starting in the middle of the planning process of the exhibition. By summer 2026, the objects for the exhibition will be finalized and writing the script for the exhibition will just be beginning. The Intern, therefore, will be instrumental, alongside the three curators of the exhibition and the Exhibitions team, in shaping the voice and content of the exhibition. 

This work will involve independent research into individual items and themes, collaborative writing of labels, and planning the use of space in the gallery.

To Apply: Submit: 

• A resume
• Short Cover letter to include an explanation of the candidate’s qualifications and interest in the position.

Additional Details

• Metcalf Fellowship Stipend - Review Sample scale Here stipend received per quarter
• Fall Quarter
• This position is not benefits eligible
• Please make sure that if selected for an interview, you communicate to your prospective host organization/employer where you will be physically located during the internship as your location may affect your (or your host organization/employer’s) ability to pursue this opportunity.                                                                                  
• If you are an international student, please make sure to visit the OIA website to familiarize yourself with your work authorization eligibility and requirements as soon as possible. If you’d like to make an appointment with your international adviser, please visit this page.