McDermott Intern for Indigenous American Art

Position: McDermott Intern for Indigenous American Art 

Reports to: The Ellen and Harry S. Parker III Associate Curator of Indigenous American Art 

Level: Intern 

Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly 

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid holiday, personal and sick time; $500 for professional development 

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with one hour for lunch; ability to work remotely 2 days per week following introductory period 

Internship Period: September 2, 2025 - May 8, 2026 

Salary: $15/hour, 35 hours per week 

Application Deadline: March 17, 2025

Scope of Position: 

The intern's primary responsibility will be to serve as a research assistant for an upcoming exhibition focusing on past and present visual culture featuring Maya women. The exhibition will offer an innovative exploration of women’s contributions to Maya societies—ancient through contemporary—and of their wider influence on Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Related tasks may include object research, literature reviews, exhibition development, and/or contributions to grant proposals. The intern will also assist with research and the daily operations of the Indigenous American Art collection. Tasks may include drafting didactic texts for use in galleries and online and compiling documentation on works in the Museum’s permanent collection. The intern will support curatorial projects by attending interdepartmental meetings and working collaboratively with staff across the Museum as needed. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Support the implementation and development of an exhibition on Maya visual culture and artworks depicting Maya women
• Support ongoing research and documentation of the Dallas Museum of Art’s collection of Indigenous American art
• Conduct primary and secondary source research utilizing a multitude of resources, including object files and the Museum's Mayer Library
• Compile research into literature reviews to support exhibition and collection planning
• Attend regular one-on-one, departmental, and interdepartmental team meetings as needed
• Support other curatorial tasks under the supervision of the curator as needed

Internship Goals: 

• Learn art historical object-based research skills, including the use of TMS collections management software
• Develop a framework for understanding Indigenous culture in general and Maya culture and visual arts specifically
• Build awareness of ways museums can expand representation through exhibitions
• Gain experience with writing in a museum context, including exhibition didactic texts, labels, web content, and/or acquisition proposals
• Understand the museum exhibition process
• Ascertain professional goals and interests through the support of mentorship
• Develop professional communication and interpersonal skills through collaboration with Museum colleagues
• Understand the roles and functions of different staff within the Museum as well as the relationship between the departments and how they all function together to comprise the organization

Requirements 

Education, Experience, and Certification: 

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in art history, anthropology, archaeology, Indigenous studies or related field prior to the start of the internship; graduate work encouraged
• Knowledge and/or coursework covering the ancient Maya, Maya textiles, contemporary Maya art, or Maya culture

Key Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated research and writing skills

Mission 

The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive. The DMA will: 

• Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
• Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
• Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

The Dallas Museum of Art fosters equity, celebrates diversity, and supports inclusion. We acknowledge that diverse backgrounds and voices of visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and communities represented in the collection make us stronger and better equipped to make positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Equity 

Society’s historical legacies and systemic barriers have created disparities in the communities we serve. Knowing this, we strive to expand and enhance arts opportunities for all. 

Diversity 

Many factors—including but not limited to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetics, economic backgrounds, and experiences—make individuals and groups unique. Our goal is to ensure visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and collections reflect this diversity. 

Inclusion 

We commit to listening to and learning from diverse voices and perspectives. We create a vibrant and accessible social space that encourages dialogue and the exchange of ideas through arts and culture. 

EOE 

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.