Archivist and Researcher Intern
Background
The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation was chartered as a Private Operating Foundation in 1998. Its mission is primarily to facilitate public access to the work of Roy Lichtenstein and the art and artists of his time.
In addition, the mission of the Foundation is to create a catalogue raisonné of all known Lichtenstein works; and to share information which could assist the development and education of the next generations of curators, critics and scholars concerning the artist Roy Lichtenstein.
The mission of the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation, founded in 2015, is to preserve and promote the artistic legacy of renowned abstract sculptor Toshiko Takaezu (1922–2011) and to educate the public about her work and teachings.
Toshiko Takaezu’s art was deeply influenced by nature, her experiences in Hawai’i and New Jersey, as well as her travels around the world, particularly in Japan and Okinawa. The Foundation facilitates upcoming exhibitions, supports research projects, provides access to archives, and ensures public access to Takaezu's artistic contributions.
Archivist and Researcher Assistant Intern Overview
The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation and the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation are seeking to co-hire an intern Archivist and Researcher Assistant to work on two separate projects, each lasting 4.5 weeks, for a total of 9 weeks. Both projects are detailed below:
Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Project
- Under the direction of the Director of Archives, the intern will conduct a processing project for a small series related to Roy Lichtenstein’s early letters from 1939-1945.
- Responsibilities include:
- Reviewing the collection of digital files and transparencies
- Rehousing and preserving the material
- Creating a Scope and Content note for the Finding Aid
- Conducting small research projects. The intern will also create an index of notable search terms, including individuals, places, landmarks, buildings, art supplies, books and other references.
Toshiko Takaezu Foundation Project
- Under the direction of the Executive Director, the intern will conduct a research and data management project to identify, migrate, and collect data for the Foundation’s digital asset management system (artwork and image databases). The objective is to reorganize and make accessible information related to Toshiko Takaezu’s life and work. The intern will work with the Foundation’s archive and library, as well as archival collections from third parties.
- Additional responsibilities include working on an Oral History Project to complete 40+ interviews with friends, family, and colleagues of Toshiko Takaezu. These interviews will be donated to the Smithsonian Institutions’ Archives of American Art.
- This temporary position will run for a total of 9 weeks, 5 days per week, and will be based at the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Archives in Chelsea, NYC. There may be some opportunity for remote work, as well.
Conduct a comprehensive review of materials for inclusion in an archive gifted to the Archives of American Art.
- Review, organize, and preserve a collection of digital files and transparencies.
- Rehouse physical and digital materials.
- Review and update transcripts of early letters.
- Create an index of notable search terms.
- Identify and describe individuals and notable landmarks.
- Write a Scope and Content note for the series’ Finding Aid.
- Review and collect data from the Foundation’s and third-party archival repositories.
Requirements, Skills, and Qualifications
Intern must be enrolled in a bachelor’s-level program in Library and Information Sciences, Art History, or Museum and Curatorial Studies and must have:
- Minimum one year of experience working in an art or archive-holding institution
- Working knowledge of archival theory and best practice
- Familiarity with 20th and 21st century art history, museum archival records, and artists’ archives
- Understanding of the preservation and care of archives
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively across an inter-departmental and institutional structure
- Basic understanding of dynamic database and library collections management systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace
- A basic understanding of Microsoft Access
- Ability to lift materials weighing up to 40lbs
- Commitment to continued professional growth and development
Intern Orientation
The Archivist and Researcher Assistant will work at the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation’s archival facility on W20th street in Chelsea, NY. The Director of Archives (Lichtenstein Foundation) and Executive Director (Takaezu Foundation) will act as primary supervisors and provide all necessary support.
The intern will also interact with the on-site archives staff, staff from other departments, and outside researchers or guests. The intern may also work with board members virtually. The intern will receive project plans and necessary orientation to systems and processes, including an overview, task list, guidelines, and workflow.
The goal of this project aligns with both Foundation’s missions, which will be emphasized at all stages of the project. The intern will learn about private and public art foundations, their functions, and their purposes, as well as liaise with other art world professionals. The intern will be fully supported by their supervisor and department support staff.
Compensation
$22.50 per hour
INTERNS WILL WORK 28 HOURS PER WEEK AND ATTEND A MANDATORY OFFSITE PROGRAM DAY ONE DAY PER WEEK WITH THEIR COHORT.
Internship Period: June 2 – August 4
Total Weeks: 9 weeks
Work Hours per Week: 28
Total Hours: 252
Workdays: 4 days per week, 10AM–6PM
PROGRAM DAY:
On Fridays, interns will attend an offsite program day with their cohort.
These hours are separate from the internship hours.
How to Apply:
This internship is through the Studio Institute Arts Intern program.
You must first apply to Arts Intern to be eligible for this internship. Once your application has been approved, we will provide you with the next steps to apply for the Archivist & Researcher Intern position at the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation.
Eligibility Criteria:
Please watch our information video below to ensure you are eligible to apply for Arts Intern.
Student Info Session- Arts Intern Summer 2025
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