FARL PICS Internship for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Summer 2025

One position available

Part-time up to 28 hours/week, 8-10 weeks

Compensation: $23.00 per hour (undergrad) | $25.00 per hour (graduate)

Background

Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, the Frick is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.

The collection originated with Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), who bequeathed his home, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts to the public for their enjoyment. The institution’s holdings—which encompass masterworks from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century—have grown over the decades, more than doubling in size since the opening of the museum in 1935. A critical component of the institution is the Frick Art Research Library, founded in 1920 by Helen Clay Frick, daughter of the museum’s founder. Recognized as one of the world’s top art history research centers, it has served students, scholars, and members of the public free of charge for generations.

The Frick has undergone a comprehensive renovation and was open in a temporary home, Frick Madison, from 2020 through early 2024, while renovations were underway at the mansion on 70th Street. Construction has progressed rapidly and, in addition to special exhibition galleries and education spaces, we have added enhanced visitor amenities and accessible spaces. Frick Madison is now closed to the public. Staff have moved back to 1 East 70th Street and the museum will reopen to the public on April 17.

Workplace Culture

At The Frick Collection, we pride ourselves on promoting an open and welcoming workplace culture that supports diversity and work-life balance. The Frick strives to provide our employees with competitive salaries and exceptional benefits in a beautiful and pleasant work setting, while offering an excellent opportunity to appreciate some of the world’s finest works of art.

Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at The Frick Collection, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, military status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status or any other protected characteristic as established by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Internship Description

The Frick Art Research Library consists of five departments; Library Administration, Archives & Records Management, Preservation, Imaging, & Creative Services, Content, and Access.  The Preservation, Creative Services, and Graphic Design cluster supports the Library’s mission through the conservation of book and paper materials, the digitization of collections, and the development of creative and visual materials to support institutional initiatives. 

 The Preservation, Creative Services, and Graphic Design Internship provides hands-on experience in one or more of these areas, allowing interns to explore professional practices in a museum library setting. Interns will work closely with staff on projects aligned with their academic background and interests. 

 Internship Specializations & Potential Tasks 

Interns may focus on one or more of the following areas: 

 1. Book and Paper Conservation

• Assisting with the assessment and treatment of rare books, manuscripts, and archival materials
• Conducting research on conservation techniques and materials
• Preparing condition reports and documentation
• Participating in rehousing and preservation initiatives

2. Digitization of Collections

• Assisting in the digitization of rare books, photographs, and archival materials
• Learning about digital imaging standards and metadata creation
• Supporting quality control and digital file organization in the Digital Asset Management System (DAMS)
• Researching advancements in imaging and digital preservation

3. Graphic Design & Creative Services

• Assisting in the design and production of signage, print materials, and digital assets
• Supporting the development of visual materials for invitations, signage, special projects, web and email campaigns
• Researching historical typography, design trends, and museum branding strategies
• Learning about accessibility and inclusivity in design

Additional Opportunities  

• Shadowing professionals in conservation, imaging, or design
• Participating in research projects and presentations
• Participating in a joint intern project between all Library departments
• Contributing to team meetings and discussions
• Engaging with the Library Intern Program, which includes visits, career talks, and networking opportunities

Each intern will have an individual project, determined in collaboration with their supervisor, to align with their interests and learning objectives. 

Requirements

The Preservation, Creative Services, and Graphic Design internship is ideal for students or emerging professionals interested in conservation, digitization, library sciences, museum studies, art history, graphic design, or related fields. International candidates must have eligibility to participate in paid internship placements in the United States as

well as to receive an additional stipend. Applicants are responsible for their own housing and travel arrangements.

Time Commitment

The internship is generally eight to ten weeks, with activities carried out three to four days a week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Interns may work up to 28 hours/week.

Stipend

In addition to hourly compensation and the aforementioned benefits, we provide an onboarding stipend of $1,500.00 to cover travel or other expenses to all interns who are engaged to work onsite 8-10 weeks.

Benefits of Employment at The Frick Collection

All interns of The Frick Collection may access free or discounted admission to most of New York’s museums. The Frick also provides employees, trainees, and interns with a discount on Museum Shop purchases.

Part-time employees and interns accrue sick leave up to 56 hours/year in accordance with the New York City Earned Sick Time Act.

Paid Holidays: part-time employees and interns receive paid time-off when they would normally be scheduled to work on holidays the museum is closed to the public. These include New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Martin Luther King Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Retirement: The Frick supports all employees and interns in planning for retirement by offering participation in a Tax Deferred Savings Plan – 403(b).

Wellness Programs at the Frick include an Employee Assistance Plan, a discount on Citi Bike memberships and a discount on bike helmets. Interns are eligible to participate in these programs.

MetroCard: all interns will receive a monthly unlimited Metro Card for the month(s) they are working onsite at The Frick.

Meal discount: When employees and interns are working onsite, they may access a discount on food pickup or delivery through Seamless/Grubhub.

Application Process and Timeline

Applications for the Summer 2025 Library Administration Internship must be submitted no later than March 14,2025.

Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews, and applicants will be notified in April 2025.

Apply here and submit PDF of cover letter and résumé.

Include the following in your cover letter:

• Your reasons for applying for the internship, including a statement describing how this internship would enhance your career plans or academic course of study
• Your preferred dates and hours of availability (to be discussed if selected for an interview)

Or send required materials to:

FARL PICS DepartmentThe Frick Collection1 East 70th StreetNew York, NY 10021

Please note that internship applications to multiple departments are not accepted; please apply to only one department.