South Side Home Movie Public Programming Intern

This internship is part of the University’s Jeff Metcalf Internship Program. Click here to learn more about the program, its benefits, and the UChicago community of supporters. By applying to this internship you agree to follow the Student Recruiting Guidelines.

• Fellowship Stipend Range $4,000 - $5,000
• Internship Time Commitment: approximately 32 hours over 9weeks
• InPerson/Hybrid: Interns are expected to work during organization’s business hours of operations
• 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.

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UChicago Arts | Arts + Public Life | Southside Home Movie Project 

Project Public Programming Intern 

About the South Side Home Movie Project 

The South Side Home Movie Project (SSHMP) is a five-part initiative to collect, preserve, digitize, exhibit, and research amateur home movies made by residents of Chicago’s South Side neighborhoods. SSHMP seeks to increase understanding of the many histories and cultures comprising Chicago’s South Side, and of amateur filmmaking practices, by asking owners of home movies to share their footage and describe it from their personal perspectives. The archive includes small-gauge films (8mm, Super8mm, 16mm) covering a period from the 1920s to the 1980s. 

Founded in 2005 by Professor Jacqueline Stewart, and now a signature program of Arts + Public Life, SSHMP presents a uniquely successful model for encouraging local residents to recognize the value of their personal archives, to preserve original film prints in optimal conditions, and to digitize home movies for public access and scholarly research. To learn more, please visit our website and explore our digital archive.

South Side Home Movie Project Public Programming Intern  (Chicago, IL – In-person/hybrid)

Job Description and Duties

The South Side Home Movie Project (SSHMP) is seeking an undergraduate student to serve as a Public Programming Intern for the Spring quarter of the 2024-2025 academic year. The intern will support SSHMP’s 20th anniversary programming, public events, and community engagement initiatives.

The primary goal of the internship is to assist in the planning, promotion, and execution of public screenings, exhibitions, and educational programs that showcase the SSHMP archive. The intern will help develop materials to contextualize and promote collections, assist with event logistics, and contribute creative ideas for expanding SSHMP’s reach.

Working closely with the Project Archivist Camille Townson and other team members, the intern will also engage in research to highlight specific collections and themes that resonate with the SSHMP mission. The position offers hands-on experience in public programming, audience engagement, digital storytelling, and archival research.

Duties would include:

• Assisting in the planning and execution of 20th anniversary public programs, including film screenings, exhibitions, discussions, and community engagement activities.
• Creating promotional and educational materials, such as event descriptions, social media content, and program notes.
• Researching and developing thematic content (e.g., historical and cultural contexts for featured films) for SSHMP’s website and digital platforms.
• Supporting community outreach efforts, including communication with film donors, local organizations, and program participants.
• Assisting with digital storytelling initiatives, such as editing short video trailers for upcoming programs.
• Reviewing and enhancing metadata for collections to improve accessibility and public engagement.
• Other duties as assigned related to public programming and community engagement.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication and writing skills, with the ability to craft engaging public-facing content
• Strong research and analytical skills, with an interest in public history, cultural studies, or film archives
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects with attention to detail
• Experience or interest in event planning, community engagement, or public programming

Skills desired (but not required):

• Familiarity with digital storytelling, video editing, or social media marketing
• Experience with community outreach or public engagement initiatives
• Knowledge of film history, archives, or public history methodologies
• Basic familiarity with filmmaking principles, cataloging, or project management tools

Work Requirements & Compensation 

• 20-25 hours a week with flexible scheduling. Ability to meet in-person at least once a week, remote work to be assigned as needed.

Required Materials 

Please submit a cover letter and resumé for consideration via UChicago platform.