Exhibitions Assistant (internship)

last updated: January 18, 2022

Chicago Artists Coalition
2130 W Fulton St
Chicago IL 60612

Internship Term: February 15, 2022 - August 12, 2022

The Exhibitions Assistant internship is a hands-on opportunity that reports to Aileen Cortez, Artists Grants and Exhibitions Manager and Teresa Silva, Executive and Artistic Director to assist with preparing exhibition and exhibition-related programming content, writing, editing, marketing, staffing opening receptions on Friday evenings and other duties as assigned. This is a paid internship for the Chicago Artists Coalition (CAC), a 48-year old, non-profit arts organization that supports the professional development of local artists and curators through residency programs, exhibitions, and artists grants. CAC is consistently acclaimed for its high-caliber programs and generous support to artists and curators. CAC cares deeply about nurturing the creative endeavors of artists and curators and all team members play important roles in this work. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are an integral part of CAC’s ongoing work to change racist systems in the arts.

Pay is $500 for the duration of the internship term. College credit can be arranged for undergraduate or graduate students. This position is an average of 10 hours per week, which must be fulfilled on-site. CAC wishes to hire two Exhibitions Assistants who can work a combination of Wednesdays, 12-5pm or Thursdays, 12-5pm, and Fridays, 12-5pm. Hours for the Friday of opening receptions will shift to 3-8pm for the following dates:

• Friday, February 25, 2022
• Friday, April 15, 2022
• Friday, June 3, 2022
• Friday, July 22, 2022

Highest Priorities Needed

Ability to coordinate a project on a tight timeline in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work independently and conscientiously, be highly motivated, and require minimal supervision. Applicants should demonstrate strong professional skills in communication, organization, creative problem-solving, and adaptability.

Responsibilities

Assist in management of galleries and studios, greet visitors at the front desk, and support artist and curatorial residents in BOLT and HATCH residency programs. Liaise with artists and curators in preparation for upcoming shows. Help in drafting press releases and contacting media outlets. Setup gallery for opening receptions and other programming. Conduct research on national models and trends in artist and curatorial residency programs.

Skills

General knowledge of the Chicago contemporary visual art scene. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Drive platform; Adobe Creative, Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop are a plus. Ability to work in a team environment and independently. You will gain substantial experience in non-profit project management, marketing, networking, and navigating the art world.

To Apply

Email your cover letter and résumé, plus two short writing samples (1 page each), with the subject line “Exhibitions Assistant” to Aileen Cortez, Artists Grants and Exhibitions Manager: aileen (at) chicagoartistscoalition (dot) org
Please send inquiries no later than Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Candidates will be expected to conduct a short interview.