Full-Time Summer Internship Programs

The RISD Museum partners with the Studio Institute’s Arts Intern Providence Program to offer full-time summer internships. 

The Arts Intern program provides exciting opportunities for college undergraduates to learn about nonprofit professions through internships at museums and other cultural institutions. The program seeks candidates with demonstrated financial need and encourages applicants from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Program details

Each intern works closely with a staff mentor on a project relevant to their areas of interest. In addition, Arts Interns must participate in the education component of the program, which is spread out across nine program days throughout the summer. These days will be used to visit other institutions in their city as a cohort, where the interns will have the opportunity to learn about other jobs in the field, and to complete program assignments.

Applicants must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate students as of the Fall 2023 semester and must be rising Juniors or Seniors. They must attend college or live within Providence County. Lastly, they must have an Expected Family Contribution of less than $5000 (as listed on the student’s FAFSA form). International students are not eligible for this program. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, March 13, 2023, at 11:59 pm. Late submissions will not be accepted. 

This program is 9 weeks in length, 28 hours per week, between June and August, 2023. One day each week is a "program day," spent in a cohort with students interning at other Arts Intern partner organizations. Interns receive a stipend of $5,040 ($20 per hour) and an additional $525 stipend for completing the program days. Visit the Arts Intern website for more information. 

Positions for 2023

Graphic Design
The intern will design exhibition graphics for an exhibition on Diné (Navajo) textiles in the collection opening in Sept. They will work with the Assistant Director of Graphic Design and the curator to research the content and design concepts to present and then implement. They will carry the selected design into other needs across the museum for marketing, programs and events. Interns will also design posters and promotional images for other educational programs and events as needed throughout the summer. A strong understanding of graphic design principles, a developed research based practice, and knowledge of digital tools for 2D, 3D, and motion graphics creation. Interns will be introduced to project management software and cloud based file management systems.

Family & Teen Programs
The Family & Teen Programs Intern will create self-guided gallery materials for families. The intern will work with the Director of Family & Teen Programs to research precedents, develop prototypes, plan and implement user testing, and design the physical materials. They will also consider communication and evaluation plans for the piece they create. They will learn about creating developmentally appropriate educational experiences for kids in informal learning environments and the process of adapting theoretical approaches to the specific realities of the RISD Museum and its audiences. The intern should have experience with young people. They should be creative, open to feedback, and interested in engaging in an iterative process.

How to apply

1. Before you apply using the application form below, you MUST complete Arts Intern's eligibility check

2. Once you have received a response from Arts Intern staff confirming your eligibility, apply for RISD Museum positions using this form.