The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is pleased to announce three ten-week summer internships in the Susan and David Goode Center for Advanced Study in Art Conservation. The Goode Center is a vibrant research and training center dedicated to advancing the field of conservation, art history, and science through joint study with conservators, curators, scholars, and scientists. Opened in 2010, the Goode Center is one of the largest conservation facilities in the southeast and is outfitted with advanced analytical and examination capabilities including hyperspectral and infrared imaging, scanning and portable x-ray fluorescence, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy, microfade testing, and computed x-radiography.

To raise awareness of professional opportunities among students of all backgrounds, but particularly underrepresented populations, these summer internships are being offered to students enrolled at an accredited college or university. Each internship will focus on one area of conservation specialization, either paper, paintings, or objects. While the successful candidates will spend the majority of their time in their assigned conservation lab, they will also have the opportunity to learn about other areas of art conservation as well as general collections care and the Museum’s broader operations.

Interns will learn proper art handling techniques and appropriate storage and housing of works of art; participate in the use of scientific and technical conservation equipment; research conservation literature; write condition reports and perform treatments; learn about agents of deterioration; and assist in routine maintenance of the collection and conservation studios. Interns will actively participate in the daily activities of the VMFA conservation studios and become familiar with the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates should provide evidence of an interest in pursuing art conservation as a career. This can include coursework, extracurricular activities, or volunteer service in studio art, art history, and/or chemistry.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates will ideally be enrolled in a college or university degree program.

Special Instructions:

Three positions will be filled through this announcement. These positions are generously funded through VMFA’s Preservation Training Initiative grant from the National Endowment of Humanities Preservation and Access Education and Training program.

The 10-week internship is currently scheduled to run from June 3-August 9, 2024. The selected interns will be paid $15/hour and will receive a $1,000 housing stipend.

Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check.

These positions are open to the general public. On-line applications will be accepted until 11:55 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Candidates need to apply through the Commonwealth of Virginia job website.

All submissions should include a cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in art conservation, a résumé, a brief writing sample OR art portfolio (three works of art from any media), and two letters of reference by March 21, 2024. Letters of reference can be uploaded to the application or submitted directly to kim.frola@vmfa.museum.

VMFA is an EEO/AA and Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer.