Lifelong Learning and Accessibility Pathways Exploration intern

Lifelong Learning and Accessibility Pathways Internship

Job Description

The Pathways Exploration Internship Program (PEI) runs from May 21^st - August 8^th, 2025. This program, for current college students and early career professionals (max. 2 years post-grad), provides paid exploratory opportunities for individuals who are considered historically underrepresented in arts and cultural fields. Although these internships are designed for students from backgrounds that have been historically excluded from careers in museums and the arts, the Denver Art Museum welcomes applications from all eligible candidates, regardless of background. The intention of this program is not to provide a career pathway specifically within the Denver Art Museum, rather to support and understand the different career pathways within a museum while developing skills necessary to pursue a career in an arts and cultural field.

A commitment of 32-40 hours per week over the course of 12 weeks is requested; hours are relatively flexible between 8am - 6pm, Monday-Friday. This time is divided into day-to-day department work, participation in PEI activities (professional development, check-ins, team building opportunities, etc.), and an independent project that will culminate into a presentation at the end of the summer. While this is a paid position, credit may be available through your academic program.

** If course credit may be available through your institution. Please contact your institution directly for eligibility. **

This position contributes to the programs and initiatives of the Lifelong Learning & Accessibility and Interpretive Engagement Divisions of the Learning & Engagement department. The Pathways Lifelong Learning & Accessibility Intern will work with the team to help provide programming to adults of all ages and abilities. They will write alternative (alt text) and verbal description for the DAM's online exhibition guides, conduct object-based research for our Mindful Looking program, and assist with general project coordination for the team. Working with the Interpretive Engagement division of the L&E department, the intern will participate in visitor studies that will contribute to the department's greater understanding of visitor behaviors in art museums.

Key Responsibilities

• Write alternative (alt) text for DAM online exhibition guides, as well as verbal description for objects in the DAM's permanent collection. Previous alt text and verbal description writing is not a requirement, as the team will teach the intern.
• Using reliable sources and with visitor engagement in mind, conduct research on three artworks and create a research report for Mindful Looking.
• Help team plan and coordinate the Creative Aging Forum and Accessibility Advocates meetings. Help team in the development of in-community volunteer program with Art at Hand.
• Help team plan and coordinate July Untitled: Artist Takeover program and assist on the night of the program (July 25, 2025).
• Execute visitor study protocols to gather data, e.g., visitor observation surveys.
• Sort data into themes and analyze.
• Summarize findings in written report.
• Participate in all PEI related events, including, but not limited to, professional development opportunities, panels, EDI training, team building events, group check-ins, and department presentations.
• Contribute to an individual project that encompasses the goals and objectives of your department as well as highlights your specific interests in the museum field.
• Present your individual project at the end of the internship.

Job Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree or a recent graduate (max. 2 years post-grad.)
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive attitude and willingness to participate in group activities.
• Ability to contribute to several projects at once.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Comfort working with older adults and individuals with disabilities.
• Excellent observation skills.
• Analytical thinking skills.

What you will learn from us

• Introductory skills for a career pathway in an arts and cultural organization.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training.
• Cross-departmental collaboration.
• Networking Opportunities.
• Working with older adults and adults with disabilities.
• Program coordination and planning.
• Object research.
• Writing alt text and verbal description.
• Research (visitor studies).
• Practical on-the-ground data gathering/collection.
• Organization - e.g., use of Excel spreadsheets.

Compensation: $19.00/hour.

Benefits: A free RTD Eco Pass. A free DAM Family Membership. 4 hours personal plus Colorado HFWA paid sick leave. Employee Assistance Program. Subscription to Headspace. This position is based at the Denver Art Museum, which only has pay to park options.

We know that searching for a job can be stressful so we would like to give you an overview of the process to manage expectations. This role will require an interview with the hiring panelthat will be heldvirtually. The position will close on February 14, 2025.

DENVER ART MUSEUM:

As an institution, we believe the Denver Art Museum is both a platform for and an amplifier of the voices of people of all races. We acknowledge that Black lives matter and communities of color - Latinx, Indigenous, Black, and others - have been underrepresented in art museums over decades, both internally and externally. We are committed to elevating all voices, artworks and perspectives and strive to support racial equity inside and out.

We prohibit discrimination against any person or organization based on age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, political service or affiliation, genetic information, or disability, as well as any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

We strive to provide a professional and positive work environment for our employees. The Museum expressly prohibits any form of employee harassment on the basis of age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, political service or affiliation, genetic information, disability or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. Actions based on these or any legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated.

We encourage the freedom of gender expression and/or gender presentation. As an institution, we do not create barriers that may prevent any employee from expressing behaviors, mannerisms, interests, and appearances that represent their authentic personality or culture. Qualified candidates are expected to exemplify the DAM's internal values, which include being dynamic, respectful, inclusive, creative, and curious. The ability to maintain effective and positive working relationships with visitors, employees, volunteers, representatives of public and private entities, policy making bodies, and contractors is critical to the success of this position.