Program Overview

Since 1990, the Chinati Foundation's Internship Program has provided hands-on museum experience to more than 240 students, recent graduates and young professionals from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. During extended stays at Chinati, interns gain exposure to various aspects of the museum's daily operations, working closely with staff, resident artists, visiting scholars, architects, and museum professionals. Interns play an essential role in the museum's daily operations and gain valuable experience for future courses of study and careers in museum and arts administration.

Over the last 20 years, participants in the program have included interns from all parts of the United States, as well as Austria, Belgium, England, Germany, Holland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Brazil, Scotland, Sweden, and Australia.

As compensation, the Museum offers interns a modest stipend of $100 per week and a furnished apartment on the Chinati grounds. Although Chinati's internships are geared toward students pursuing degrees in art, architecture, art history, conservation, or museum studies, the museum welcomes applicants of all ages and backgrounds.

Chinati currently offers internship positions in Education and Public Programs, Conservation, and Development.

General Internship >> more information
Works with visitor services, education, administrative, and other staff to assist with all aspects of the museum including tours, public affairs, general office support, and special events.

Education and Public Programs Internship >> more information
Works primarily with education and visitor services staff to assist with collection tours, public programs, and educational initiatives.

Conservation Internship >> more information
Conservation intern responsibilities include: assisting the conservator with routine maintenance of the collection, condition assessments, environmental monitoring, art installation, research and treatment of objects, report writing and photography. The intern will gather insight into a wide variety of materials and conditions and work directly together with the conservator.

Development Internship >> more information
Provides experience in museum and non-profit fundraising and management. Works directly with development staff.

Chinati encourages international applicants and will work with accepted interns to obtain the necessary Visa, though the museum is currently unable to provide any financial support for this process.

List of Chinati Foundation interns >>

The Internship Program is supported with generous grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Elke and Wilhelm Hoppe Endowment, Texas Commission on the Arts, the Charles Engelhard Foundation, and the George & Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation. Chinati also acknowledges the generous financial and in-kind contributions of the people of Marfa.