GRAM Announces Participation In National Internship Programs for Underrepresented Students

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, February 24, 2020 — The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) announced today its participation in two paid internship programs during summer 2020: the graduate-level Steelcase Fellowship and the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) undergraduate paid internship program. Both programs serve college students from underrepresented communities, fostering future career opportunities in the arts and cultural sector.

​“An essential component of cultivating the next generation of art museum professionals is to provide hands-on work experience — something that is out-of-reach for the many students who have limitations on their financial resources and access,” explained GRAM Director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen. ​“By providing paid internship opportunities at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, we aim to address some of these challenges head-on. We are grateful to Steelcase and AAMD for the important support they provide to these programs.”

Steelcase Fellowship
The Museum is launching the pilot year of its Steelcase Fellowship program for two graduate-level students pursuing degrees in the arts, arts administration, museum studies, nonprofit management, and related fields. 

• 12-week fellowship during summer 2020
• Two graduate-level students
• 20 hours per week 
• Stipend of $6600

GRAM’s Curatorial department will host a student pursuing an art history, museum studies, or similar degree. A second fellow will be hosted by GRAM’s Advancement or Communications department. To supplement their experience at the Museum, fellows will have the opportunity to network and learn from other arts and cultural institutions in West Michigan and from Steelcase Inc.

AAMD Undergraduate Internship
GRAM has been selected as one of 10 museums in the United States to participate in the AAMD paid internship program. Launched in 2018, the program focuses on students who are in their sophomore, junior, or senior year, and provides an opportunity for students who have begun to solidify their academic interests and potential career path to gain hands-on experience in an art museum setting.

• 12-week Curatorial internship during summer 2020
• Undergraduate-level student
• 40 hours per week 
• Stipend of $6300

The selected intern will focus on projects in GRAM’S Curatorial department. They will also work closely with a member of the Museum’s leadership team throughout their 12 weeks, developing a mentoring relationship to ensure there are opportunities for conversation, feedback, direction, and questions, as well as longer-term career advice. In addition to the stipend, the selected intern will be provided with opportunities for paid travel with their mentor to one or two museum field conferences for networking and professional development.

How to Apply
For more information about how to apply for either opportunity, please visit the Museum’s website at artmuseumgr.org/careers. The application process will formally open today, February 24, and applications must be submitted by midnight (EST) March 15. The Museum will make its selection and contact the candidate by April 15.

About the Grand Rapids Art Museum 
Connecting people through art, creativity, and design. Established in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the art museum is internationally known for its distinguished design and LEED® Gold certified status. Established in 1910 as the Grand Rapids Art Association, GRAM has grown to include more than 5,000 works of art, including American and European 19^th and 20^th-century painting and sculpture and more than 3,000 works on paper. Embracing the city’s legacy as a leading center of design and manufacturing, GRAM has a growing collection in the area of design and modern craft. 
 
For museum hours and admission fees, visit artmuseumgr.org. 

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