Internships

Learning through real-world experiences.

Internships at UM School of Visual Media Arts

Internships are an excellent way to get real-world experience while in school. Some students work for filmmakers, graphic designers, web designers, and Illustrators. Others work in museums, galleries and art centers. Still others create projects for businesses, events and non-profits organizations. Internships are usually 3-credits, which is a commitment of 9-12 hours per week and is equivalent to one class at The University of Montana. Internships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

1. Find an internship:

Contact a Professor with interests in your area. Often professors have projects or connections in the community.
Visit the Office of Internship Services. Office of Internship Services in the Lomasson Center rm 154.
Create an internship to suit your interest.

2. Meet with your chosen organization to discuss possibilities. At this meeting, please clarify the following:

The goal of the internship (outcomes)
When (hours) and how you will accomplish your goals (description)
How your performance will be evaluated.

3. When your internship is established, please fill out an internship form. Internship Form

You must sign up before the semester starts. For out of town internships, or summer internships, you must sign up a month before the internship begins.

4. Periodically, meet with your faculty advisor for your internship.

At mid-semester please set up a meeting with your internship advisor and the person who is overseeing your internship to review your progress and the value of the internship. As often as possible, these should be on site meetings.

Gallery of Visual Arts GVA usually works with one or two students per year. These internship opportunities are designed to provide students with a basic understanding of professional practices in gallery management, exhibit preparation, and art handling. Interns will assist the director with all aspects of the exhibits program and will have the opportunity to pursue individual research objectives. Please contact Cathryn Mallory at cathryn.mallory@umontana.edu or 406.243.2813

Montana Museum of Art & Culture MMAC usually works with one or two students a year for an internship. The primary purpose of the internship is to assist MMAC staff with aspects of exhibition and Permanent Collection work; to gain competency in art handling, interpersonal communication, research, planning and organization, collections care, exhibition preparation, and problem-solving; to gain an understanding of core museum operations. Please contact Program Coordinator. 406.243.2019) for more information.

Missoula Art Museum MAM traditionally has five internships a year: Curatorial Internship, Education Internship, Collection Management Internship, Arts Management Internship and Gallery Attendant Internship. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Missoula Art Museum does provide internship opportunities that can provide realistic insight into museum professions and professional practices. MAM internships are intended to be mutually beneficial to the intern and the institution, providing realistic experiences and insights into museum professions as well as supporting the mission and educational outreach by MAM. Please contact the museum via email or 406.728.0447

Zootown Arts Community Center ZACC generally works with 2-5 interns a semester. These internships range from studio assistants (usually painting, printmaking or ceramics) to website / marketing needs. Please contact email or 406.549.7555

Blackfoot Pathways Sculpture In The Wild houses internatinally significant artworks, both permanent and temporary, inspired by the environmental and industrial heritage of the Blackfoot Valley. This sculpture park features a dedicated program for UM emerging artists.

406-431-0325 E-mail: bfpathways@gmail.com