The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art seeks a curatorial intern focusing on decorative arts and material culture, for a paid summer internship at the Ringlings’ historic home, the Ca’ d’Zan, from  June 5 to July 28, 2023. The Ringling is the state art museum of Florida, administered by Florida State University. It consists of multiple venues including a historic mansion on a 66-acre site overlooking Sarasota Bay.

Ringling summer Internships combine practical, hands-on experience working on one or more projects. Summer interns gain exposure to The Ringling’s operation including professional development and cultural enrichment activities. This opportunity was made possible with support from the Dalbeck Foundation.

Housing

New in 2023, The Ringling has teamed up with New College of Florida to extend more affordable housing options to accepted Ringling summer interns. New College dorms are walking distance to The Ringling with housing rates ranging from $25-60 per day (depending on room type). Laundry is on site and a fitness center is available for an additional fee. Contact internships@ringling.org with questions about affordable housing opportunities for summer interns.

The due date for applications is Sunday, April 9th, 2023.

Anticipated Schedule and Location:

• June 5 – July 28, 2023
• 40-hours per week, flexible; Monday-Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
• On campus; not remote

Project Description:

Under the supervision of the Curator of Ca’ d’Zan and Decorative Arts, the intern will:

• Assist with research of objects that are original to the Mediterranean Revival style mansion, Ca’ d’Zan, the winter residence of John and Mable Ringling (built 1924-1926).
• Support the curator by compiling primary and secondary sources to improve documentation and update curatorial records of the decorative arts collection (numbering over 6,000 objects) in files and database records.
• Contribute to future rotations of dining-related decorative arts (silver flatware, dining utensils, ceramics, glassware, textiles, etc.) original to Ca’ d’Zan as part of a multi-year initiative to redesign and reinstall the Valet’s Pantry in Ca’ d’Zan as an interpretive space for displaying small objects related to entertaining during the period of the Ringling’s residency (1926-1929).
• The intern may also contribute to interpretive strategies and didactic materials that will be incorporated into the space relating objects to 1920s dining customs, social mores, and events held at Ca’ d’Zan. Other duties as assigned.

• To be considered you will need to attach the following items to your application:*
  • A position-relevant resume that includes course work, computer skills, and language skills
  • A position-relevant cover letter stating your career interests, background, and skills
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • A writing sample – max 500 words (e.g., an object label, portion of an essay, blog post, etc.)
• A master’s degree in Art History (or a Bachelor’s degree for those seeking a master’s degree)
• Preferable concentration in decorative arts or material culture
• Able to use Microsoft Office products
• Ability to lift up to 15 lbs.
• Excellent organizational skills with a high attention to detail
• Ability to work independently

• Familiar with The Museum System (TMS) or other museums collections software
• Experience with handling objects, museum cataloging standards
• Rehousing collections

Training will be provided for the selected candidate.

For technical assistance, please contact Ringling Human Resources at 941-358-2773 or employment@ringling.org.

For questions related to the internship opportunity, please contact internships@ringling.org.

$15.00 per hour/40-hours per week.