2023 Arts Management – Studio Internship

Arts Management – Studio Internships

Who We Are

Penland School of Craft is an international center for craft education offering residential workshops, residencies, community education programs, and exhibitions. Located on 420 acres in the NC Mountains, Penland has 16 teaching studios and 60 historic and contemporary buildings. We are an equal opportunity employer with a staff of 70. Penland operates with a $54 million endowment and an annual operating budget of $7.7 million. We are located about an hour northeast of Asheville, NC.  Our mission supports making lives meaningful through making.

 

Commitment to Equity,  Diversity, and Inclusion

Penland welcomes everyone. Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, and other people who identify as people of color or BIPOC individuals are encouraged to apply, as are people holding other marginalized identities related to gender, sexual orientation, ability, and class background.

 

We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to fulfilling our mission. We want to inspire and nurture the human spirit, and we value the perspectives and contributions of all people. We want the Penland experience to include varied ideas, world views, and personal characteristics. Penland is committed to being a community that welcomes and respects everyone regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, philosophical or political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, and socioeconomic status. We are committed to providing an environment free of discrimination. 

 

Position Summary

A Penland internship offers a unique opportunity to live and work in a dynamic, creative educational community and work with accomplished professionals in a mutual learning and knowledge-sharing environment. The studio interns provide day-to-day support for Penland staff, workshops, and studios and, in doing so, will gain a unique experience in their discipline. For the 2024 summer season, we will be offering up to 3 internships and seeking applicants in glass/clay (1), 2D media (1), and 3D media (1). 2D areas include paper, books, photography, print, and letterpress. 3D media includes metals, iron, wood, and textiles. 

 

In this educational position, you will report directly to one studio coordinator in that area and work closely with the studio operations manager, coordinators of other studios, and other studio interns. You will organize, implement, and support the teaching studios’ day-to-day operations both during and in between workshops during our busiest season. You will gain insight into the administrative and technical support necessary to create a smooth teaching and learning experience for all studio users, including machine maintenance, studio safety oversight, instructional support, and all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into preparing for and resetting after a workshop. You are expected to work 40 hours per week.

 

This experience begins on May 22 and concludes between August 18 – 27, 2024 (Start and end dates have some flexibility). 

 

You will receive $200 per week (up to $3000 for the experience), and housing and meals will be provided at no charge to you for the duration of the internship period.  If the dining hall is closed, we will not provide food, but there are kitchen facilities in the housing units. Class and studio access are not provided. Penland will work with individuals seeking educational credit for the internship and meet any college or university requirements. Details can be discussed in the interview process. 

 

Responsibilities 

  • Assist with receiving, inventory, tracking, and updating materials for workshops covering a wide range of traditional and experimental techniques in various media. 
  • Participate in preparing studios for incoming classes (requires weekend work).
  • Assist with general studio questions and technical concerns, and serve as a point of contact for students and instructors. 
  • Develop a working knowledge of the various skills and methods used for each summer workshop.
  • Assist with managing studio consumables and resale, including sales tracking, inventory tracking, ordering, and cash out. 
  • Develop a working knowledge of the established maintenance cycles of studio tools and equipment; conduct routine and specialized maintenance as needed.
  • Assist with the studio’s day-to-day operation, including cleaning, facilities upkeep, organizing storage spaces, and the support of studio safety and communication culture by example.
  • Assist with rearranging or moving studio furniture and equipment in preparation for the needs of each workshop.
  • As needed, support and collaborate with other studios staff and interns in day-to-day operations and weekend changeover. 

 

Qualifications

  • Familiarity and comfort working in a teaching studio and with the technical processes, equipment, and terminology of the discipline to which you are applying.
  • Demonstrated interest in the arts/arts administration and/or nonprofit management.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and positive professional behavior; comfort in communicating needs and expectations with students and instructors.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals.
  • Excellent organization and time management skills; attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Willingness to embrace a sometimes changing work schedule, including weekend work during changeovers from session to session.
  • Must have computer experience with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license.

 

Physical Demands

This position requires an intern to walk unaided up and down hills and over uneven terrain, bend, stoop, reach above their head, use fine and gross motor skills, and work in close quarters. They must have normal visual acuity at a near and far distance with correction and hear the spoken word with correction. The individual must be fluent in English. The position demands frequent exposure to inclement weather. While performing this job’s duties, the intern must regularly sit and work at a computer. They are frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls and talk fluently. They must occasionally lift and/or move heavy objects weighing up to 75 pounds. 

 

To Apply 

The internship will remain open until filled; however, the initial review of applications will consist of applications received by February 1, 2024. Please upload a cover letter and resume HERE