Develop a research-based plan to support collection access and public programmes

Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery Internship

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for the eighth Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery Internship, to start in early 2027. This internship enables a recent graduate, postgraduate student or early-career art professional to work with the Gallery to develop research skills and knowledge relating to collection management, curatorial practice, exhibition making, communications and public programming through their involvement in the planning and delivery of aspects of the Gallery's work.

The internship is a paid part-time, fixed-term position. The total duration of the internship is 400 hours. Although the timeframe for the internship is flexible, ideally the successful applicant will be available between February and August 2027.

The successful applicant will establish their work plan with Gallery staff. They will be based in Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery's office on Kelburn Campus, working alongside the team on a range of projects, with opportunities to undertake self-directed research as well as a range of activities typical of the Gallery's workflow.

Key responsibilities:

The Internship workplan will be designed to build their experience across a range of gallery activities. This is likely to entail:

  • Research on collection items/archival material to support knowledge of and access to Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Art Collection and Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery Research Room.
  • Research towards public programmes, such as talks, seminars, screenings, performances or other related events.
  • Liaise with artists, their representatives, other organisations, and professional colleagues.
  • Other activities related to the day-to-day work of Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, with the aim of learning about the full range of work that contributes to a busy public art gallery (these will include handling artworks, working with collection management systems, administrative tasks, attending meetings, public speaking, etc.).

You will have strong interest in contemporary art practice and the mechanisms which go into running a gallery. You will be looking for a learning opportunity and be interested in working with the Adam Art Gallery team to develop research skills and knowledge relating to collection management, curatorial practice, exhibition making, communications and public programming as an introduction to working within the art gallery sector.

  • A degree in Art History, preferably Honours or above. Other disciplines, including Fine Arts, Museum & Heritage Studies, Cultural and Visual Studies, will be considered.
  • Demonstrated interest in the visual arts and ability to think creatively.
  • A working knowledge of art galleries and a strong interest in the work they undertake.
  • Good communication skills. The applicant must be able to research and write to publication standard. They must also be confident speakers in group and public situations.
  • Excellent time-management skills, including the ability to work both independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines and achieve outcomes.
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