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Preparator Intern - Cochrane-Woods Art Center Exhibitions

University of Chicago
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This internship is part of the University’s Jeff Metcalf Internship Program. Click here to learn more about the program, its benefits, and the UChicago community of supporters. By applying to this internship you agree to follow the Student Recruiting Guidelines.

  • Funding for this role will be supported by either Career Advancement or the Department of Art History. 
  • Career Advancement stipend will be: $750 (per quarter), Department of Art History Funding will be confirmed upon offer. 
  • Internship Time Commitment: 4-6 hrs per week, (Fall, Winter & Spring)
  • Work Structure – Remote 
  • This position is not benefits eligible
  • Odyssey Scholars, students from selective Career Cohorts, and Dean’s & President’s merit award recipients may be eligible to receive funding for this opportunity. If you’ve received an internship offer for this opportunity, please inform your Career Advancement adviser/career cohort program coordinator to review funding eligibility before accepting an offer. 
  • Please make sure that if selected for an interview, you communicate to your prospective host organization/employer where you will be physically located during the internship as your location may affect your (or your host organization/employer’s) ability to pursue this opportunity.                                                                                  
  • If you are an international student, please make sure to visit the OIA website to familiarize yourself with your work authorization eligibility and requirements as soon as possible. If you’d like to make an appointment with your international adviser, please visit this page.
  • Students who have been selected for the 2026-27 Academic Year Quad Undergraduate Research Scholars Grant are not eligible to receive Metcalf funding or additional opportunities during the academic quarters.

Preparator

The Department of Art History’s Visual Resources Center (VRC) seeks candidates for the position of Preparator forCWAC Exhibitions (CWAC Exh), an initiative to support student- and course-curated exhibitions in the hallways of the Cochrane-Woods Art Center. 

 

The Preparator serves as the in-house fabrication specialist, doing matting and framing, making mounts, and fabricating wall labels. The Preparator collaborates with curators and to create and review floor plans during the exhibition planning phase. The Preparator takes the lead on all installation and deinstallation work. This position may be cross-trained to support other exhibitions and materials collection work as needs arise.

 

The Preparator will be trained and mentored by VRC staff members Bridget Madden and Caitlin Cooner, and work on a team with other student positions to support CWAC Exh and the JSMC, including Registrar, Communications and Events Manager, Curatorial Consultant, Photographer, and Graphic Designer. The position will require extensive screen time as well as on-site work. Physical demands include the ability to handle artwork, power tools, and other supplies; the ability to carry moderately heavy objects; the ability to stand on a ladder, crouch, climb, balance, sit, and stand for long periods of time. 

 

Eligibility and Preferred Skills

Must be a current UChicago College student. All majors encouraged to apply, especially students majoring in Visual Arts; Media Arts, Data, and Design; Theater and Performance Studies; Architectural Studies, or Art History. 

Hours

4-6 hours per week 

The Preparator is an on-site position, and the primary work location is CWAC 257, which is accessible only by stairs. In general, the work week is during weekdays between 9am–5pm. Occasional work may be required during evenings or weekends during exhibition installations and events, such as opening and closing celebrations. We ask for a weekly work schedule each quarter, and that shifts be at least 2 hours long

To Apply

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume via Handshake by Monday 9/7. Review of applications will begin Tuesday 9/8. In your cover letter, please answer the following prompts: 

  • This position has the possibility of working with different types of artworks and materials. Please describe your existing hand skills, whether formal or informal. For example, we want to know if you’re a sewist or an artist, if you’ve ever worked on a digital project, or if you have fabrication, design, photography, art handling skills, or other relevant experience. 
  • Please also describe your problem solving skills. For example, we’d love to hear your strategy about the first thing you might do when you’re not sure how to fabricate or install something. As an option, you’re welcome to share links to a portfolio, project, or website