2026 Getty Marrow Collections and Curatorial Intern
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
F/T Non-exempt Internship
UNIT
Collections Management and Access
APPLICATION DEADLINE
04/16/2026
OPEN DATE
03/13/2026
Position Summary:
The Getty Marrow Collections & Curatorial Intern will delve into the various processes inherent to collections and curatorial work at the Japanese American National Museum. The Intern will have opportunities to catalog, digitize, rehouse, and research artwork that were created by Japanese Americans while they were incarcerated in America’s concentration camps during WWII. This work will help to advance the curatorial efforts to create a catalog of WWII art from JANM’s Permanent Collection. Ultimately, the Internship will culminate in a Capstone Project that the Getty Marrow Collections and Curatorial Intern will design to make the WWII era artwork relatable and accessible to a broad audience, in advance of the forthcoming catalog.
JANM is the largest repository of Japanese American material culture, archives, and artwork in the world. While the Permanent Collection is encyclopedic in representing the entire Japanese American experience from early immigration in the mid nineteenth century through the present, the strength of the collection pertains to the World War II experience. In 1992, JANM debuted The View from Within: Japanese American Art from the Internment Camps, 1942-1945, an exhibition of art from JANM’s collection as well as private collections that “highlighted works of art produced by Japanese Americans during one of the darkest chapters in American history…capturing the response to this national tragedy in a unique and profoundly moving manner.” Since this groundbreaking exhibition in 1992, JANM has significantly increased its holdings of artworks. Yet, many of the artworks require digitization and further cataloging.
Intern Stipend: $7,400 gross stipend for Full-Time (40 hours/week),10 consecutive weeks.
Dates of Internship:10 consecutive weeks from June 15 to August 21, 2026. Schedule is Monday – Friday, Full-Time, In-person located in the Collections Management & Access Office. Requires occasional evening and weekend hours.
See below for more details and criteria.
The mission of the Japanese American National Museum it to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience. The Japanese American National Museum is the largest museum in the United States dedicated to sharing the experience of Americans of Japanese ancestry.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- In order to advance cataloging and digitization and make the artwork accessible to the public, the Getty Marrow Collections and Curatorial intern will review existing documentation in donor files, catalog the objects in TMS (collections management database), work with the digitization specialist on staff to digitize the artworks, research the historical context around the artworks and relevant themes that the materials represent for the project curator, and develop written content for inclusion on JANM’s various public-facing platforms.
- TMS collections management system—search and enter data in the system, training on art handling, cataloging standards, searching and the TMS collections management system will be provided. In addition to these skills, the collection and curatorial intern will hone research and writing skills.
- The Intern will determine a creative way to share JANM’s WWII artwork with a broad audience as a final Capstone Project.
- Attends regular department and weekly one-on-one meetings with supervisor.
- Work a museum-wide sponsored event: JANM’s Natsumatsuri Family Festival (Saturday in August)
This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Incumbent will perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions outlined above.
Criteria for Intern Candidates:
The internship opportunities are intended for students from backgrounds underrepresented in museums and the visual arts professions, eligible candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for consideration. Candidates are sought from all areas of undergraduate study at any higher education institution and are not required to have demonstrated a previous commitment to the visual arts. In addition, each intern applicant must meet the following three (3) eligibility criteria:
- Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in a bachelor’s or associate degree program and have completed at least one semester or 2 quarters of college by June 2026. Students who graduated the semester or quarter immediately before the internship begins are also eligible.
- Attend college in or be a permanent resident of Los Angeles County.
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident eligible to be legally employed in the US. Students with DACA status valid through the internship period are also eligible.
Additionally, please note that:
- Students who have previously served as Getty Marrow Undergraduate Interns at the Japanese American National Museum are not eligible for consideration.
- Students enrolled in a second BA or BS or higher degree program are not eligible.
- Finally, staff members, and relatives of staff or board members are not eligible.
Education
High School Diploma. Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in a bachelor’s or associate degree program and have completed at least one semester or two quarters of college by June 2026.
Attend college in or be a permanent resident of Los Angeles County.
Experience/Knowledge
Interest in Collections and Curatorial work preferred. Previous experience in art handling, cataloging, or Digitization is beneficial. Willingness to learn and apply new skills. Ability to discern how to prioritize, plan, and manage tasks according to firm deadlines, clearly communicate delays, and respond to requests in a timely manner is required. Being able to work well in a team as well as working independently is imperative. Demonstrated commitment and flexibility in order to ensure a high level of quality service. Ability to adjust and provide appropriate action when unanticipated need arises. Knowledge of Japanese American history and culture a plus.
Communication
Has excellent communication and negotiation skills. Must be able to provide courteous and effective service to co-workers, volunteers, and the general public. Is able to read, write, and comprehend routine reports and correspondence, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Is able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group format and large group format.
Computer
Is Computer literate, Internet savvy, and experienced with MS Office and Google Suite is preferred. Knowledge of TMS (collections management database) is beneficial. Experienced using scanners, photocopiers, and printers requried. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
Math
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning
Ability to act on own initiative, making consistently sound decisions. Must be able to comply with institutional policies and procedures. Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload. Ability to make practical decisions and solve problems, adapt to change and communicate effectively. Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and articulate challenges and request support where needed. Reliable follow-through on assigned projects in a complete, well conceived, and timely manner.
Physical
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The Collections and Curatorial Intern will have their own desk in the Collections and Management Access office. They will have a computer with access to the JANM network, internet, TMS (collections management database), a scanner, photocopier, and printer. The intern will be in a location approximately 10 feet away from the primary supervisor. CMA staff come into the office five days a week (Monday through Friday). The Collections and Curatorial intern will be expected to come in every day, as well, since hands-on work with the collection materials must be done at the museum.
The Getty Marrow Collections and Curatorial Internship at the Japanese American National Museum is a Temporary, Full-Time Internship position from June 15 to August 21, 2026. Please note, however, that this is an at-will position, meaning that your employment may be terminated at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause. There is, in other words, no guarantee that you will be employed until any date in the future, Including August 21, 2026.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports To: Kristen Hayashi, Ph.D., Director of Collections Management and Access & Curator
Positions Supervised: None
Salary Range
$7,400 gross stipend for Full-Time (40 hours/week), 10 consecutive weeks