Collections Intern

Job Title: Collections Intern 

Department: Collections 

Supervisor: Assistant Registrar 

Employment Status: Part-Time 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Pay Rate: $15.45 per hour 

Work Hours:

•  Monday-Friday 10:00am - 3:00pm. 
• 19 hours per week. 
• 06/26/23 through 08/18/23

Job Summary:

Under the general direction of the Assistant Registrar, the Collections Intern will assist HoMA's Collections Department in its routine daily tasks as well as long-term projects such as inventorying objects in storage and reorganizing object files. Training in the fundamentals of object handling and museum record keeping will be the priority of this internship, with opportunities for interns to also assist with exhibitions and collection rotations. This internship will provide hands on experience and exposure to the broad variety of tasks a museum Collections Department is responsible for, and provides the opportunity to hone administrative skills, manual dexterity, and attention to close visual detail

About HoMA, the Honolulu Museum of Art:

Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Originally established as the Honolulu Academy of Arts, founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day. Over the decades, the museum has become known for its strong tradition of art classes and community engagement, both inside the walls of the museum and beyond. In 2011 the Honolulu Academy of Arts merged with the dynamic and vibrant Contemporary Museum, reinvigorating the museum’s contemporary holdings and ushering in an opportunity for renewed commitment to the art of our time. The Honolulu Museum of Art was born. 

With a dynamic global art collection and a dedication to innovative exhibitions and engagement with contemporary artists, HoMA strives to create a broad range of meaningful art experiences that are inclusive and accessible. Over the past century, the museum’s permanent collection has grown from 500 works to more than 55,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years. The Museum has one of the largest single collections of Asian and Pan-Pacific art in the United States, including an unrivaled collection by artists of Hawai’i. The collection also contains significant holdings in European and American paintings, contemporary art, sculptures, and decorative arts; 19th- and 20th-century art; an extensive collection of works on paper, textiles, decorative arts; and traditional works from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Other highlights include the Samuel H. Kress Collection of Italian Renaissance paintings and the James A. Michener Collection of Japanese ukiyo-e prints and contemporary art. 

Education has been an integral part of HoMA since its founding, and the Learning & Engagement department supports the Museum vision by advancing knowledge and fostering a thirst for creative thought, agency, and artistic excellence. Programs, which range from classes and lectures to tours and workshops, are designed to inspire and spark wonder in people of all ages and skill levels. Through Learning & Engagement initiatives, HoMA strives to instill a love and appreciation for art in children at an early age, promote a culture of lifelong learning, and foster artistic excellence and support a healthy arts ecosystem in Hawaiʻi. 

As HoMA approaches its centennial in 2027, it is poised to embark on a new chapter guided by a renewed vision and Strategic Plan that focuses on HoMA’s core purpose: to be a home for art and education that exists for the benefit of the entire community, presented in a setting that prioritizes beauty, harmony, and promotes learning, self-awareness and connection. With acknowledgment of HoMA’s history and purpose at the forefront, the Strategic Plan charts a course for HoMA’s next chapter in a rapidly changing world. It will transform HoMA into a relevant and sustainable 21st century museum where people of all ages and from all walks of life will be invited in and reinforce HoMA’s ability to bring the art of the world to Hawaiʻi and the art of Hawaiʻi to the world.

Desired Qualifications:

• A bachelorʻs degree or enrollment in a high education program
• Willingness and desire to learn.
• Must demonstrate advanced knowledge of filing systems.
• Ability to look closely and focus on a single object for extended periods of time.
• Excellent organizational skills and flexibility.
• Possess the integrity to handle sensitive data with confidentiality.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively and participate on a diverse team.
• Self-starter who is committed to HoMA’s mission.
• The traits of honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, and follow-through to meet goals.
• Must be diplomatic, analytical and tech savvy.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

Key Tasks:

• Assists with collections projects by assessing object files and object storage.
• Assists with the reproduction and digitization of object files.
• Under the supervision of Collections staff, handles objects in the permanent collection.
• Performs data entry and updates the database as necessary.
• Other internship-relevant duties as requested.

Educational Outcomes:

• Intern will gain a basic understanding of collections and broader museum administrative practices.
• Intern will learn about proper object handling, transportation, and storage.
• Intern will learn about different collection areas.
• Intern will strengthen record keeping and digitization skills.
• Intern will learn how to navigate a museum collection database.
• Intern will develop resources for future study or work in these areas.

Working Conditions and Atmosphere:  

The intern works with supervision and guidance as needed. Work performed will often be sensitive to the Museum and require confidentiality. Regular office hours are required, to be decided with supervisor.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity:

HoMA welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and this is reflected in our diverse community of employees. We encourage applications from candidates across a wide variety of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, people of all races and ethnicities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, and all members of the LGBTQ community.  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

HoMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. HoMA recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions and benefit programs without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, including pregnancy and gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, marital status, arrest and court record, citizenship, credit history, military and veteran service, victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse victim status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. 

HoMA maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. This applies to both HoMA employees and applicants for employment with the Museum. Any form of harassment of any employee because of any protected status is also prohibited.