Pre-program Outdoor Sculpture Internship

Each year the Hirshhorn Museum’s Conservation Department implements a maintenance program for the outdoor sculpture collection.

The outdoor sculpture internship is designed for candidates who are seriously considering a graduate level degree in conservation. The participant will receive a hands-on introduction to outdoor sculpture conservation and opportunities to assist with other projects related to the care and conservation of a contemporary art collection.

The intern will carry out a variety of conservation treatments on the outdoor sculpture collection, document sculpture treatments through treatment reports and digital documentation, learn the properties and application of a range of conservation materials, and utilize specialized tools and analytical equipment in the performance of their daily duties. In addition to treating and examining artwork, the intern will be introduced to the essential routine tasks of a conservator: conducting gallery inspections, monitoring environmental conditions in the collection spaces, and maintaining a clean workspace.

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden exhibits more than fifty outdoor sculptures consisting of a variety of materials including stone, bronze, aluminum, plastic and (painted) steel. The outdoor sculptures receive annual maintenance and conservation treatments that may include washing, the application of protective surface coatings, repainting, and structural repairs. The work is performed mostly outdoors, is strenuous, and often requires working in very hot and humid conditions.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Due to the revitalization of the sculpture garden, the Hirshhorn will not be hosting outdoor sculpture interns this summer. For more information on the sculpture garden revitalization, please visit sculpture garden revitalization page. For more information about the Museum’s collection, please visit the collection. For inquiries, please reach out to Anouk Verbeek at VerbeekA@si.edu.