Internships and Opportunities

Art, Design & Architecture Museum interns lead a middle school tour of "Freedom Now! Forgotten Photographs of the Civil Rights Struggle" on view, October 19 - December 13, 2013 (courtesy Art, Design & Architecture Museum)

LATEST INTERNSHIP/OPPORTUNITIES ANNOUNCEMENTS

Smithsonian Office of Internship Programs logoTo strengthen its reputation as a world class internship program, the Smithsonian's Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI) has created a helpful list of all possible Smithsonian internships options on the OAAI opportunities page Link opens an external site. Use the search box to search for internships by keyword or topic or the drop-down menu to see opportunities for individual units or museums. For more general information about Smithsonian internships and the application process, visit the Prospective Interns page Link opens an external site. Remember to check back regularly as opportunities change.

Undergraduate Internships

Internships at art, architecture, and other kinds of institutions are a great way for students pursuing degrees in Art and Architectural History and Museum Studies to explore employment possibilities relevant to those fields. Internships are generally unpaid, and students must take the initiative in finding and applying for them. A number of possibilities, both on and off campus, are listed on this website, including a few that are taken as courses in other departments. More can be found in the downloadable Internship Opportunities flyer Link opens in a PDF reader and internships are often advertised in the History of Art & Architecture Newsletter for majors and minors in the department. Students also use their own initiative in finding other internship opportunities.

Students can earn academic credit for internships under five course numbers in the Department of the History of Art & Architecture: ARTHI 192A, B, C, D, and E. Each course can be taken for one to four units, and students can take a maximum of twelve units total in these courses throughout their time at UCSB. ARTHI 192A-D internships are on campus, ARTHI 192E internships are off campus. Application instructions for ARTHI 192A-C are indicated below; those for ARTHI 192D-E depend on the entities or institutions to which students apply. After securing an internship, students will need to submit an Internship Proposal Form for course enrollment and credit, but should consult with their faculty or staff supervisors at UCSB before doing so. Those who need further guidance can contact the Undergraduate Advisor, arthistory-ug-arthi@ucsb.edu link opens in the default email client.

ARTHI 192A-B (optional grading)

Art, Design & Architecture Museum / Architecture and Design Collection Internships

AD&A Museum Internships Link opens in a new window (ARTHI 192A) vary based on availability and student interest; options include internships in the Architecture and Design Collection Link opens in a new window (ARTHI 192B), which are archival. Students intern for the full academic year and attend a weekly seminar; applications are accepted during spring quarter for the following year. For application information, contact the 2024-2025 Intern Coordinator, Nathan Segura, nathansegura@ucsb.edu link opens in the default email client. Four units earned through these internships may be applied to the Museum Studies emphasis or minor. If taken for a letter grade the units may also be applied to the other HAA major and minor tracks. Otherwise, students receive only units.

AD&A Museum Education and Outreach Program

The Education team collaborates with curators, artists, and staff to produce educational materials for, and plan and execute outreach events relating to, upcoming and current AD&A Museum exhibitions. Interns will exercise their writing, project management, communication, and teaching abilities; learn to plan and lead museum tours for the university and local communities; interact with different art and museum professionals; and promote art appreciation with various target audiences. For more information, contact the 2024-2025 EOP Coordinator, Carlyle Constantino, carlyleconstantino@ucsb.edu link opens in the default email client.

ARTHI 192C (pass/no pass grading)

Material / Image Research Lab (MIRL) Internship

An internship in Material / Image Research Lab (MIRL) aids in developing skills in visual technologies and/or object study for research and in education. The internship may be designed with a focus in one or more of these areas: 

  • image technology related to research in Art and Architectural History
  • archival work with 35mm slides and potentially materials from the Architecture and Design Collection
  • object study in collaboration with the AD&A Museum and MIRL, including object storage, handling, transfer and display

To apply, send your resume, a list of related work experience and coursework, and a clear outline of your goals for an internship to: mirl@arthistory.ucsb.edu link opens in the default email client. Applications are due four weeks before the beginning of the quarter in which the student intends to start working. For more information, contact MIRL via email or at (805) 893-2509.

ARTHI 192D-E (pass/no pass grading)

ARTHI 192D internships are on campus but administered by UCSB entities other than the AD&A Museum, ADC, or IRC. ARTHI 192E internships are off-campus at art, architecture, and other kinds of institutions. 

Students should begin the process for getting academic credit in the quarter before they intend to start working as an intern. Once they have secured an internship, they should meet with their faculty supervisor, who will check that the internship is appropriate for academic credit and let them know the requirements. Four units earned through these internships may be applied to the Museum Studies emphasis or minor. Otherwise, students receive only units. For more information contact the Director of Museum Studies, Dr. Carole Paul, paul@arthistory.ucsb.edu link opens in the default email client, who usually serves as the faculty supervisor for these internships.

Other Internship Possibilities at UCSB

CHEADLE CENTER FOR BIODIVERSITY & ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION (CCBER) Link opens in a new window (ARTHI 192D, pass/no pass grading)

Contact: Dr. Katja Seltmann, seltmann@ccber.ucsb.edu link opens in the default email client or Dr. Greg Wahlert, wahlert@ccber.ucsb.edu link opens in the default email client.

The CCBER Museum and Curation Internship Program offers specialized internships throughout the collections and by partnering interns with collections researchers. Learning opportunities include specimen curation, specimen digitization, occasional field work, citizen science initiatives, and museum best practices.

INTERNSHIP IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORD-KEEPING AND COLLECTIONS Link opens in a PDF reader (ANTH 178, optional grading)

Contact: Prof. Amber VanDerwarker, vanderwarker@anth.ucsb.edu link opens in the default email client

Interns serve as assistants in the department's Central Coast Information Center Link opens in a new window or Repository for Ethnographic and Archaeological Collections Link opens in a new window or both.

INTERNSHIP IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (ANTH 183, optional grading)

Contact: Prof. Amber VanDerwarker, vanderwarker@anth.ucsb.edu link opens in the default email client

Interns serve as assistants or trainees in the archaeological programs of a governmental agency, a museum, or a private firm in the local area. In collaboration with the instructor and an extramural archaeologist, the student conceives a set of activities for the internship.

EXHIBITION STUDIES INTERNSHIP IN ART Link opens in a new window (ART 192ES)

Contact: Prof. Kim Yasuda, yasuda@ucsb.edu link opens in the default email client

This internship provides pedagogical and practical support for students exhibiting work within the Art Building and other venues across campus such as Cheadle Hall and the University Library. Among other skills, the course will include intensive training in exhibition scheduling and curating, installation and display, the production of didactic supplements such as information sheets, wall texts and titles, methods of promotion as well as de-installation and art handling.

INDIGENOUS STUDIES INTERNSHIPS (CH ST 115N, optional grading)

Contact: Prof. Gerardo Aldana, gvaldana@chicst.ucsb.edu link opens in the default email client

Introduction to NAGPRA Link opens in a new window (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) and campus repatriation efforts toward compliance through supporting and/or contributing to the work of the UCSB Repository of Archaeological and Ethnographic Collections Link opens in a new window. Students learn about local indigenous community issues and allyship and acquire archival, collections, database and/or GIS experience based on interest. Internships comprise attendance at a one-hour seminar each week and flexible hours of supervised work.

Internship Possibilities in the Santa Barbara Area

*This is a selective list; there are many more galleries and museums in the Santa Barbara area. All courses taken off-campus must be taken as ARTHI 192E (pass/no pass grading) if the student would like to receive units for their internship. These units count towards general degree requirements, NOT major requirements, with the exception that the units may apply to Area A of the upper-division requirements of the History of Art & Architecture major with an Emphasis in Museum Studies or Museum Studies minor

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER (AIASB) Link opens an external site

   Contact: Tara Rizzi, Executive Director
   229 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
   tararizzi@aiasb.com link opens in the default email client or (805) 966-4198

ARCHITECTURAL FOUNDATION OF SANTA BARBARA Link opens an external site

   Contact: Allison Marcillac, Executive Director
   229 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
   info@afsb.org link opens in the default email client or (805) 965-6307

THE ARTS FUND Link opens an external site

   Contact: Ceilidh Birkhahn, Programs
   120 S Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara, 93105
   info@artsfundsb.org link opens in the default email client or (805) 900-7005

The mission of The Arts Fund is to create, support, and administer programs Link opens an external site and projects that foster the arts for the people of Santa Barbara County; to act as a catalyst which maximizes the effectiveness of arts resources; and to nurture collaborative relationships with other arts organizations. Interns will gain experience in arts administration, art gallery management, and nonprofit administration. Specific projects can be tailored to meet the students’ interests in many areas including, but not limited to: marketing, community relations, educational outreach, events management, fundraising, grant writing and development. To apply, send your resume and a cover letter indicating your areas of interest to the email address above.

CASA DEL HERRERO Link opens an external site

   Contact: Nichole LaViola, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator
   1387 E. Valley Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93108
   laviola@casadelherrero.com link opens in the default email client or (805) 565-5653, ext. 202

CASA DOLORES, CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF THE POPULAR ARTS IN MEXICO Link opens an external site

   Contact: Sonia Khachikians
   1023 Bath Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
   casadoloressb@gmail.com link opens in the default email client or (805) 963-1032

Casa Dolores, Center for the Study of the Popular Arts of Mexico, is a nonprofit organization devoted to the collection, preservation, study, and exhibition of an extensive variety of objects of the popular arts of Mexico. Our Collections Internship is set up to assist with the ongoing inventory of the collection and ongoing or upcoming exhibitions. Interns spend most of their time on collection inventory, cataloging, tagging, labeling, and researching artifacts, but may also assist with ongoing special projects.  To apply for this internship, please submit a resume and cover letter by e-mail to casadoloressb@gmail.com link opens in the default email client.

FINE ART CONSERVATION LAB Link opens an external site

   Contact: Gena Dillon, Office Manager
   P.O. Box 23557, Santa Barbara, CA 93121
   faclofficemanager@gmail.com link opens in the default email client or (805) 564-3438

LOTUSLAND Link opens an external site

   Contact: Sierra Butler, Receptionist
   695 Ashley Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93108
   sbutler@lotusland.org link opens in the default email client or (805) 969-3767, ext. 101

THE SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN, PRITZLAFF CONSERVATION CENTER GALLERY Link opens an external site

   Contact: Kate Davis, Interpretation and Evaluation Coordinator
   1212 Mission Canyon Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93105
   kdavis@sbbg.org link opens in the default email client or (805) 682-4726, ext. 160

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY OFFICE OF ARTS & CULTURE Link opens an external site

   Contact: Sarah York Rubin, Executive Director
   Santa Barbara County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St., Third Floor, Rotunda Tower, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
   sarah@sbac.ca.gov link opens in the default email client or (805) 568-3992

SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL MUSEUM (Collections) Link opens an external site

   Contact: Collections Department
   136 E. De la Guerra St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
   collections@sbhistorical.org link opens in the default email client or (805) 966-1601, ext. 108

Gain experience in managing the museum's collections, which include prints, paintings, sculptures, textiles and other items of historical significance. Complete an inventory of objects, re-housing and arranging objects, conserving objects in archival boxes. Assist in collections registration by assigning accession numbers and object ID numbers, creating and digitizing catalog records.

SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL MUSEUM (Education) Link opens an external site

   Contact: Education Department
   136 E. De la Guerra St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
   emily@sbhistorical.org link opens in the default email client or (805) 966-1601, ext. 104

As a volunteer, you will have the chance to develop new skills, meet like-minded people, and provide real and meaningful educational opportunities for the Santa Barbara community. Opportunities include assisting the Education Department with tours and community programs; developing, implementing and marketing school and adult programs; and creating interpretive materials for new exhibitions.

SANTA BARBARA MARITIME MUSEUM Link opens an external site

   Contact: Jessica Tade, Deputy Director
   113 Harbor Way, Ste. 190, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
   jtade@sbmm.org link opens in the default email client or (805) 284-0299

SANTA BÁRBARA MISSION ARCHIVE-LIBRARY (SBMAL) Link opens an external site

   Contact: Research
   2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105
   research@sbmal.org link opens in the default email client

SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART Link opens an external site

   Contact: Margot Dement, Human Resources Director
   1130 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
   mdement@sbma.net link opens in the default email client or hr@sbma.net link opens in the default email client or (805) 884-6440

Internships vary, most require office or computer skills.

SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Link opens an external site

   Contact: Human Resources
   2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
   hr@sbnature2.org link opens in the default email client or (805) 682-4711

SANTA BARBARA TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION (SBTHP) Link opens an external site

   Contact: Andrew Doran, Director of Membership & Event Rentals
   123 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2215
   andrew@sbthp.org link opens in the default email client or (805) 961-5374

The SBTHP offers internships in the following areas: Museum Education, Museum Curation, Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Development and Public Relations, and Events.

SULLIVAN GOSS - AN AMERICAN GALLERY Link opens an external site

   Contact: Nathan Vonk
   11 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
   nathan@sullivangoss.com link opens in the default email client or (805) 730-1460

WATERHOUSE GALLERY Link opens an external site

   Contact: Ralph and Diane Waterhouse
   La Arcada Plaza, 1114 State Street, Suite 9, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
   art@waterhousegallery.com link opens in the default email client or (805) 962-8885


Education Abroad Programs

Study Abroad for History of Art & Architecture Majors

The Department of History of Art & Architecture encourages its students to complete some portion of their undergraduate study through UCSB’s Education Abroad Program for HAA students Link opens in a new window. History of Art & Architecture majors can deepen their understanding of the art and culture of particular nations and regions by studying at a foreign university while adding an international dimension to their undergraduate education. Because all courses taken through EAP are accepted as UC courses, students may spend as much as a year of study at a foreign university with no loss of time completing their degrees. Honors majors have the extraordinary opportunity to use their period abroad for first-hand research on their honors thesis projects.

Find additional information at UCSB Education Abroad Program Link opens in a new window.


Art History Club

Art History Club Sign Up QR CodeThe Art History Club is a space to meet and bond with students in the department through activities such as museum and gallery visits. The club will also create a platform for students to learn about the department, career paths, get to meet graduate students and professors, and hear art talks.

An art history major or minor is not a requirement for membership meetings but events will be curated toward the needs and interests of art history majors.

Interested? Scan the QR code on the left to fill out a Google form with your contact information and follow the Art History Club at @arthistoryucsb for updates and details!