South Asian Art Exhibition Research Undergraduate Intern – Spring 2027 at Museum of Fine Arts Boston

South Asian Art Exhibition Research Undergraduate Intern – Spring 2027 Art of Asia Department The MFA’s Asian art collection reflects the creative achievements of artists on the continent of Asia from 4000 BCE to the present. The collection of more than 115,000 objects includes works from Japan, China, Korea, South and Southeast Asia, and the Islamic world. Founded in the 1890s and shaped by the vision of Asian scholars including Okakura Kakuzō and Ananda K. Coomaraswamy, the collection is a unique product of 150 years of dynamic exchange and interaction between Asia and America. The South Asian art holdings feature an extensive collection of Indus Valley material, the renowned Ross-Coomaraswamy Collection of Rajput paintings, paintings and ritual objects from the Himalayan regions and important Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. The Art of Asia department is seeking an undergraduate level intern to assist with research related to a forthcoming exhibition about the art and material culture associated with weddings in South Asia. The exhibition will celebrate the visual and sensory splendor of weddings while also demonstrating that over the centuries, beautiful objects made for weddings have held far more than commodity value. They carry religious and social meanings critical to the significance of a wedding, giving both makers and gifters ways to express social connection, transmit deeply held values, and convey hopes for the next generation. Reporting to the Ananda Coomaraswamy Curator of South Asian and Islamic Art, the intern will gain experience in exhibition planning, logistics, and research. They will develop and update object descriptions and object files for works going into the exhibition, assist with maintenance and development of exhibition and catalogue checklists, and help to track loan requests. They will also take part in meetings with the exhibition’s curatorial and content team on a wide range of topics related to exhibition development, as well as in meetings and interviews with community members outside the MFA in the Boston area. Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 16 hours weekly, mostly between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday between January 22 and May 7, 2027, including undergraduate attendance at the undergraduate Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7. The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy. As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program. Essential Functions: Work directly with the Ananda Coomaraswamy Curator of South Asian and Islamic art on projects offering first-hand experience with Museum curatorial work. Conduct library, internet, and primary archival research on artists and objects. Participate in other key aspects of exhibition planning. Build object files with artist and artwork information. *Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course. Qualifications: Enrolled in an undergraduate program in art history or anthropology, concurrent with the internship period. Demonstrated keen interest in museums. Some knowledge of South Asian arts and cultures Proven ability to work as part of a team as well as comfort to work independently. Excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail Demonstrated written and communication skills with strong research abilities. Ability to work onsite 16 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters, between January 22 and May 7, 2027, including undergraduate attendance at the undergraduate Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7. Ability to attend orientation on Friday, January 22, 2027, 10am to 3:30pm. How to Apply DO NOT INCLUDE any document not specifically requested within the description (e.g., recommendations, transcripts, writing samples, etc.) DO NOT include your photo in any of your documents. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must include all of the following: the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application) how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship. any periods when you are not available for an interview. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone SAVE your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Spring 2027) Upload the single document as your resume via the application portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before December 4, 2026. (Do not upload separate cover letter.) Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position. **Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. **Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible and not considered.