Gallery Assistant/Art Handling Internship

Specializing in contemporary and outsider art, Van Der Plas Gallery is in search of enthusiastic interns who would like to learn the operational aspects of a gallery while working alongside and under the supervision of the gallery owner and team on the Lower East Side. We are looking for qualified interns to work on projects they will be motivated and excited to tackle. You will assist with the day-to-day operation of the gallery and its main functions as a space of exhibition and artist representation.

FOR ART HANDLING INTERNSHIP:

A qualified candidate is pursuing an undergraduate/graduate degree in an arts-related field, or a recent graduate. Framing or Art Handling experience is preferred but not required. This is a great opportunity for an art student to learn practical framing and art handling skills while also learning the inner workings of a contemporary NYC art gallery. 

FOR GALLERY ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP:

Overall responsibilities include: making promotional materials, responding to emails and communicating with artists and collectors, file organization and upkeep, assisting at exhibition openings and special functions, installation and de-installation of shows, etc. 

Special projects based on each applicant’s strengths will be assigned at the beginning of the internship and with consideration of the intern’s interests. A project may look like assisting and learning how to effectively write a press release, management and strategic planning of social media posts, or assisting in the creation/design of exhibition posters and catalogs.

Skills the intern will gain during the internship:

Marketing gallery exhibitions

Communicating with professional artists and the potential clients

Organizing and archiving inventory

Assisting in events and updating social media postings

Packaging of artworks and shipping 

Installing and De-installing shows

Being the face of the gallery for visitors and during openings

We ask that interns take the time to be proactive in learning about the art in the gallery space. Being able to contextualize the art into the overall narrative of art history and being able to translate that to a gallery visitor is the goal. A qualified candidate will be pursuing an undergraduate/graduate degree in an arts-related field or be a recent graduate. (Applicants proficient in Adobe InDesign will be prioritized.)

We are in search of interns to help us prepare for exciting upcoming gallery exhibitions this Spring/Summer 2025.This position is a three-month/three-day-a-week in-person commitment. Positions are available from Monday to Sunday from 11 PM - 6 PM, as well as occasional evening gallery events (opening receptions, etc.). All interns will need to bring a laptop to each shift. 

We love to learn about unique candidates through their cover letters, so please tell us a bit about your specific skill set and why you would like to take advantage of this opportunity.

All applicants are considered and encouraged to apply. Van Der Plas Gallery aims to have a diverse team in every sense of the word: race, religion, sexuality, artistic preferences or otherwise. 

Previous interns have gained jobs at galleries and auction houses in New York, and we will provide a recommendation letter upon completion of the three months.

Please submit CV & resume. Write GALLERY ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP or ART HANDLING INTERNSHIP in subject line for desired position.

03/25/2025