**Please note: the Mellon Indigenous Arts program ended in 2021. This web site is now for reference only. No new applications will be accepted.**
The goals of the Mellon Museum Internship Program are
- to foster diversity among museum professionals by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds in museum internships, and
- to encourage the study of Indigenous arts, histories, and cultures.
To that end, the program offers paid internships at the UVA Museums and $3500 grants for current UVA students in all fields of study. Check below for more specific information about the internships and grants.
**UPDATE ON COVID-19: Internships will closely follow health and safety guidelines, and may include remote components or be fully remote, as necessary.
Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, UVA
The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia is the only museum in the United States dedicated to the exhibition and study of Australian Aboriginal art. Our mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of Australia’s Indigenous people and their art and culture worldwide. Working with living artists, international scholars and arts professionals, we provide a wide range of learning experiences to the University community and the public through exhibition, research and educational programs.
Summer 2021 internship information is available here.
The Fralin Museum of Art, UVA
The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia is dedicated to creating an environment in which the largest possible share of its diverse constituencies, including members of the University community and the general public, can study and learn from the direct experience of works of art. The Fralin exhibits American and European painting, works on paper, and sculpture of the 15th-20th centuries; art from the ancient Mediterranean; Asian art; and Native American art. The museum’s robust collections of Native American, African, pre-Columbian, and Oceanic art often receive less attention. With support from the Mellon Indigenous Arts Initiative, The Fralin seeks to encourage more research and exhibition of these collections.
Summer 2021 internship information is available here.
Flowerdew Hundred, UVA
The Flowerdew Hundred archaeological collection, housed in the Albert & Shirley Small Special Collections Library, includes a rich and extensive record of daily life of the early Indigenous residents of the mid-Atlantic region.
Summer 2021 internship information is available here
James Madison's Montpelier
A historic site and the former home of President James Madison and an extensive enslaved community. Montpelier's research department has a strong focus on African American history. See in particular the African American Descendants’ Project (https://digitaldoorway.montpelier.org/project/montpelier-descendants-project/).
Summer 2021 internship information is available here
First American Art Magazine
First American Art Magazine (FAAM) is an independent quarterly print and digital journal covering art by Indigenous peoples of South and North America. Founded in 2013 and based in Norman, Oklahoma, FAAM connects the global art world with Indigenous communities and vice versa. We privilege Indigenous voices and model new ways to discuss Native arts, including visual, literary media, and performing arts.
Summer 2021 internship information is available here
Scottsville Museum
The Scottsville Museum and Historic Landmarks Foundation is a nonprofit, incorporated organization which seeks to preserve for the public benefit the historical, natural, and artistic heritage of the Scottsville community of southern Albemarle County.
Summer 2021 internship information is available here
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The VMFA in Richmond, Virginia, is seeking a summer intern to work with the Assistant Curator for Native American Art.
Summer 2021 internship information is available here
$3500 Museum Diversity Grants
The grant program seeks to increase diversity among museum professionals by providing internship support to students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in museum-related fields. The program offers $3500 grants to offset the cost of living or travel associated with unpaid and underpaid museum internships. The grant program supports museum-related internships, including but not limited to: art, history, or science museums/collections; historic, architectural, or archaeological sites; libraries or archives; conservation internships and more. Internships must be full-time (approximately 30-40 hours per week/300 hours over the summer). Applications are open to rising 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year UVA students from all fields of study who identify as African American, Hispanic American, American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Note: Spring 2020 graduates are ineligible.
Summer 2021 grant information is available here.
Resources for finding museum internships can be found here.
$3500 Indigenous Arts Grants
These grants support current UVA students pursuing internships with a primary focus on Indigenous Arts, including but not limited to arts, archaeology, history, etc. The funds are intended to off set the cost of living or travel for students pursuing unpaid or underpaid internships. The grant program supports museum-related internships, including but not limited to: art, history, or science museums/collections; historic, architectural, or archaeological sites; libraries or archives; conservation internships and more. Internships should be full-time (approximately 30-40 hours per week/300 hours over the summer). Rising 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year UVA students from any field of study with a demonstrated interest in Indigenous Arts/Studies are welcome to apply. Note: Spring 2020 graduates are ineligible.
Summer 2021 grant information is available here.
Resources for finding museum internships can be found here.