The National Museum in Bloemfontein offers a rewarding 18-month internship program for dedicated students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in the arts, education, and cultural heritage. This program offers hands-on experience working as an Art Museum Guide at Oliewenhuis Art Museum, a space renowned for its rich collection of art and commitment to community education.
Internship Overview
- Position Type: 18-month fixed-term contract
- Location: Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Bloemfontein (Applicants must reside in Bloemfontein or nearby Mangaung Metro Municipality)
- Salary: Stipend based on hourly rate
Purpose of the Position
This internship provides practical training and valuable work experience in a museum setting, specifically focused on engaging with the public, assisting with exhibitions, and supporting educational projects. Interns will work on a part-time basis, providing guided tours, answering visitor inquiries, and helping with various museum events.
Eligibility Requirements
- Location: Applicants must reside within Bloemfontein or the Mangaung Metro Municipality area. Applications from outside this region will not be considered.
- Education: Applicants must either hold a qualification in visual arts, graphic design, or humanities (e.g., literature, language, history, philosophy) or be currently pursuing one.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English is essential; fluency in Sotho is advantageous.
- Personal Qualities: Candidates must be enthusiastic, comfortable speaking in public, and have a positive, outgoing personality.
Key Responsibilities
The internship is designed to provide exposure to the day-to-day operations of the museum and guide interns to develop key skills needed in the art and museum sectors.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs) for this role include:
KPA 1: Ensuring the Safety and Security of Exhibited Artworks (40%)
- Ensuring security for temporary and permanent exhibits
- Completing daily checklists to verify the integrity of exhibition spaces
- Reporting any issues with exhibit media (e.g., projectors, screens)
KPA 2: Providing Professional Interaction and Guided Tours (30%)
- Leading guided tours for school groups and other visitors
- Marketing museum activities verbally to visitors
- Answering visitor inquiries about current exhibits and museum events
- Distributing educational materials to school groups and general visitors
KPA 3: Assisting with General Administration, Exhibitions, and Events (30%)
- Supporting museum events, including after-hours functions
- Assisting in exhibition setups, takedowns, and installations
- Helping the Education Officer with workshops and educational programs
- Assisting with the planning of special events (e.g., Heritage Day, International Museum Day)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
To succeed in this role, interns will benefit from the following skills and knowledge:
- Practical Art Knowledge: Experience with visual arts, heritage, or art education is highly valued.
- Communication Skills: The ability to communicate clearly in English (Sotho preferred) to diverse groups of visitors.
- Public Speaking Confidence: Comfort speaking in front of large and small groups, guiding tours, and responding to queries.
- Research Interest: Willingness to conduct basic research on museum exhibitions to provide informative tours.
Ideal Candidate Attributes
Candidates should embody the following qualities:
- Organizational Skills: Ability to handle multiple responsibilities, manage time effectively, and work efficiently within a team.
- Enthusiastic and Inquisitive: A strong desire to learn, adapt, and engage with the museum’s educational and artistic mission.
- Problem Solving: Quick-thinking individuals with a creative approach to handling daily tasks and visitor interactions.
Application Process
- Application Requirements: Applications must include:
- A cover letter detailing interest in the role
- A comprehensive CV (including three professional referees with contact details)
- Certified copies of identity documentation and relevant qualifications
- Submission: Applications should be sent via email to applications@nasmus.co.za.
- Deadline: Applications close on 6 November 2024.
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Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If applicants have not been contacted within 21 days of the closing date, they should consider their applications unsuccessful. The National Museum encourages applications from designated groups, including individuals with disabilities, as part of its commitment to employment equity.
Why Join Oliewenhuis Art Museum as an Intern?
This internship is a unique opportunity to explore a career in museum education and the visual arts. Interns will:
- Work closely with experienced museum staff, curators, and educators
- Gain hands-on experience in art exhibitions, visitor services, and educational programming
- Develop communication and public-speaking skills within a supportive environment
Whether you’re looking to start a career in art education, museum management, or cultural heritage, this role provides a comprehensive introduction to the field while contributing to a vibrant community institution.