Are you passionate about art, culture, and history? Are you currently studying or have recently graduated in visual arts, graphic design, or humanities? Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein invites dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to apply for a unique internship opportunity to become part-time or full-time Art Museum Guides. This internship is an 18-month fixed-term contract aimed at equipping candidates with valuable work experience in the art museum environment.
Location Requirement Please note that to be eligible for this internship, applicants must be residents of Bloemfontein or within the Mangaung Metro Municipality area. Applications from outside this vicinity will not be considered.
Stipend The internship offers a stipend calculated per hour worked, providing a flexible compensation based on part-time hours.
Qualifications, Skills, and Personal Attributes
- Educational Background: Applicants should hold a qualification or currently be studying towards one in visual arts, graphic design, or humanities fields such as literature, language, history, or philosophy.
- Experience and Knowledge: Experience in art education or prior work as an art gallery assistant is advantageous. Practical knowledge of visual arts and cultural heritage is also beneficial.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills in English are required, with the ability to converse comfortably with people from various backgrounds. Proficiency in Sotho is a valuable plus.
- Personality and Interaction Skills: The role requires a friendly, engaging personality, as well as confidence in speaking to groups of various sizes.
- Physical Fitness: The role includes physically guiding visitors around the museum, so candidates must be able to be on their feet and walk through exhibitions with guests.
- Passion for Art Education: Candidates should have a genuine enthusiasm for learning about and researching exhibitions and be inquisitive about art education.
Key Responsibilities
1. Ensuring Artwork Safety and Security (40%)
- Actively monitor the museum floor to ensure that all artworks are safe and secure.
- Perform daily checklist assessments in exhibition spaces, ensuring that all exhibition media (e.g., projectors, televisions) are functioning. Any issues are to be reported immediately to the caretakers.
2. Engaging with Visitors and Conducting Guided Tours (30%)
- Lead guided tours for school groups and visitors, providing informative and engaging insights into the museum’s temporary and permanent exhibitions.
- Handle visitor queries professionally and distribute educational materials to enhance the visitor experience.
- Assist with additional activities such as the African Carousel rides and promote the museum’s various events and exhibitions.
3. Administrative Support, Exhibitions, and Events Assistance (30%)
- Aid in general administration, such as completing booking forms, filing, and sorting documents.
- Help with exhibition preparation, including packing, unpacking, and installation of artworks.
- Support museum staff during workshops, special events (e.g., Heritage Day, Mandela Day), and after-hours events, ensuring seamless coordination and participation.
Professional Development and Learning Outcomes
This internship is crafted to provide a robust foundation for a career in the museum or art education sector. You’ll gain:
- Hands-on experience with exhibitions and cultural events
- Insight into art preservation and educational program planning
- Enhanced skills in public interaction, group management, and professional communication
Recruitment Process
- Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
- Applicants will undergo a comprehensive selection process.
- Candidates from designated groups and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply in line with the National Museum’s Employment Equity objectives.
Application Process
If you meet all the requirements, kindly send the following to applications@nasmus.co.za:
- A covering letter and completed employment application form (available on the National Museum’s website at www.nasmus.co.za).
- Certified copies of your identification document and academic qualifications.
- A detailed CV with three references, including their contact details.
Application Deadline: 6 November 2024
For further inquiries, contact the museum at the provided details on their official website. If you have not heard from us within 21 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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The Art Museum Guide internship program at Oliewenhuis Art Museum is designed to offer Bloemfontein-based students and recent graduates the chance to gain hands-on experience in the art and museum sector. As an Art Museum Guide, you will engage directly with the public, conduct guided tours, assist in maintaining exhibitions, and support educational workshops and museum events.
This role is perfect for someone with a friendly, outgoing personality and a deep interest in sharing knowledge about art and cultural heritage with diverse audiences.
