Art Ability Curatorial Intern

Art Ability at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital in Malvern, PA is a year round program showcasing and celebrating artists with disabilities, culminating in a 12 week exhibition of 350 - 450 works of art. Art Ability is currently searching for a curatorial intern for the 2024 fall semester. The ideal candidate will be available for work on site at Bryn Mawr Rehab a minimum of 8-10 hours per week. This is an excellent, hands-on opportunity for an art history student interested in curation, gallery management, or arts administration.

Art Ability has grown to be one of the largest and longest-running exhibitions of its kind in the world. Through art, we seek to inspire patients to reach beyond their limitations, and to encourage people with disabilities to explore their own creativity.

Established in 1996, Art Ability includes the following major components: an annual international juried exhibition and sale of art and fine crafts produced by individuals with disabilities; community outreach and education opportunities including satellite exhibitions and interactive demo days; our permanent collection of artwork and the incorporation of artwork into the patient experience.

Goals of Art Ability

• to increase public awareness of the abilities of people with physical and cognitive disabilities
• to develop new markets for artists with disabilities so that they can improve their economic status and gain recognition for their talent and determination
• to encourage others to reach beyond their own limitations and to find fulfillment through art
• to provide positive role models for people with disabilities and enhance their access to the arts
• to build the hospital’s permanent art collection of such work and incorporate it into patient treatment.

Responsibilities

In conjunction with and under supervision from the Art Ability coordinator, the intern will be responsible for the following:

• Planning and implementation of the annual Art Ability exhibition. This year’s preview reception will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
  • Unpack, check in, and catalog work arriving from local artist drop offs and shipped artwork from around the country
  • Identify work that needs repair or does not meet requirements, document and forward to proper channels
  • Work with coordinator to design layout and format for an exhibition of approximately 300 – 500 works of art
  • Become familiar with the process and hanging system to facilitate installation of the artwork
  • Work with a team of event volunteers to de-install permanent collection and install new show
  • Prepare written tour of exhibition that can be used by volunteer and staff tour guides
  • Based on written tour, train event volunteers to serve as hallway hosts and how to engage guests with the artwork
  • Create labels for all artwork following the Art Ability templates
  • Write curator’s letter to be included in the program book
  • Provide content and descriptions for the Art Ability page on Main Line Health’s website and various social media
  • Attend opening night reception
  • Complete post-show wrap up duties
• Identify and catalog new additions to the permanent collection
• Other duties as assigned by the coordinator