NOTE: This is an unpaid internship. For wage & salary info, please see https://nationalwestern.com/about/internship/.
Interns will have the opportunity to work with the Western Art Show Coordinator in planning and promoting events and art exhibitions. The ideal candidate will show an interest in event planning and social media management, have a flexible schedule, and be willing to learn something new. You don’t have to know much about art, or you could be an art student looking for real-world experience. No matter what your career pursuits are, the benefits are extensive. Tasks may include processing payments, assisting with art installation and deinstallation, preparing mailings, organization, social media planning, data entry, event planning and preparation, and other tasks as needed. Candidates should be familiar with social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, as well as word processing and spreadsheet programs. Experience with databases and point of sale systems is a plus but not necessary. Tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Creating social media posts and managing content.
- Website management, including uploading artwork and artist bios to the Coors Western Art website.
- Learning the Gallery Management System (GMS) and POS as well as the accounting system for NWSS to process payments.
- Helping with seating charts for major events as well as other major event set up and break down tasks.
- Coordinating with artists during artwork drop off and pick up.
- Making artwork labels, assisting the Coordinator with shipping logistics, monitoring the gallery during the Stock Show, and other projects as assigned.
Interns will work on two large events that raise money for the National Western Scholarship Trust: The Coors Western Art Exhibit Red Carpet Reception, which sees up to 1,000 guests who bid on artwork; and the Young Guns Reception, which is an immersive experience with art, music, and activities geared toward newer collectors. The Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale is one of the premier Western art exhibits in the country. It features esteemed contemporary artists working in a wide range of media. Two separate gallery spaces and several events allow collectors and spectators the opportunity to view and purchase work.
Interns will need to be available 1-2 days per week in November and 2-4 days per week in December through the beginning of Stock Show (January 6, 2024). Required late nights are December 7, 2023 and January 2-5, 2024. Required workdays are December 6-9, 2023 and January 2-5, 2024. The period from November through early January will require more time and effort than the Stock Show dates of January 6-21, 2024. Previous interns have chosen to stay on and help the Coordinator in the Art Gallery during Stock Show, or have found work with other service areas if they have other interests (this must be approved through that department prior to the start of Stock Show). Ideally, the candidate will be able to work at least 1-2 days the week after Stock Show, January 22-26, 2024, but this is not required if there are school commitments. Specific work dates and times will be coordinated with the final candidate.