Smith College / Smithsonian Institution Internship Program
Research Project Proposal
Name of Supervisor(s): Melissa Ho, Assistant Curator
Department or Office: Curatorial
Museum/Unit: HMSG
Phone Number: 202-633-2789
Email Address: hom@si.edu
1. Please provide information on your research and/or the work of your office:
I am Assistant Curator at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Smithsonian Institution’s
museum of modern and contemporary art. The Hirshhorn’s collection spans the 20th century to today,
with special strength in the areas of mid-20th century American painting and sculpture; abstract art;
conceptual art; and media art. The curatorial department is responsible for researching and stewarding
our permanent collection (including making proposals for future acquisitions) and organizing
exhibitions. These include monographic and group thematic or historical shows; new artist projects; and
permanent collection installations.
2. Describe the project (include duties, nature and scope of the work), and indicate any particular
academic background or specific courses needed as preparation:
As the Museum is currently undergoing a search for a new director, our exhibition schedule beyond 2014
has yet to be confirmed. However, projects that I anticipate taking on in Fall 2014 include a “Directions”
exhibition with a contemporary artist; one or more “focus” exhibitions exploring aspects of our
collection in depth; making acquisition proposals, especially in the area of new photography; and, in a
support role to Senior Curator Valerie Fletcher, helping to plan a major exhibition of Surrealist
sculpture.
An intern working under my supervision would perform duties which might include: researching artists
and artworks, both in Hirshhorn archives and using secondary sources; scanning images and
photocopying; maintaining a database of possible loans; creating maquettes of artworks for use in
installation planning; attending project team meetings with the Exhibits, Registrar, Conservation,
Publicity and Development departments; and accompanying me in studying works of art in storage.
Coursework and a strong interest in modern and/or contemporary art is the most important preparation.
Ability to conduct art historical research is essential. Working knowledge of Word, Excel and
Powerpoint is also very helpful. Finally, professional demeanor and discretion is required, as interns sit
within a short distance of the museum director’s office and, in the course of their work, would be privy
to confidential information related to acquisitions.
3. Please describe possible research products an intern might develop, either from the project or the
work of your office, to fulfill the academic requirement of the Smith College Program:
Research projects have the potential to take many forms, but I would suggest that it relate to the
Hirshhorn’s collection in order to take advantage of the unique opportunities that an internship at this
museum offers. Possible projects might include research and analysis of a work of art on view,
culminating in giving a public Friday Gallery Talk; a close reading or critique of a particular art
installation (exhibition or permanent collection installation); and mock-curating an exhibition out of the
Hirshhorn collection, including designing the layout and drafting labels and other didactic text.