Written by Jade Moore, DIA Summer 2024 Marketing Intern
Every year the Detroit Institute of Arts provides more than a dozen college students with enriching summer paid internships bringing forth the opportunity to enhance their skills, obtain fruitful knowledge, and build valuable connections.
The DIA prides itself in creating a space for not only visitors but also personnel to grow, break barriers, and be innovative. These characteristics were evident throughout the intern's experience this summer. The DIA’s 2024 intern cohort has been making the most out of every opportunity.
Thank you to the DIA Valade Paid Internship Program and Applebaum Internship Program, funded by Applebaum Family Philanthropy, for their support and collaboration, which helps make many of these internships possible.
DIA Board Chair Lane Coleman talks to DIA interns at the annual staff picnic in August 2024.
DIA summer interns enjoy a variety of activities inside the museum and out in the community. In the summer of 2024, several interns went to a Detroit Tigers game.
In addition to hosting undergraduate interns, the DIA also hosts graduate students. The Research Library and Archives in collaboration with Registration hosted two WSU Humanities Interns. They worked to complete updating copyright status for all the public domain artwork and contributed to the work of updating copyright status for non-public domain artworks.
Learn more about the incredible undergraduate students who have been interning with the DIA this summer!
Jahnavi Barla; Development Events Intern, senior at Wayne State University
Describe your internship experience at the DIA in one word: Incredible
How have your assigned projects enhanced your skills?
My assigned projects have greatly increased my organizational skills. Both projects require multi-step processes and precise tracking. Through these tasks, I was able to work on my ability to prioritize effectively and be resourceful. These projects have increased my confidence in managing large projects and handling complex tasks with precision.
Favorite piece of artwork and/or exhibition within the museum: Charles Cordier, Mauresque Noire (Black Moorish Woman)
Blake Brown; Accounting Intern, senior at Central Michigan University
Describe your internship experience at the DIA in one word: Informative.
How have your assigned projects enhanced your skills?
My assigned projects have enhanced my skills in a couple of ways. First of all, my attention to detail has increased as I have to always ensure that the information I provide to my superiors is totally accurate and free of errors. Also, my professional communication skills have increased, both verbally and written in emails, through my daily conversations with both my coworkers and with the vendors I speak to. Overall, this internship has been very beneficial for my professional development.
Favorite piece of artwork and/or exhibition within the museum: Pieter Bruegel, The Wedding Dance
Marco Cardamone; Curatorial Intern - Modern and Contemporary Art, senior at Wayne State University
Describe your internship experience at the DIA in one word: Engaging
What is the most interesting project you have worked on?
The most interesting project I've worked on at the DIA is the translation of historical documents from German to English. The documents are correspondences from the early 20th century between the former DIA president Dr. William Valentiner and various German artists that will be shown in an upcoming exhibit. The letters show the relationship Valentiner had with the various artists and explain how their works came into the DIA's collection.
Favorite piece of artwork and/or exhibition within the museum: Claude Monet, Rounded Flower Bed (Corbeille de fleurs)
Shardé Ford; Volunteer Services Intern, senior at Oakland University
Describe your internship experience at the DIA in one word: Inspirational.
What piece of advice would you give to future interns?
My advice to future interns is to learn as much as you can about your surroundings and the masterful art on display. Be bold and genuinely curious about the museum and the work that goes into curating such a beautiful and inventive environment, there is much to learn and be observed. Art is life!
Favorite piece of artwork and/or exhibition within the museum: François Gérard, Daphnis and Chloe
Anna Gaudreau; Registration Intern, senior at Miami University
Describe your internship experience at the DIA in one word: Treasure hunting.
What is the most interesting project you have worked on?
My focus has primarily been on the deaccessioning process which is when the museum prepares pieces to leave its collection. I have learned how to manage object files, verify object information, and research 1989 inventory numbers. I spend my days searching through different files as well as our database system to find information that helps set up deaccessions.
Favorite piece of artwork and/or exhibition within the museum: Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Winter Landscape in Moonlight
Carissa Hodges; Directors Office Intern, junior at the School of The Arts Institute of Chicago
Describe your internship experience at the DIA in one word: Enriching
How have your assigned projects enhanced your skills?
Throughout my time at the DIA, I’ve had the pleasure to work on assignments that increased my project management skills and cultural awareness. Being able to work with different areas of the museum; and seeing how each department works in collaboration has been great. My projects have allowed me to increase my professional and personal growth as well.
Favorite piece of artwork and/or exhibition within the museum: Alexis Rudier Foundry, French, 1874 - 1952 (foundry), Auguste Rodin, French, 1840-1917, Eve
Laine Lord; Donor Relations Intern, senior at Michigan State University
Describe your internship experience at the DIA in one word: Compelling.
What piece of advice would you give to future interns?
A piece of advice I would give to future interns is to be open and willing to ask questions. While at the DIA, I feel lucky to have learned the skills and lessons that I have by being curious to ask those around me. As an intern, say yes to all new projects, experiences, and conversations, and make sure to ask meaningful inquiries along the way. Lastly, never go a day without appreciating the beautiful art around you!
Favorite piece of artwork and/or exhibition within the museum: Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes
Jade Moore; Marketing and Communications Intern, senior at Wayne State University
Describe your internship experience at the DIA in one word: Insightful
What is the most interesting project you have worked on?
A project that has been interesting is the task of creating a marketing plan for the Art-making Studio at the DIA. I’ve been collecting data and collaborating with the studio and marketing team members to curate a cohesive plan to promote the programs that the studio offers. The overall process has been a fun and eye-opening experience. Gaining knowledge on various elements of how to effectively construct marketing strategies toward a program's values, purpose, and initiatives is very enlightening.
Favorite piece of artwork and/or exhibition within the museum: Tiff Massey, I’ve Got Bundles and I Got Flewed Out
Madde Price; Education Programs Intern, senior at Central Michigan University
Describe your internship experience at the DIA in one word: Immersive
What is the most interesting project you have worked on?
One of the most interesting projects I've worked on at the DIA is revitalizing the Rivera Court learning resources. I've had the opportunity to learn about the frescoes from Docents at the DIA, work hands-on primary documents, and engage with the history of Detroit. Given the intricacies of the murals and the complexities of Detroit in the 1930s, there is always something interesting to learn or teach!
Favorite piece of artwork and/or exhibition within the museum: Tomoko Konno, Creature
Sophie Shepps; Curatorial Intern in the European Art Department, senior at the University of Michigan
Describe your internship experience at the DIA in one word: Inspirational
What piece of advice would you give to future interns?
The piece of advice that I would give to future interns is to spend time getting to know people and network. Not only is this a great way to learn more about art and how a museum operates, but it can also help you navigate the vast career paths in the arts/museums. I have loved getting to know my colleagues in the curatorial department and across the museum and look forward to maintaining these relationships beyond this summer.
Favorite piece of artwork and/or exhibition within the museum: Paul Cézanne, Mont Sainte-Victoire
Momo Taffe; Visual Merchandising Intern, senior at Wayne State University
Describe your internship experience at the DIA in one word: Inspiring.
What is the most interesting project you have worked on?
Creating information sheets on the Museum Shops vendors has been the most interesting project I have worked on thus far. The shop works with many Detroit-based artists and getting the opportunity to learn more about their journeys is very inspiring! Creating these sheets helps inform guests on who they are supporting. I think its wonderful that the shop strives to include so many local voices, and it makes the shop feel like its own exhibition!
Favorite piece of artwork and/or exhibition within the museum: French, Chapel
