Call for Applications | Internship – Art News

The Artists Alliance Internship Programme 2011 is now calling for applications from recent graduates for a fixed term, paid internship with Art News magazine. The aim of the programme is to provide a valuable opportunity for graduates to obtain significant work experience in the art industry. The programme has been made possible with generous funding from the ASB Community Trust.

Art News is a small team (4 staff) who are all involved in day-to-day decision-making – including such things as magazine content, layout, cover choice etc. Much of the ‘form’ of the magazine arises from casual conversations, meetings etc – the intern will have the opportunity during their term at Art News New Zealand to be part of the creative process that puts together New Zealand’s largest, and most successful contemporary art magazine.

Eligibility

For the purposes of this pilot internship programme those eligible to apply will need to have graduated within the past three years (2008, 2009, 2010) from an Auckland tertiary institution that holds current Artists Alliance Membership. The following institutions are members of Artists Alliance:

• AUT University, School of Art and Design
• Elam School of Fine Arts
• UNITEC School of Design
• Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design

Position Title

Art News Intern

Reporting to: Dan Chappell 

Tasks / Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but not be limited to:

1. SET UP ART NEWS ARCHIVES/ INDEX

In conjunction with the publisher, the intern will set up a database that will allow researchers to access information from back issues of Art News. In the main this will list artists who have been featured in the magazine, but will also document art genres, feature topics and art events that have been covered. The archives go back to 1995 – prior to that there is minimal editorial of archival value.

2. RESEARCH LIBRARY

The intern will be responsible for setting up and structuring the magazine’s research library. There are approximately 5 – 600 books & a growing number of monographs that need to be catalogued.

3. MAGAZINE ASSISTANT

Depending on the journalistic and/or writing skills of the intern, there will be a number of areas that they may be able to contribute during the magazine’s production cycle:

• Editing – the intern would be trained in basic sub-editing and would be involved in preparation of supplied editorial for inclusion in the ‘Sketches’ and ‘Upcoming’ sections of the magazine.
• Client liaison – the intern would be responsible for client follow-up with regard to advertising material, editorial for Sketches/ Upcoming, and ‘What’s On’ listings.
• Website & E-news – Art News are currently revising the magazine’s website & setting up an E-news email for subscribers. Once this has been finalised, the intern will work with the Admin Manager to ensure updates are loaded on to the website when required, and the E-news bulletin is formatted with news, openings etc for regular upload.
• Proofreading – the intern, along with editorial staff, will check all final copy for spelling, grammatical and factual errors.

 4. SUBSCRIPTION & DATABASE

The intern would assist the Administration Manager in regularly updating the subscription database for the magazine, and in particular, instigating campaigns to bring back lapsed subscribers. We will also be promoting the magazine into libraries (school & public) that currently do not subscribe to the magazine.

5. SPECIAL PROJECTS

From time to time the intern may assist the publisher with one-off projects that may arise. During 2011, these may include:

• Auckland Art Fair (August 2011) – marketing prior to, and attendance during this 3 day art event.
• Reader survey – it is planned to run a comprehensive reader survey to accompany one of the early issues in 2011. The intern may assist in the compilation of the survey, and analysis of the data.
• Print liaison – involvement with the printing phase of the magazine – liaison with GEON reps, press-passing, proofing etc.

Desired Attributes

• Computer literate – Mac or PC
• Ability to multi-task –often there are several projects/functions in progress at the same time, especially during production phase.
• Must have proven writing skills – and the ability to spell. Subediting & proofreading will be an integral part of the role. Training will be given, but basic skills must be able to be shown.
• Good verbal communication skills - & telephone manner
• Good grasp of all aspects of the visual arts – ideally all genres. Role will involve checking websites, blogs etc for events, leads, visiting galleries etc
• Self-motivated & willing to put opinions forward – a lot of brainstorming happens when putting the magazine issue together in the early stages.

Timeframe & Remuneration

The internship will consist of a fixed term contract for approximately 40 hours per week for the period March 7, through August 27, 2011. Remuneration will be $16 per hour.

How to Apply

Please send your CV including two referees and a covering letter explaining why you think you would be suitable for the above position to:

Amberleigh Carson

Artists Alliance

1 Ponsonby Road

Newton, Auckland 1011

Or email: admin@artistsalliance.org.nz

Deadline for Applications

Applications must be completed in full and returned to the Artists Alliance office (details above) no later than 4pm January 31.

What is Artists Alliance?

Artists Alliance is the national organisation for visual artists. Established in 1991, Artists Alliance has represented and advanced the professional interests of the visual artists of Aotearoa/New Zealand for 20 years. In providing resources, career advice, networks and advocacy Artists Alliance is the trusted source of information for the visual arts sector. To learn more go to the website: www.artistsalliance.org.nz

Artists Alliance receives significant funding from Creative New Zealand and ASB Community Trust.