The Stevan A. Baron Work-Scholar Program

Aperture's Work-Scholar Program was created in 1983 to give individuals of promise the unique opportunity to work closely with our staff on a wide range of Aperture activities. The program welcomes an average of twenty interns every year, allowing young graduates from the United States and around the world to learn the skills required to pursue related careers while contributing to the Foundation and its programs.

Successful work scholars find themselves engaged in the editing, design, production, circulation, sales, and marketing of photography's most significant publications; the development of major traveling exhibitions; the creation of web content; and all other business operations, including development and finance, essential to a non-profit organization.

Aperture Foundation's Chelsea location offers the unique opportunity to work for six to twelve months in New York City and have access to art galleries, museums, and other art-related facilities. Work scholars meet people from around the world who share common experiences and goals. They make contacts within the photo community at Aperture events and through meetings with various professionals in the photography field.

Departments
Communications
Design
Development
Editorial (books or magazine)
Exhibitions
Finance
Magazine Circulation* (magazine marketing, advertising)
Production
Sales
Website *
*Part-time opportunities available

Time Commitment
The program is designed for a six or twelve-month commitment running from January through June, and from July through December. Please note that a full-time commitment is necessary unless otherwise noted and we do not offer summer or semester-long internships. Interns receive a stipend of $300 per month, as well as complimentary copies of Aperture magazine throughout their internship (stipends for part-time work scholars vary depending on their time commitment). Applicants must make their own living arrangements and should have sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses. College credit is available for this program.

Application Requirements
Submit a current résumé and cover letter describing your background, skills, and motivations for applying. In the first sentence of your letter, please be sure to indicate one to three departments, in order of preference, for which you would like to be considered, and the time period for which you would be available (six or twelve months, beginning in January or July). Certain departments require additional samples of work; please be sure to carefully review individual department requirements below before submitting your materials.

The application deadline for the winter session is October 15, and the deadline for the summer session is April 15.

For international applicants, Aperture cannot serve as an official visa sponsor. Please use a third party organization as a sponsor and Aperture will provide the required information for the application acting as the Host Organization.

All materials may be submitted via email to workscholars@aperture.org or in hard copy to:
Aperture Foundation
Work-Scholar Manager,
547 West 27th Street, 4th Floor,
New York, NY 10001

Please read faq for additional information and email workscholars@aperture.org if you have any further questions.

Applicants are selected based on their interest and motivation in working for Aperture, ability to contribute significantly to the program, and openness to gaining a meaningful work experience. Experience and interest in photography, publishing, the visual arts, and in fields related to the specific department to which you apply is strongly encouraged.

Stevan A. Baron, for whom the internship program is named, studied with Minor White in 1963, and remained professionally involved with Aperture until he retired from his position as Vice-President of Production in 2003. Over his forty-year tenure Steve was responsible for the exacting separation and printing standards that define Aperture's publications. He believed deeply in the importance of education both within and beyond the classroom environment. Working with printers and photographers, he pushed the envelope and expanded the printing process to achieve on the page the emotional effect the photographer intended. He was an adjunct professor for over ten years, in addition to fostering a passion for photography and publishing for countless Aperture work scholars and colleagues.

COMMUNICATIONS
Commitment: Full-Time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1

The Communications Work Scholar contributes to the Communications Department in various capacities, including: researching new outlets for publicity outreach; preparing and assembling press materials for distribution to key media; updating content on the website; circulating press clippings to sales representatives and other key constituents; updating and maintaining publicity files and mailing lists; assisting in events at Aperture Gallery, including opening receptions for exhibitions, book signings, lectures, and panel discussions; and regular telephone contact with authors and reviewers.

Requirements: A good knowledge of Word, Excel, or Lotus, as well as familiarity with database programs; excellent communication and writing skills; and a genuine passion for the arts enhance a candidate's application.

**Creative Sample: Please submit a one- to two-page sample of written work.

DESIGN
Commitment: Full-Time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1

The Design Work Scholar assists Aperture's designer with books, catalogs, ads, exhibitions, signage, posters, and invitations. Responsibilities include working on layouts, setting and correcting type, communicating with various departments to follow through on projects, and conceptual design on selected projects. Work Scholars attend design meetings with artists and department heads and acquire hands-on experience in exhibition design as well as typesetting, editing, and sequencing photographs for the book format. They will learn to present ideas and work with clients, and bring away strong portfolio pieces.

Requirements: Expertise with InDesign and working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator required, all on Mac. Strong layout and typography skills, creativity, attention to detail, and self-motivation will enhance a candidate's application.

**Creative Sample: Please submit a PDF portfolio of eight to ten design projects.

DEVELOPMENT
Commitment: Full-Time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1

The Development Work Scholar assists the development staff in all aspects of fundraising, including research, data management, preparation of grant proposals, donor cultivation, and annual direct-mail appeal. Responsibilities include updating and maintaining donation database; assisting in special events; researching prospective foundations and individuals; and preparing solicitation packages and other fundraising materials.

Requirements: Advanced experience with Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel; strong working grasp of database programs such as Filemaker Pro; as well as excellent communication and grammar skills.

**Creative Sample: Please submit a one- to two-page sample of written work.

EDITORIAL (books or magazine)
Commitment: Full-Time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 3

The Editorial Work Scholars assist Aperture editors in both the book and the magazine departments. Responsibilities include: picture and text research; contacting museums, galleries, and individuals to request artwork for reproduction; proofreading; compiling copy for catalogs and book jackets; development and publicity support; and registering copyrights. Editorial Work Scholars also have the opportunity to collaborate in managing the first stages of Aperture's online photography competition, gaining valuable skills in assessing the potential of contemporary photography for publication.

Requirements: A working grasp of the photographic field, excellent grammar and communication skills, as well as prior editorial experience will enhance a candidate's application. Because of the nature of this position, applicants should be native English speakers.

**Creative Sample: Please submit a one- to two-page sample of written work.

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Commitment: Full-Time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1

The Finance Work Scholar assists in all aspects of finance and administration, including budgeting and analysis, collections, data management, project tracking, contract review, vendor analysis, office management, filing, and tracking attendance.

Requirements: Good quantitative skills and attention to detail; proficiency in Word and Excel; familiarity with database programs; ability to multitask and take initiative; strong phone and people skills a plus. This is an excellent position for someone with an interest in the business side of publishing.

MAGAZINE CIRCULATION
(marketing and advertising)
Commitment: Part-Time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1

The Magazine Circulation Work Scholar assists the Co-Publisher in all facets of circulation, marketing, and advertising. Responsibilities include: subscription customer service, assisting in advertising promotion work, preparing media kits, maintaining ad prospect databases and mailing lists, interfacing with fulfillment house, coordinating ad materials with the production department, assisting in generating and providing first drafts of subscription Web site promotions, and researching new business sources.

Requirements: Proficiency in MS Office, strong phone and people skills, and ability to multitask and take initiative. This is an excellent position for someone with an interest in the business side of publishing.

PRODUCTION
Commitment: Full-Time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1

The Production Work Scholar assists the Production Director in carrying out the production of Aperture's black-and-white and color photography books, quarterly magazine, and seasonal catalogs. Responsibilities include handling and receipting art; reviewing specifications; communicating with suppliers; maintaining department schedules; preparing work-in-process reports; handling invoices; archiving physical and digital files; trafficking packages; and preparing manufacturing orders.

Requirements: Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and Photoshop. Experience working with InDesign and FTP a plus.

EXHIBITIONS
Commitment: Full-Time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1

The Exhibitions Work Scholar assists with the promotion of the Traveling Exhibition Program. Responsibilities include: maintaining files on existing exhibition venues; researching potential venues; updating mailing list of potential venues; assisting in the creation of exhibition kits and their mailing to potential venues; coordinating exhibitions; maintaining the museum/gallery database; assisting with Aperture Gallery openings; following up on proposals sent and pinpointing specific interests of institutions so that Aperture can target proposals strategically.

Requirements: A working grasp of the photographic field.

**Creative Sample: Please submit a one- to two-page sample of written work.

SALES AND BOOKSTORE
Commitment: Full-time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1

The Sales and Bookstore Work Scholar assists three key staff members responsible for book and print sales on behalf of the foundation: the Sales Director, Director of Limited-Edition Photographs, and Bookstore Manager. Responsibilities include assisting with maintaining the daily bookstore/gallery operations; managing the front desk and assisting visitors with questions and purchases; identifying new sales opportunities and researching prospective new clients; assisting in creating seasonal sales materials, including the book and limited-edition photographs catalogs; assisting with the selection and production of images for the limited-edition photographs program; managing sales and inventory spreadsheets; preparing sales information for Aperture's book distributors; assisting with the preparations required to attend art fairs and trade shows; managing the meeting schedule for key book trade shows; assisting with special mailings; and assisting during Aperture's annual fundraiser held during the fall season.

Requirements: A passion for sales; excellent written and communication skills; strong phone manner and interpersonal skills; the ability to engage with visitors and assist with purchases; the ability to multi-task; the ability to take initiative; and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Successful experience in retail and/or a contemporary art gallery a plus.

**Creative Sample: Please submit a one- to two-page sample of written work.

Website
Commitment: Full-time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1

The Website Work Scholar will collaborate with the Aperture staff to enhance the foundation's online presence. The intern will be responsible for posting updated information about events and exhibitions, researching and revising the web links and resources featured on the website and ensuring the cross promotion of books, prints, events, exhibitions, and web exclusives. He or she will help edit video and audio footage from events and work with the education department to establish new forums for digital content. Additionally, the web intern will work with a variety of departments to produce new web content for both the main site and Aperture's blog. This is a great opportunity to work on the website of a leading arts institution and to help take it to the next level.

Requirements: Confidence with computers, experience with Wordpress, excellent writing skills, ability to edit video and audio content. A passion for photography and the arts in general preferred.

**Creative Sample: Please submit a 1-2 page writing sample, as well as links to web related experience.