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 in day-to-day contact with all of Aperture’s 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 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. Interns meet people from around the world who share common experiences and goals. They make contacts not only with the current art community, but also with those who will constitute the art world of the future.
Departments
Communications
Design
Development
Editorial (books or magazine)
Exhibitions
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 deadline for the winter session is October 1, and the deadline for the summer session is April 1.
International applicants who have yet to obtain a working visa must apply at least three months prior to the season’s start date in order to allow enough time to complete the appropriate paperwork.
All materials may be submitted in hardcopy OR via email to:
Aperture Foundation
Work-Scholar Manager
547 West 27th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Email: workscholars@aperture.org
Up-to-date information regarding Work Scholar openings for the upcoming season may be obtained by emailing workscholars@aperture.org.
Applicants are selected based on their interest and motivation in working for Aperture, an 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.
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
Design Work Scholars are an integral part of Aperture's design team. They assist staff designers 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 typesetting, editing and sequencing photographs for the book format, and exhibition design. 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; 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; 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: 4
Editorial interns assist the 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.
Magazine Circulation Marketing/Advertising
Commitment: Part-Time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1
Interns assist the marketing director 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
Work Scholars assist the production staff 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.
Traveling Exhibitions
Commitment: Full-Time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1
Interns work in the Aperture Gallery and assist 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
Commitment: Full-time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1
The sales Work Scholar assists two key staff members responsible for book and print sales on behalf of the foundation: the Sales Director the and Director of Limited-Edition Photographs. The main responsibilities include 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 the 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; assisting at events held at Aperture Gallery and other venues, including exhibition openings, book signings, lectures, and panel discussions; assisting during Aperture’s annual fundraiser held during the fall season; and assisting in managing the front desk, as needed.
Requirements: A passion for sales; excellent written and communication skills; working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; strong phone manner and interpersonal skills; the ability to multi-task; and the ability to take initiative.
**Creative Sample: Please submit a one- to two-page sample of written work.
Website
Commitment: Part-Time
Work Scholars accepted per season: 1
The web 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 be helping to edit video and audio footage from events and working with the education department to establish new forums for using 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.
