Arc Studio Intern

POSITION TITLE:              The Arc Studio Intern

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Arc of the Piedmont’s mission is ensuring full community inclusion and participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the provision of services and advocacy. The Arc Studio is a visual arts program and studio space located at The Arc of the Piedmont’s headquarters in Charlottesville, VA. The program provides an open studio environment where adult artists with developmental disabilities can create, experiment, explore, and connect through authentic art making experiences. Through the making and sharing of artwork, Arc artists have formed meaningful relationships, developed new avenues of expression and communication, and pursued career options in the arts.  

The Arc Studio Intern is responsible for assisting the Arc Studio Director in the smooth running of the art program. To be successful in this role, the intern should be well-organized, interested in the intersection between the visual arts and disability studies, and engaged in the overall mission of the organization.

The Art Program Intern will report to The Arc Studio Director and/or the Deputy Executive Director, Community Support Services. 

Location: The Arc Studio is part of The Arc of the Piedmont which is located at 

1149 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22903

Hours: The Arc Studio Intern will work 15-20 hours per week – schedule to be agreed upon by Arc Studio Director and Summer Intern

Duration: Anticipated to be approximately 8-10 weeks 

JOB DUTIES:

1. Maintain a safe, welcoming, studio space: This will involve encouraging artists to come into the studio space, supporting them as they move through the space and as they create, keeping the room safe, clean, organized, and accessible, encouraging engagement between artists, and generally maintaining an upbeat, positive atmosphere where everyone is welcome, seen, and valued.
2. Encourage independent participation among artists: Supporting artists in whatever ways they need (physical, emotional, creative, cognitive), but also striving to offer the "least restrictive environment" so artists can follow their unique curiosities, visions, and styles as they create original, authentic artwork. 
3. Assist and support artists as they work in the studio This may include helping artists access materials, helping artists move through the studio, encouraging and supporting artists as they create, making sure artists have what they need, helping artists put on aprons and clean up, etc.
4. Manage and maintain studio space: This may include taking care of art supplies, keeping supplies accessible and organized, taking inventory of art supplies (and communicating supply needs to supervisor), managing pickup/delivery of donations, light cleaning like wiping down tables, and greeting visitors and guests who may visit the studio (e.g. family members of artists, people from the community, Arc Board members, etc.).
5. Manage artwork: This may include placing wet artwork in the drying rack, taking dry artwork out of the drying rack, storing artwork, writing names on artwork, sorting artwork, and displaying artwork. 
6. Take photographs: This may include taking photographs of artists or artwork and uploading/texting/emailing photos to folks who manage our website and social media pages. 
7. Communicate with the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) as needed: This may include ensuring DSP presence in the studio, asking questions about physical or emotional needs of an artist, asking for help when needed, sharing any issues or concerns that may arise in the art studio, talking through daily schedules, etc.
8. Provide administrative assistance: This may include writing emails, making phone calls, and setting meetings on the Arc Studio Director’s behalf.
9. Coordinateand maintain various off-site exhibits. This may include coordinating sales and distribution of artwork, installation or removal of pieces or exhibits, and answering public inquiry about the exhibits.
10. Collaborate with Director of Development and Arc Studio Director on possible community outreach events.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of or willingness to learn about any of the following:  Artmaking, creative engagement, process-oriented art, curating art exhibits, developmental disabilities, disability rights, disability advocacy, grant writing, community partnership building, community relations

Skills: No skills required, but experience making art and/or working with individuals with developmental disabilities is a benefit as is knowing American Sign Language

Abilities:  Ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, and remain open to the unique expressions and limitless potential that exists in all human beings, regardless of ability or diagnosis

SUGGESTED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Any combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

1. Successful completion of The Arc of the Piedmont’s Volunteer/Intern Orientation Program.