What Do Art Galleries Look for in an Intern? 5 Key Takeaways
What does it actually take to stand out when applying for an art gallery internship?
A strong portfolio can help, but according to Petr Hošek, founder of Hošek Contemporary in Berlin, getting started in the fine arts industry is about more than having impressive work to show.
We sat down with Petr to learn what galleries really look for in aspiring arts professionals — and what students can do to make the most of an internship.
Lesson 1: Passion Can Matter More Than a Perfect Portfolio
You don't need years of professional experience to get started in the art world. Petr emphasizes the importance of passion, curiosity, and determination. Showing that you're genuinely interested in art and willing to learn can be just as valuable as having an extensive portfolio.
Don't worry about having a "perfect" portfolio. Show that you're excited about the work and eager to grow.
Lesson 2: Be Ready to Get Hands-On
A good art internship isn't just about observing from the sidelines. At Hošek Contemporary, interns can contribute to real projects, including book design and publishing, exhibition curation, event production, and even hosting their own exhibitions.
Lesson 3: Be Curious About How the Art World Works
An internship is an opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes. From working with artists to preparing exhibitions and organizing events, hands-on experience can help you understand the many different careers within the arts.
Use your internship to explore what part of the art world you actually enjoy — whether that's curation, production, gallery management, publishing, or arts communications.
Lesson 4: Your Attitude Matters
Technical skills can be learned, but being reliable, motivated, and willing to learn can make a lasting impression. Don't be afraid to ask questions, take initiative, and get involved. Be the intern who wants to contribute, not just the intern who wants something to add to their résumé.
Remember, you want to enter the industry that your supervisor and teammate are already in. These people will be your connections that can propel your career. If they don't have anything good to say about you or vouch for you, you might as well think of a different career path.
Lesson 5: Experience Can Open New Doors
An internship can be more than a temporary position. It can help you build your portfolio, develop professional connections, and discover potential career paths. For aspiring arts professionals, getting real experience inside a gallery can be an important first step toward a career in the fine arts. You will meet with people in the industry, network with them, and start building your connection. This connection will come in handy as your plan your next step for your career.
Watch the full Company Talks video to get the full advice here:
Read more about ArtBound Initiative Internships here.
ArtBound Initiative is a fee-based global internship program for creatives. We prepare students for their careers through an online coaching curriculum and by helping them secure an internship in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, London, Berlin, Melbourne, Sydney, and Virtually. With an expansive network of leading creative companies, our program provides access to creative industries that are notoriously insular.
Questions? Contact us at info@artboundinitiative.com
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