Working at the Space

 
Volunteers and Interns Needed! The Space is looking for self-motivated, passionate students to join our Design, Education, Exhibitions and Video/Media teams starting Fall Quarter. See descriptions below. You do not need to be a student to volunteer!

Who We Want

At the OSU Urban Arts Space we seek interns who are interested in making a meaningful contribution to our mission. As a bustling center, all team members are expected to work well independently, take initiative, and be ready to learn and take direction. Most importantly, the candidate should be passionate about fostering the arts and humanities. Any high school, undergraduate, or graduate student is encouraged to apply for an internship at the OSU Urban Arts Space.

What Interns Do

The OSU Urban Arts Space has many exciting opportunities for college and high school interns. Depending on the intern's interests and the Space's needs, a specially tailored project will be determined for each individual. Project areas may include:    

Accessibility

An accessibility internship at the OSU Urban Arts Space focuses on furthering our efforts to be a model for accessibility practices. Student Assistant(s) would create and maintain alternative touring options for guests, such as podcasts, videos, and/or touch tours; research best practices at peer institutions; identify and build relationships with potential partners; and develop events that highlight accessible practices.

City Center Gallery

Student Assistants working with our City Center Gallery initiative will learn about the curatorial and administrative processes behind gallery operations. Interns will organize and archive revolving proposals; attend planning meetings; and assist the City Center Gallery Director with logistics and planning for exhibitions and receptions. 

Design

For the Design team, we look for a students who have experience in design to assist on various projects ranging from the development of t-shirts to brochures, posters, signage, and much more.  As projects come and go quickly at the Space, someone who is able to take initiative, work well with deadlines, and be able to self-edit his/her own work is preferred.  A design assistant should be comfortable working with varying guidelines, both independently and also with close supervision, and sometimes take on a project idea and run with it.  Proficiency with Macs and one or more of the following programs is necessary: Photoshop CS2, Illustrator and/or InDesign.

Education

Education assistants should possess superior public speaking skills, be organized and thorough, have a curiosity about the arts and humanities, and be an excellent listener.  Experience with K-12 students and developing presentations is ideal.  Education assistants research Space exhibitions and create educational materials and programs; develop and give specialized tours as part of our public programs series; and create projects that incorporate concepts in current exhibitions. Ideal candidates work well independently, have initiative, are creative and enjoy thinking outside the box.

Exhibitions

Exhibitions assistants have an interest in learning about the exhibition design, installation, and strike process. Ideal candidates are organized, detail-oriented, good at math, familiar with basic hand tools and shop safety, and ready to work with his/her hands as well as their brain. Duties include assisting the Exhibitions Coordinator with the installation and strike of artwork, organizing storage facilities and constructing more efficient systems, painting, maintaining exhibition supplies inventory and ordering, reviewing and making suggestions for exhibitor materials, and assisting with the restoration of the Space.

Communications: Professional Writing / Marketing / Website / Social Media / Grants

We seek students who have excellent professional writing skills to assist the Communications Coordinator with public relations and/or fundraising efforts.  Should be a fantastic editor of his/her own work, proficient with Macs, and possess efficient research skills.  Design and/or web skills are appreciated (and utilized) though not necessary. Assistants may proofread, edit and update website content; write promotional blurbs and press releases for programs and exhibitions; create and distribute flyers tailored to various constituents; update website and social media sites; and research and draft grant applications.  Communications assistants are encouraged to use their own creativity and personal interests to create new and exciting communications materials and strategies for the Space. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, organized, consistent, take direction well, and can carry out routine assignments.

Program and Event Planning

Events assistants coordinate logistics for both new and existing events, develop ideas for new programs and create plans for implementation. Assistants are responsible for corresponding with potential renters and serve as the Space representative to the public. Ideal candidates for this role are creative, energized, detail-oriented (while also being able to envision the “big picture”), have excellent written communication and customer service skills, and are able to create comprehensive written plans and reports.  Previous experience organizing events for a student organization or through a job is preferred.  Assistants may also research best practices of peer institutions internationally and identify opportunities to participate in external events (i.e. festivals). 

Media: Video / Photography

Video and Photography assistants help the Communications Coordinator by documenting exhibitions, events and programs in the Space and synthesizing the raw video footage/still images into promotional materials for the Space website and social media venues, which include but are not limited to commercials/promotional videos, video/audio podcasts, artist/exhibitor interviews, and live performance documentation.

Video assistants take video footage and record audio of events, exhibitions, programs, and live performances that happen in the Space; interview artists, exhibitors and presenters for assignments; edit existing video and audio footage to create promotional videos and podcasts; and work closely with the Communications Coordinator to plan out and produce projects. Video assistants must have experience in video production and editing, proficiency with Macs and some or all of the following programs: Final Cut Pro, iTunes, MPEG Streamclip, YouTube, Photoshop CS2, iMovie, iSkysoft, Quick Time Pro and/or Studio Pro. Time management, organization, and interpersonal skills are a must.

Photography assistants are integral to the communications team, as they document events, programs, patrons, and exhibitions in the Space for use in all design and promotional endeavors. Assistants are also in charge of maintaining a digital photo archive, having an understanding of all images available for use by the Communications Coordinator. Ideal candidates are confident and outgoing, self-starters, organized, communicative, and able to take photographs to serve a specific purpose. Expertise in using a digital SLR camera, editing images, and photographing live action is required. Knowledge of photographing in variable lighting environments is crucial.

In addition to a tailored project, interns are expected to be familiar with the general operations and responsibilities for the Space, including: gallery reception and monitoring; serving as docents for exhibitions; and, basic customer service duties.

What You Should Expect

Internships range from 8 to 15 weeks and may be repeated. School credits may determine the number of hours per week (usually 4 to 12 hours arranged over 1 to 2 days). Hours are flexible and depend on assignments but interested applicants need to be available to work during regular gallery hours (Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 pm) as well as some evening and weekend hours.

The OSU Urban Arts Space strives to foster a work culture that is open, fun, creative, and challenging. We pride ourselves on being a team where good ideas can come from anywhere and we all roll our sleeves up to help with the dirty work. Our first priority is providing excellent customer service so we all work together to create a friendly and welcoming experience for our guests.

Attire while working at the Space is typically business casual, although some work (i.e. painting, installing artwork, cleaning) dictates the need for clothes that can get messy.

As part of our sustainability efforts, the OSU Urban Arts Space encourages everyone to ride their bike or the bus, whether visiting or working here. (OSU students can ride the COTA bus for free; #2 bus runs frequently from campus down High Street to the front of the historic Lazarus Building where we are housed.) Parking is available at meters, area surface lots, and various downtown garages.

What You'll Gain

We believe that every student internship and employment opportunity should encourage transformative experiences that expand worldviews, offer hands-on practical experiences in the arts and humanities, and develop new career skills to reflect an entrepreneurial culture.
All internships are available for course credit as required by your academic institution. (Ohio State students can sign up for internship credit hours with the Space Director.) Positions are unpaid but offer additional benefits to school credit, including:

- Being a part of the great OSU Urban Arts Space Team

- Professional skill development and work training

- Letters of recommendation

How to Apply

Those interested in applying should email a cover letter and resume to:

Zoey Boyles
Deputy Director
boyles.30@osu.edu

If you are a good match with a current opening, we will proceed with the application and selection process. If we don't have an opening that matches your interests and talents, we will explore whether an opportunity can be tailored for you.

Open Internship Positions

We accept internship applications on an ongoing basis. If no current opportunities are available we will retain your resume for future openings. Please indicate in your cover letter your expected graduation date as well as the specific type of internship(s) you are interested in from those indicated above.

Volunteering

OSU Urban Arts Space volunteers have the opportunity to gain exposure to the workings of a unique arts space and contribute valuable services to a nonprofit institution. Volunteer application letters are accepted at all times. We keep all application letters on file, and will contact applicants with the required skills, interests and availability when positions become available.

Qualified candidates should posses a love and appreciation of art, basic computer skills (including familiarity with the internet) and an understanding that reliability is critical.

Send letters of application to uas@osu.edu.