We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

Internships

The Art Gallery of New South Wales offers internships for undergraduate and postgraduate students who are interested in exploring different career paths at a major cultural institution. 

Internships are open to tertiary-level students for whom an internship or professional placement is a course requirement. Proof of insurance cover from the intern's university for the duration of the internship is required.

We offer two rounds of internships per year. There are currently no internships on offer.

  • Conservation speculative internships

    The Art Gallery accepts speculative applications all year from applicants who are currently enrolled or recently graduated from recognised tertiary degrees in materials conservation or equivalent tertiary degrees in time-based art and digital preservation in Australia or overseas.  

    Applications in the following areas of specialisation will be considered: paintings, paper, objects, frames, time-based art and digital preservation. Successful applicants will work in their area of specialisation, undertaking treatment and research projects under the supervision of the relevant head of section.  

    Conservation internships are typically three weeks to one year.  

    How to apply

    Speculative applications can be emailed to internships@ag.nsw.gov.au.

    Include the following in your application:

    • cover letter outlining your area of specialisation in art conservation, your experience to date, anticipated internship dates and supervision requirements

    • letter of support from a recent or current lecturer, tutor or supervisor

    • letter from your university specifying the course requirements for the internship or a letter of support from your university if recently graduated (note: postgraduate interns will need to apply within three months of graduation)

    • current CV, including contact details of two referees

    For longer internships, proof of partial or full external funding will also be required.

    Please note that an applicant can only participate in one internship per department at the Art Gallery.

  • Guidelines

    • International students residing in Australia must ensure that appropriate visa approvals are in place prior to registering interest in internships. Refer to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website on Visa Entitlement Verification Online

    • International applicants must ensure their eligibility for an Australian student visa prior to submitting an application. Refer to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website on student visa options

    • The Art Gallery is unable to provide administrative or financial support for visa applications.

    • Shortlisted applicants will be notified if progress is made to interviews. All other applicants will be notified by email if unsuccessful.

    • Successful applicants will be notified both verbally and in writing and may be subject to security clearance and working-with-children checks prior to offers of internship being made.