Catalina Museum for Art & History

Santa Catalina, USA

website

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LIAISON

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ORGANIZATION ADDRESS

217 Metropole Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704, USA

Community

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traineeship Info

Internship Info

ORGANIZATION INFO

The Catalina Museum for Art & History (CMAH) is a vibrant cultural institution located in Avalon, Santa Catalina Island. CMAH serves as a cornerstone of the island’s cultural and educational life, welcoming more than 25,000 visitors annually, including over 3,000 students. The museum showcases a wide array of exhibitions, programs, and public events that highlight Catalina’s rich cultural heritage, spanning from its Indigenous Pimugna/ Gabrielino-Tongva roots to its modern history as a hub for tourism, art, and community identity.

Under the leadership of Dr. Sheila Bergman, CMAH has strengthened its profile as a dynamic destination for both residents and visitors, expanding exhibitions, bilingual programs, and community engagement initiatives. Highlights include exhibitions such as Catalina Clay: Unveiling the Island’s Artistic Heritage and From Los Angeles to Catalina: The Art of Sonia Romero. The museum also leads educational initiatives, including classroom lessons, Art To Go kits, Día de los Muertos celebrations, and internships that make art and history accessible to all.

Through its innovative programming and collaborations with organizations such as Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND), CMAH continues to connect local heritage with global perspectives, ensuring that Catalina’s unique history remains alive, relevant, and celebrated.

MENTOR(S) FROM THE ORGANIZATION

Sheila Bergman

Executive Director

NTU

Alumni

VACANCIES

Mentor(s)/ Co-supervisor(s)

Sheila Bergman

Executive Director

co-supervisor

Brief Introduction of the Department

The Executive Office oversees the strategic vision, leadership, and operational direction of the Catalina Museum for Art & History. It coordinates across departments to ensure excellence in exhibitions, educational initiatives, community engagement, and visitor experience.

Department Staff Number

More than 10 people

Internship Job Description

‍Overview

The Catalina Project is a groundbreaking six-month public art exhibition debuting on Catalina Island in summer 2026. Curated by Laura Hyatt (Director, LAND) and Bryan Barcena (Curator at Large), the exhibition will feature ten newly commissioned, site-specific works installed throughout the city of Avalon. Artists will explore the island’s layered histories—from its roots as Pimugna, the homeland of the Gabrieliño/Tongva people, through waves of migration, tourism, political activism, and environmental transformation. As the first project of its kind on Catalina Island, The Catalina Project brings together art, history, and place in conversation with more than a million annual visitors and the island’s 4,000 full-time residents.

This internship opportunity invites university students to take part in the planning, execution, and documentation of The Catalina Project, while contributing to the vibrant work of the Catalina Museum for Art & History (CMAH), a cornerstone of cultural life on the island.

About the Museum Partner

The Catalina Museum for Art & History is a dynamic community institution that offers exhibitions, education programs, and public events celebrating the island’s diverse cultural heritage. Located in Avalon, CMAH welcomes over 25,000 visitors annually, including 3,000 students. Through initiatives like Art To Go kits, classroom lessons, Día de los Muertos celebrations, and teen internships, the museum creates inclusive pathways for learning and creativity rooted in the island’s identity. CMAH’s longstanding relationships with schools, artists, and local residents make it a vital partner in ensuring The Catalina Project reflects and resonates with the full Catalina community.

Internship Scope and Responsibilities

Interns will work alongside curators, museum educators, and artists to support the successful implementation of The Catalina Project. Responsibilities may include:

- Assisting visiting artists during research and site visits

- Supporting public programs and educational events

- Conducting oral history or community engagement activities

- Contributing to exhibition interpretive materials (labels, maps, guides)

- Helping document works-in-progress and installed projects

- Assisting with museum-led programs that intersect with the exhibition

Interns will have the opportunity to participate in behind-the-scenes conversations with artists and curators, learn about project management and community-based art practices, and help shape a landmark cultural event for the region.

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Preferred Intern Education Level

Undergraduate students (third year and above)
Master Students

Preferred Intern Skill Sets or Qualities

Passionate about art, history, and public engagement
Curious about place-based storytelling and site-specific installation
Eager to learn from artists, educators, and museum professionals
Responsible, detail-oriented, and collaborative
Comfortable engaging with the public and representing the project
The internship requires a minimum English proficiency level of B1–C2, with higher proficiency strongly preferred.

It is open to university students with an interest in arts and culture.

Internship Period

From June 15 to August 31, 2026 (adjustable at the discretion of the organisation)

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Others

Expected working hours per week: 32 hours
Salary/Financial Support: One payment of USD 2500
Free Accommodation (home stay with Catalina Island resident)
Health insurance provided
Some meals provided
Students who accept this position are required to participate in the iNGO Academy training courses

Scholarship

ORGANIZATION ADDRESS

217 Metropole Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704, USA