The Betty Bowen Award Intern assists with the planning, organization, and implementation of the annual Betty Bowen Award, an award granted to outstanding visual artists currently living and working in the Pacific Northwest.
The Betty Bowen Intern will assist with the organization and administration of the Betty Bowen Award, now in its 49th year. The intern will coordinate and attend committee meetings, promote the call for entries, organize artist applications, correspond with artists about the award, manage communication with the committee, and produce press releases and mailings related to the award.
Working with their supervisor, this intern will gain hands-on experience with public outreach, awards administration, and working with a philanthropic board. The intern will further develop their skills in community engagement, project management, communication, and writing.
This internship position reports to the Curatorial Specialist and the Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. The intern will also work with the Jon and Mary Shirley, the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Betty Bowen Committee. They will also coordinate with artists living in the Northwest and other SAM Departments.
More information about the Betty Bowen Award can be found on our website at www.visitsam.org/betty-bowen.
EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT
This internship will begin by early July and work 15 hours per week, for 10 weeks. Schedule is flexible within Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm office hours. The intern will be expected to work extended hours, from roughly 9am-5pm, for two committee meetings in September.
The Betty Bowen Intern will be responsible for helping to organize and administer all aspects of the Betty Bowen Award, including:
- Becoming familiar with the history, purpose, and application requirements of the Betty Bowen Award.
- Promotion and support for the call for entries to NW artists, galleries, and museums.
- Organization of artist applications, including video submissions.
- Communication and assistance with the award application process.
- Managing communication with the Committee.
- Compiling of all meeting materials, including PowerPoints, videos, and application packets.
- Coordination of and attendance at all committee meetings.
- Completion of a press release following announcement of the award.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR
REQUIREMENTS
- Currently working towards or recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in arts administration, fine art, museum studies, nonprofit management, or other related field.
- Competitive applicants will have a demonstrated interest in Modern and Contemporary Art and/or artists from the Pacific Northwest.
- Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines with limited supervision.
- Demonstrated skill in project management or coordination involving multiple stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate tactfully and professionally with customers, staff, volunteers, artists, committee members, and other community groups.
- Proficient in writing and editing with a professional tone.
- Demonstrated expertise and proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the internet.
- Ability to ask for help and accept evaluation of your work.
- Ability to adhere to museum policies and to support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
All application materials are due by May 29, 2026. This includes:
- A Cover Letter that describes:
- Your previous experience and how it relates to the duties of this role.
- Your approach to project management, organization, and coordination between multiple stakeholders.
- Your communication style and how you have applied interpersonal skill in a professional setting.
- What you hope to gain from this experience and how might it enhance your education and career plans.
- Resume, which describes experience you believe is relevant to this internship and your professional goals. This may include professional experience, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, community service, and academic projects.
- One or More Professional References or Letters of Recommendation, ideally from teachers, supervisors, or mentors. Reference information may be emailed directly to [email protected], with the applicant name noted in the Subject line.
ABOUT SAM
As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.
SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic
Skills Required
- Currently working towards or recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in arts administration, fine art, museum studies, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- Demonstrated interest in Modern and Contemporary Art and/or artists from the Pacific Northwest.
- Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines with limited supervision.
- Demonstrated skill in project management or coordination involving multiple stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate tactfully and professionally with customers, staff, volunteers, artists, committee members, and other community groups.
- Proficient in writing and editing with a professional tone.
- Demonstrated expertise with Microsoft Office tools and the internet.
- Ability to ask for help and accept evaluation of your work.
- Ability to adhere to museum policies and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
What We Do
For over 90 years, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) has been a leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest. Through its three locations — the Seattle Art Museum in downtown Seattle, the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the downtown waterfront — SAM connects art to life through special exhibitions, educational programs, and installations drawn from its collection of approximately 25,000 objects from more than 140 cultures. SAM Social Media Policy: bit.ly/SAMSocialMediaPolicy.
