Biennial Production and Exhibitions Assistant Internship

FotoFest, a Houston-based contemporary arts organization, is seeking a part-time Biennial Production and Exhibitions Assistant.

Biennial Production and Exhibitions Assistants are essential members of FotoFest’s Exhibitions and Curatorial teams. They are involved throughout all stages of the exhibition process, including research for exhibitions and public programs, learning proper care and handling of photographs, acquiring basic framing and preparation skills, assisting with installation, supporting administrative tasks, and gaining firsthand experience of day-to-day operations of a non-profit arts organization.

This role is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing professional careers in photography, visual arts, art history, curatorial practice, arts administration, non-profit art spaces, commercial galleries, or as practicing artists.

The 2026 Biennial will celebrate FotoFest’s 40-year legacy, reflecting on its evolution and impact as an organization.

Duration

• Summer/Fall 2025
• Total hours: 120

Compensation

This position offers a $1200 stipend upon completion of 120 hours and is eligible for college credit.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must:

• Be an undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled in—or recently graduated from—bachelor’s or master’s programs in Studio Art, Art History, Curatorial Studies, or related fields in contemporary art
• Live in or relocate to the Houston or surrounding area
• Have reliable transportation
• Have a reliable laptop capable of internet connection and simultaneously running multiple programs

Qualifications 

• In-depth knowledge of contemporary art, artists, theory, and institutional practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in public speaking and liaising with artists, galleries, and arts professionals.
• High level of integrity and professionalism in all interactions.
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, research, and database management.
• A strong willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

The Biennial Production and Exhibitions Assistant will support the Exhibitions team in the development and implementation of exhibitions and related programming for the 2026 FotoFest Biennial. This hands-on role includes both administrative and production tasks that are essential to the exhibition-making process.

Primary duties include:

• Assisting with the unpacking, packing, and handling of incoming and outgoing artworks.
• Supporting exhibition layout planning and on-site installation.
• Assisting with entry-level framing and artwork preparation.
• Helping coordinate, edit, and design exhibition text materials, including wall labels, didactics, and checklists.
• Copyediting exhibition-related texts for clarity and consistency.
• Conducting research on artists and artworks for upcoming exhibitions and programs.
• Creating and maintaining artist and exhibition files (digital and physical).
• Supporting the curatorial team with checklist maintenance, condition reporting, and production of wall labels.

Note: This position may require moderate physical activity, including lifting up to 30 lbs, standing for extended periods, and assisting with the movement of exhibition materials.

Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following in PDF format:

• CV/Resume
• A letter of interest (Approximately 300-500 words)

Please send materials to FotoFest associate curator Madi Murphy at madi@fotofest.org with the subject line “Biennial Production and Exhibitions Assistant.”

Note: We encourage individuals from all backgrounds and identities to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the listed requirements. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

DIGITAL MARKETING INTERNSHIP

Are you ready to explore a career in communications and marketing in the art world? Join FotoFest as a part-time Digital Marketing Intern (DMI), and you’re guaranteed to learn new skills and processes that will challenge you and prepare you for success. 

Reporting to the Manager of Communications and Engagement (MCE), the DMI is part of the Communications department and will produce content that engages the public with FotoFest's mission, exhibitions, and programs. This individual must be detail-oriented and comfortable with writing. 

In addition to gaining writing and designing experience, you will finish this internship knowing how to create a social media strategy and plan for an art exhibition, along with a complete social media plan to add to your portfolio. 

Commitment 

Duration 

• Begins summer 2025 (June)
• Ends fall 2025 (September–October)
• 17–20 weeks (approximately 4–5 months) 
• Total hours: 120 

Shifts 

• Admin hours 
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays in office 
  • 3 hours/day; 6 hours/week 
  • Two schedule options: 1 PM – 4 PM or 2 PM – 5 PM
• Program hours 
  • Required to work at least three programs/month 
  • Shifts are dependent on program times 
  • Shifts are typically during evenings on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays (see past program times at https://fotofest.org/ff_programs) 

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must: 

• Be an enrolled student in a 2–4 year college or a recent graduate 
• Live in or relocate to the Houston or surrounding area  
• Have reliable transportation 
• Have a reliable laptop capable of internet connection and simultaneously running multiple programs 

Qualifications 

Qualified applicants will possess: 

• A knack for storytelling and can transform complex ideas into clear, engaging content   
• A working knowledge of graphic design and design software (e.g., Canva, etc.) 
• Good writing and editing skills, with a keen eye for grammar and punctuation  
• Social media savviness and familiarity with current trends and best practices  

Tasks 

The DMI is primarily responsible for: 

1. Managing FotoFest’s social media accounts 
2. Developing social media plans 
3. Designing digital graphics and emails
4. Writing and editing text for various purposes 
5. Recording and reporting metrics 

The DMI will: 

• Design 
  • Design graphics (e.g., announcements, monthly event carousels, press clippings, reviewer profiles)
  • Design weekly email newsletters
• Metrics 
  • Record metrics and report verbally 
• Social media 
  • Manage social media (e.g., creating feed posts, Stories and Highlights, Reels, commenting, and messaging) 
  • Collaborate with MCE to develop social media plans 
  • Livestream events
  • Photo edit (i.e., select images from FotoFest’s archive for social media use) 
• Write 
  • Write text based on communication needs 
  • Copyedit (i.e., edit text for grammar using FotoFest’s writing style guide and the Chicago Manual of Style) 
  • Edit and summarize text (i.e., condense large text by rephrasing, restructuring, and rewriting for brevity, clarity, and tone) 
• General 
  • Demonstrate kindness, professionalism, and punctuality 
  • Represent FotoFest Communications and Marketing in person and online 
  • Assist with FotoFest programs 
  • Assist with other FotoFest departments if time permits 

Tools 

The DMI will use the following programs on a weekly basis:

• Canva
• Constant Contact
• Google Chrome 
• Linktree 
• Meta (Business Suite, Facebook, Instagram) 
• Microsoft (Excel, OneDrive, Outlook, Teams, Word) 

Pay 

The pay is a $1,200 stipend upon the completion of 120 hours.

Dress Code 

The dress code for this internship is business casual. Learn more here.

Apply 

Click below to complete the internship application with your cover letter, resume, work sample, and design sample, along with your short answers.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

Questions? Email Asaeda Badat at press@fotofest.org.