Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

This internship is only open to current students enrolled in Fine Arts or Art History at Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland.  Applications from external candidates will not be considered.

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting more than 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.

Gus Fisher Gallery is a centre for contemporary art in Tāmaki Makaurau and a project space for artists. As the flagship art gallery for Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland, it is nationally recognised for its ambitious and critically engaged programme that supports international and Aotearoa New Zealand artists through new commissions and bold exhibition making. Gus Fisher Gallery reflects the educational role of Waipapa Taumata Rau by providing a developmental steppingstone for artists looking to transition their practice and test out new ideas.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This internship provides an opportunity for Art History and Fine Arts students currently enrolled at Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland to gain an insight into a career in the arts sector through hands-on experience in a public art gallery. The internship will be based on site at Gus Fisher Gallery for the duration. Designed to work alongside current study commitments, the internship is offered part-time over a period of six months (e.g. November/December 2025 – April/May 2026) with the Intern ideally based at the gallery one day a week. Dates for the internship are tailored to coincide with key projects at the gallery.

Capabilities

• Apply knowledge learnt through studies of contemporary arts practices and Art History to gallery work.

• Apply written skills through research and administrative tasks pertinent to the gallery’s programme of exhibitions.

• Apply creative and organisational skills to the delivery of the gallery’s varied public programme for audiences.

• Bring a positive, can-do and creative approach to project tasks.

• Bring capabilities in Microsoft and social media applications.

Gain experience and knowledge in the following areas:

• Exhibition development and delivery.

 • Curatorial research and writing.

• Public programming and events.

• Artwork handling and exhibition installation.

• Visitor greeting and engagement.

• Gallery operations and logistics.

• Marketing, communications and fundraising.

This is a fixed term role,  7.5 hours per week, on a fixed term part time contract. This is a band B role with the salary range being $54,405 - $56,550 per annum depending on experience and qualifications.  Please note your salary will be prorated during the fixed term period.

Start date:

Flexible start between November and December 2025, depending on student availability.

Work Schedule:
Days are flexible, ideally scheduled between Tuesday and Friday.

For more detailed information on the role accountabilities and requirements, please review this position description.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for this internship you will need to be currently enrolled on an undergraduate degree, Masters or PhD course in Art History or Fine Arts at Waipapa Taumata Rau. If you are enrolled on a conjoint degree, your major must be in Art History or Fine Arts.

You will also have:

• A passion and enthusiasm for the arts in Aotearoa and Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, specifically contemporary arts.

• A basic knowledge of contemporary arts practice and practitioners, either gained through practical or theoretical study.

• Good verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience of working in a team.

• Enthusiasm for audience engagement.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Sunday 5th October 2025 to be considered. Please include a statement of up to two sides of A4 outlining your suitability for the role and a CV detailing your relevant experience.

Please reach out to Lisa Beauchamp on [email protected]  for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz