Job Title: Curatorial Assistant Internship
Organization: Nōvo Collective / Work in Progress
Location: New York City, NY (Must be local)
Dates: Summer 2026 (Including on\-site availability for the festival: June 16\-22\)
Compensation: Part or full time internship
Start date: immediate to June 9
About Us
Work in Progress ( / www.instagram.com/workinprogress\_\_official) is a live\-format art festival coming to New York City for its second edition, following a successful debut in Mexico City. We flip the script on traditional art fairs by shifting the focus away from just the finished product and putting the spotlight directly on the making. During the festival, participating artists work from their own studios to create a piece of art while the studio remains fully open to the public.
The festival is incubated by the Nōvo Collective (www.novocollective.org), an artist\-run organization that creates new ways for the public to engage with contemporary art. By pairing rigorous research with experimental production models, we support artists, curators, and urbanists in realizing work that rethinks how audiences encounter art in everyday spaces. Our previous exhibition, uncommissioned (www.uncommissioned.art), featured all\-new, site\-specific public art across 41 cities.
The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated, hands\-on curatorial intern to join our team for the Summer 2026 season. You will play a crucial role in bringing the New York City edition of Work in Progress to life. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work behind the scenes of an experimental art festival, directly supporting participating artists and the core production team.
Because this festival is live, dynamic, and process\-focused, we need someone who thrives in a fast\-paced environment and is excited about redefining how the public interacts with contemporary art.
Key Responsibilities
* Artist \& Studio Support: Assist participating artists with their physical studio setups, material runs, and daily operational needs while they work live during the festival.
* Event Logistics \& Production: Support the core team with load\-in, setup, and strike of the festival venues leading up to and immediately following the June 9\-22 event dates.
* Public Engagement: Act as a welcoming presence during the open\-studio hours, helping to guide visitors, answer questions about the festival’s mission, and ensure the live\-making environment remains respectful and functional.
* Operations \& Admin: Assist with on\-the\-ground problem\-solving, schedule management, and general administrative tasks in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Requirements
* Location: Must be based in or have local accommodation in New York City for the duration of the internship.
* Availability: Must be fully available for the festival dates (June 9\-22, 2026\), plus the preparation and wrap\-up weeks before and after.
* Interests: A strong passion for contemporary art, public art, urbanism, or event production.
* Skills: Highly organized, resourceful, and detail\-oriented. Ability to think on your feet and adapt to the unpredictable nature of live events.
* Attitude: Willing to roll up your sleeves for physical production tasks (moving supplies, setting up spaces) and confident in interacting with both artists and the general public.
What You’ll Gain
- Firsthand experience in producing a major, multi\-venue interactive arts festival in NYC.
- Direct networking opportunities with international and local contemporary artists, curators, and producers.
- Insight into the experimental production models and operational logistics of an innovative artist collective.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief introduction telling us why you are interested in this role to hi@novocollective.org.
Job Type: Full\-time
Pay: From $30\.00 per day
Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10016