Founded in 1976, Printed Matter is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination, understanding and appreciation of artists’ books and related publications. The Printed Matter internship program offers the opportunity to gain familiarity with the vibrant field of artists’ publications as well as develop hands-on experience in a dynamic and vital non-profit arts organization.

Printed Matter offers a General Internship, Fairs & Editions Internship, Communications Internship, and a Bibliographic Internship on a seasonal basis.

Our application cycle is currently closed. Questions may be directed to info@printedmatter.org.

General Intern:
General Interns will assist with the daily and ongoing operations of Printed Matter’s Chelsea bookstore, including programming activities, in-store events, and all aspects of maintaining a busy bookshop. This includes assistance with processing submissions, supporting social media, exhibition preparation and installation, shelving books and organizing stock, and other tasks. There are also opportunities for writing, research, administrative assistance, and other longer-term projects.

General Interns should demonstrate a passion for artists’ books, arts publishing, and contemporary art, as well as Printed Matter’s mission. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or inventory management software is a plus.

Bibliographic Intern:
Bibliographic Interns will assist in maintaining and developing Printed Matter’s online catalog and inventory system, one of the world’s most comprehensive, publicly accessible databases for those interested in contemporary artists’ publications. Available free to the public through our online catalog, the site acts as both a record of for-sale material as well as an extensive research tool overviewing the history of publishing activity by artists since the early 1960s.

The core of the Bibliographic Internship is focused on composing accurate, attentively-written synopses of books available at Printed Matter, and candidates must possess exceptional writing abilities, attention to detail, and an understanding of contemporary art and publishing practice.

Communications Intern:
Communications Interns will assist in developing Printed Matter’s external-facing communications. This includes assisting with writing and editing copy for Printed Matter newsletters, photographing stock, editing images for mailers and social media posts, designing graphics, and maintaining Printed Matter website pages. Long term projects may include assisting with the creation of style manuals, researching relevant events and exhibitions, and building out Printed Matter library and wholesale customer lists.

Communications Interns should be detail-oriented, organized, possess strong writing and copy-editing skillsets, and have an eye for design. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite software is a plus.

Fairs & Editions Intern:
Fairs & Editions Interns will assist with a wide range of tasks having to do with the planning and production of upcoming Printed Matter’s Art Book Fairs, as well as participate in the coordination of artist editions. The Internship offers an opportunity for experience in fast-paced event production and non-profit management.

The Fairs & Editions Intern should have strong writing, copy-editing, and communication skills. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Indesign/Photoshop/Illustrator), Google Sheets, and the art world is a plus. The Fairs & Editions intern should be personable and outgoing, and excited about being a part of this key area of Printed Matter’s operations.