Art Bridges Collection Care Apprentice

The Delaware Art Museum is seeking a Collection Care Apprentice to serve as an integral member of the collections team, collaborating with curators, registrars, and preparators to assess and document the condition of works of art, prepare works of art for presentation and travel, and track the condition and location of works in the collections database. This is a multiyear (2–5 years) position, with potential for extension, funded by the Art Bridges Foundation. This is a full-time onsite position reporting to the Head Registrar.

Through the Art Bridges Cohort Program, the Delaware Art Museum is leading a group of six museums collaborating on loans and exhibitions focused on American illustration.

The Art Bridges Cohort Program expands access to American art by supporting multiyear, multi-institutional art-sharing partnerships among museums nationwide. Each cohort, comprised of a lead museum and cohort members, works together for 5–6 years to share their collections, making art lending, borrowing, and display more efficient and environmentally sustainable. The goal of the Cohort Program is to create self-sustaining ecosystems of art sharing, collaboration, and community engagement across the country. The Apprentice will be part of this exciting partnership.

The Apprentice will receive training through the Art Bridges Collection Care Apprentice Program, an intensive hybrid program, consisting of one week on site at the Crystal Bridges Campus for Art and Wellness in Bentonville, Arkansas, followed by seven weeks of online lectures and training, and another two weeks of hands-on experience at the museum conservation lab at Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Key Responsibilities

Complete 10-week training through Art Bridges Collection Care Apprentice Program before starting work at the Delaware Art Museum.

Assist with daily collections care and loan activities, including monitoring environmental conditions, organizing storage spaces, handling objects, and coordinating loans and exhibitions with priority given to the cohort’s art sharing project/s.

Learn and participate in the basics of preventive conservation, such as climate control, condition reporting, and proper packing techniques.

Support conservation staff in collections care including housekeeping and documentation.

Observe and participate in loans, including virtual couriering, installations, and de-installations.

Support registration tasks like cataloging, object labeling, and data entry in the collections management system.

Support museum staff in integrating new technologies to support efficient and safe collections management and loans, including digital condition reporting and virtual courier.

Participate in conversations with facilities staff to support energy efficiency and connect building systems to collection safety.

Gain exposure to administrative processes, including loan agreements, documentation, and project planning.

Travel to member sites to support installations and deinstallations and attend select exhibition events.

Attend regular check-ins, learning sessions, and training workshops online and in person.

Participate in Art Bridges’ Cohort Program annual convenings.

Support the completion of annual reports, art sharing forms and any other additional documentation for the cohort.

Goals and Qualifications

The Art Bridges Collection Care Apprentice Program is designed to provide a termed, paid, hands-on training opportunity for individuals passionate about art, culture, and history who may not have traditional pathways into the museum field.

Designed as an accessible entry point into the profession, this full-time, multiyear apprenticeship combines structured learning from leading experts with real-world experience. This role is designed to introduce someone to the breadth of museum work—from conservation and registration to administration—through guided mentorship, practical training, and cross-departmental exposure.

The ideal candidate will have:

Genuine interest in museums, art, history, cultural preservation, and community building.

Attention to detail and a careful, thoughtful approach to tasks.

Ability to follow instructions, including safety protocols and handle objects respectfully.

Clear communication and a curiosity to ask questions.

Reliability, punctuality, and a positive, open attitude.

Commitment to collaborative approaches to partnerships within and outside the Museum.

Strong organizational skills including effective time management, ability to set and fulfill priorities, and demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-tasking, fast-paced environment.

Highly motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Ability to travel within the U.S. for training, collaboration with partner museums, and professional development.

Ability to handle confidential materials with discretion.

Embraces Delaware Art Museum’s mission and programs.

A collegial attitude and sense of humor.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary is $53,000. We offer a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, 403(b) plan, paid time off, employee discounts, and free parking.

About the Delaware Art Museum

The Delaware Art Museum is a nationally recognized regional museum that connects people through art and experience. Founded in 1912 to honor illustrator Howard Pyle, the Museum now houses over 13,000 works, including the largest Pre-Raphaelite collection outside the U.K. and a growing contemporary art collection. Its campus features galleries, a six-acre sculpture garden, labyrinth, and event spaces—creating a dynamic center and vibrant cultural resource, offering exhibitions, classes, and community programs that reflect and engage the diverse Delaware community and beyond. Visit delart.org for the latest exhibitions, programs, and performances or connect with us via social media.