Celebrating Black History in Cambridge (Internship)

5 days per week for 8 weeks.

Project background

The University of Cambridge’s Museums and collections (UCM) have made a long-term commitment to research into the complex histories of its collections and to building and strengthening relationships with its diverse partners and audiences. Together, we are working to expand our understanding of the collections in relation to colonialism, the legacies of enslavement, and racial inequality. Our ambition is that, through this rigorous and transparent investigation into our pasts, we will make our collections inclusive and relevant for the future.

Working collaboratively across the multiple collections of arts and sciences and underpinned by research, the 2022/23 programme will include interdisciplinary displays and exhibitions, and associated programming and learning initiatives.

About the internship

This is an exciting opportunity for those who are interested in research and public engagement. Drawing on existing research, the Intern will collate stories and historical content that celebrate Black history and the Black presence in Cambridge from the late 18th century onwards.

The result will be an inspiring and engaging, free, publicly available resource (or resources) highlighting diverse locations within the city that celebrate often long-forgotten stories about the Black history in Cambridge and key protagonists. This may take the form of a guided walking tour, self-led tour literature and/or an interactive virtual map with downloadable digital content, which will appeal to all ages.

The internship will be based at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, with regular in-person meetings with the Keeper of European Sculpture & Decorative Arts at the Fitzwilliam Museum (Tuesdays or Wednesdays), but the intern may undertake most of their work remotely within the UK. The intern will also work closely with local community groups, and the Communities Coordinator, building on pre-existing relationships, to develop content and share outcomes.

Training for the project will be delivered by the Keeper of European Sculpture & Applied Arts at the Fitzwilliam Museum with other members of the Black Atlantic Exhibition Project Management Team and Fitzwilliam staff as appropriate.

Please submit a CV and cover letter, outlining your suitability for the internship to the Opening Doors Project Coordinator: opendoor@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

Deadline for applications: 9am on 9th January 2023

Candidate discussions: 18th January 2023

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure check and a Security check.

This internship is conditional upon the satisfactory outcome of a Security check via the Disclosure and Barring Service. Whether an outcome is satisfactory will be determined by the University of Cambridge. The assignment-holder will start the assignment as soon as the above checks have been carried out

The University welcomes diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all workers are eligible to live and work in the UK.