NORTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS ARTS ASSOCIATION
2015 Art-A-Whirl Silent Auction Coordinator - Internship
Description:
Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) is currently seeking candidates interested in
the Art-A-Whirl Silent Auction Coordinator Internship. The Intern will assist with coordination
efforts for NEMAA’s Art-A-Whirl silent auction and preview party. Art-A-Whirl®, presented by
NEMAA, is the largest open studio tour in the country. It will take place the third weekend in
May throughout Northeast Minneapolis. The silent auction runs during May’s First Thursday and
Art-A-Whirl in the Northrup King Building, and is an important fundraiser for Art-A-Whirl and
NEMAA, involving the artwork of over 130 NEMAA artists as well as donated items from local
businesses. The preview party will take place May 2, and is an opportunity for members,
sponsors, and other guests to preview the silent auction and serves as a celebratory kick off to
Art-A-Whirl.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
 Work with Executive Director and assist with Art-A-Whirl silent auction and Preview
Party – including set up, tear down, coordinating with vendors, invitations, mailings, etc.
 Work with Installation Intern, and assist with installation of artwork – including artwork
check in and drop off, hanging, lighting, and labeling of about 120-150 pieces of artwork.
 Acquire and organize business silent auction items.
 Create and update information for business item silent auction bid sheets and other
forms as needed. Prepare mailings, and other administrative duties as needed.
 Work with Art-A-Whirl Volunteer Coordinator to ensure volunteer shifts are filled.
 Manage volunteers in the silent auction room during Preview Party, First Thursday, and
Art-A-Whirl weekend. Check in and lead volunteers during open hours, especially at the
beginning and end of shifts, and fill shifts in as necessary.
 Assist with printed Artist Directory & Guide distribution efforts.
Qualifications:
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Must be available to assist during the following dates:
o Artwork drop off: Saturday, April 25
o Artwork installation: April 27 – May 1
o Preview Party: Saturday, May 2
o First Thursdays: Thursday, May 7
o Art-A-Whirl weekend: May 15 – 17
o Artwork pick up and exhibit tear down: May 17 – 18
o Schedule within week and weekends flexible and TBD.
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Ability to meet and work at least once a week leading up to Art-A-Whirl at the NEMAA
office in Northeast Minneapolis (during regular office hours, Monday - Friday).
Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Reliable transportation to assist with duties mentioned above.
Detail-oriented and self-motivated individual who is successful in completing projects by
the deadline.
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This position involves lifting – candidate must be able to lift at least 20 pounds.
Access to internet, email, and computer with Microsoft Office (word and excel).
Microsoft Office experience required.
Experience in working or volunteering for an event preferred.
Experience managing volunteers preferred.
Experience with artwork installation preferred.
Education Requirement:
 High School diploma required
 A major or focus (in progress or attained) in a relevant field, including Arts
Administration, Nonprofit Management, or Studio Arts is preferred.
Benefits:
 Stipend of $250 offered after successful completion of internship.
 Opportunity to connect and network with a variety of artists, arts administrators, and
community members
 Develop your skills in coordinating and supporting a large event and fundraiser
 School credit available – inform us if interested
 Letter of recommendation after successful completion of internship
 Flexible schedule and hours available
Start Date: March 2015.
Hours per week: Varies, approximately 5-20. Hours start off at 5-10 per week for a couple of
weeks, but will increase in May to about 20.
Duration: 3 months required – beginning in March through the end of May, 2015.
To Apply: Email resume and cover letter (attach both either as .doc or .pdf attachments, please
do not embed cover letter or resume in body of email) attention: NEMAA Executive Director
Alejandra Pelinka at [email protected]. Please include intern job title in the subject.
Deadline to apply: Position open until filled. Position to start immediately.
About NEMAA
The Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization
that works to build a more vibrant, diverse and economically healthy community through the
arts. Our vision is to support a community where artists can live, work, and showcase their art.
And our mission is to promote connections between individuals, businesses and artists for the
collective benefit of our community.
Founded by a small collective of artists in 1995, today NEMAA has more than 700 members, and
is proud to sponsor Art-A-Whirl - the largest annual open artist studio tour in the U.S.