IDEAL Internship Grants
The Decorative Arts Trust grant funds paid internships at museums and cultural organizations to foster diversity and inclusion in decorative arts research and programming.
Funder: The Decorative Arts Trust
Due Dates: August 31, 2026 (proposal submission deadline; annual/recurring)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per internship; potential for a second year of funding if impact is demonstrated.
Summary: Supports paid internships at museums and cultural organizations to advance diversity, equity, and access in the decorative arts field.
Description
This grant funds paid internships at museums, historic sites, and cultural organizations that focus on the decorative arts, with a primary goal of fostering inclusivity, diversity, equity, access, and leadership within the museum field. The program is designed to break down barriers for students from disadvantaged and underserved backgrounds, encouraging broader participation and bringing new perspectives to curatorial and museum careers.
Internships supported by this grant should provide object-based research, exhibition, communications, or educational programming experiences, culminating in a defined capstone project. Host institutions are expected to provide professional development, networking, and public outreach opportunities for interns, and must assess and report on the impact of the internship. The Trust also offers a platform for sharing outcomes via its publications and social media.
