Student Trips
The Harnett Museum of Art organizes student art acquisition trips on an annual basis. These trips vary in duration and destination, but the objective stays the same: students get a deep-dive experience of the art world and vote to acquire an artwork for their university’s art collection. Check back here for details on this year’s trip. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact us.
Join the Harnett Museum of Art and the Office of the Provost for a deep dive into the visual art world in New York City from March 9 to March 13, 2026.
This travel program introduces students to a wide spectrum of careers in the visual arts while offering valuable alumni networking opportunities. The trip includes visits to museums, galleries, auction houses, and an artist’s studio. Meetings with professionals shed light on specific careers such as curator, educator, exhibition manager, gallery owner, head of sales, studio manager, director of development, or museum leader. It gives students an insider’s perspective on professional pathways in cultural institutions and the creative industries.
As part of the experience, students view, discuss, and vote on a work of art from a group of pre-selected pieces available from commercial galleries. They write acquisition proposals and present them on the final day of the trip. After a final student vote, the winning work of art will be requested for purchase by the Harnett Museum of Art. This hands-on experience in art collecting also ensures that students have a legacy at UR’s art museum.
Open to UR students (from any school/major) with demonstrable interest in the visual arts (study or practice) and in career development within the art world.
Applications must be submitted by Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to apply for this trip students must:
- be actively enrolled undergraduates at the University of Richmond (from any major/minor)
- state an interest in the visual arts and in exploring careers in museums, artistic practice, arts management, galleries, auction houses, or a related field (max 500 words)
- be available for all the dates listed in this call
- preference will be given to advanced undergraduates with a minimum of one university-level course in Art History, Visual and Media Arts Practice, or Arts Management
- students selected will be required to attend all planned portions of the trip, including one mandatory meeting prior to the trip
- students must provide one faculty recommendation with their application
How to Apply: Use this link to apply.
Logistics/Expenses:
University of Richmond Museums, with generous support from the Office of the Provost, will cover all travel and lodging costs related to this trip. Breakfast, lunch, and two dinners will also be provided free of charge. Students are responsible for all other food, beverages, and personal items while traveling or staying in NYC. Students must travel together with UR Museum staff to NYC from Richmond and the return trip. Students must stay as a group in the hotel reserved by the University for the entire range of dates specified for the trip.
For more information:
Contact Heather Campbell at hcampbel@richmond.edu
Application period begins:
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Applications must be submitted no later than:
Sunday, November 2, 2025, midnight
Notifications will go out to students no later than:
December 9, 2025
Students must confirm participation by signing a policy agreement: December 15, 2025
Internships
Before the start of each fall semester, typically in August, the Museums posts up to ten internships for UR students in different areas of museum work. Opportunities vary according to the museum’s priorities and students’ areas of interest and experience.
UR Student Internships for 2025-26
Visit the student employment website for information about internships available this academic year, and then submit your application and cover letter.
Student Employment
The University Museums offer employment opportunities for around thirty students per academic year as gallery attendants. Gallery attendants greet and guide visitors to our special exhibitions at the Harnett Museum of Art and the natural science displays in the Lora Robins Gallery in Boatwright Memorial Library. Students receive training in how to orient visitors and deliver interpretive tours. They also assist with special events. Students work in rotating 2-hour shifts, allowing them to learn about and guide visitors in all exhibitions on view. Students can apply for this opportunity by emailing Kayla Solsbak (kayla.solsbak@richmond.edu) for more information.