Christina Olsen Director | University Of Michigan Museum Of Art
Christina Olsen Director | University Of Michigan Museum Of Art
The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) has announced the creation of a new internship program honoring artist and U-M alumnus Matthew Wong. The initiative is made possible by an initial endowment gift of $150,000 from the Matthew Wong Foundation.
The Matthew Wong Foundation Museum Internship will provide paid positions for one or more undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Michigan each year. Participants will receive financial support, mentorship, and practical experience across various museum departments. Applications are currently open, with the first group of interns set to begin in spring and summer 2025.
Christina Olsen, UMMA’s Director, said, “This incredible gift from the Matthew Wong Foundation will create life-changing opportunities for Michigan students while supporting UMMA’s mission to shape the future of the arts and create a more equitable and creative world.”
The internship was established in tribute to Matthew Wong (1984-2019), who graduated from the University of Michigan in 2007. Wong achieved international acclaim for his expressive paintings that explore color, form, alienation, and longing before his death at age 35.
Interns will work alongside UMMA curators Natsu Oyobe and Robin K. Williams to help develop an exhibition featuring Wong’s artwork. The exhibition is scheduled to open at UMMA in January 2026.
Monita Wong, chairperson of the Matthew Wong Foundation, stated, “This new program champions the values Matthew held dear: creativity, education, and opportunity for all. We are thrilled to partner with UMMA to support the arts and U-M students in a way that keeps Matthew’s legacy alive.”
Details about application procedures and deadlines can be found on UMMA’s website at https://umma.umich.edu/internships.
Alerts Sign-up