Ashvita's - Archive and Documentation Intern

Job Description

Festivals From India is hiring for their client, Ashvita's, who is looking for an Archival & Documentation Intern to support the digitisation, inventorying, and systematic documentation of materials from the Achuthan Archives at the Archival and Conservation Centre. The role focuses on ensuring long-term preservation, accurate metadata creation, and organised digital access to archival materials.

About Ashvita’s:

Established in 2002 by Ashvin E. Rajagopalan, Ashvita’s is a diversified art business specialising in Indian Art and collectables. Headquartered in Chennai, Ashvita’s conducts museum-quality exhibitions and operates ashvitas.com, a premier online auction house. Ashvita’s provides a vast range of art services that include private acquisitions and sales, wealth management, valuation, conservation, archival services, display and art logistics. Ashvita’s works with select individual collectors, corporate collections, and institutions. Ashvita’s has developed cultural programming and events with critics, art historians, and artists, including public talks, film screenings, performances, studio visits and workshops. Our education department is focused on audience engagement across schools and colleges, as well as on publishing in-depth books on Indian Art. Over the last 20 years, Ashvita’s has increased its footprint to provide its services nationally with offices in Chennai, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Ashvita’s works with a global network of art professionals to be able to provide one-stop solutions for art collectors.

Please note:

1. The vetting process for this role comprises 2-3 rounds of interviews and may be followed by a brief assignment.
   
2. Festivals From India is hiring for this role on behalf of our client.
   
3. This is an on-site, full-time internship position based in Chennai.
   
4. Salary band for this role is available upon request.
   

Requirements

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or currently pursuing studies in History, Archaeology, Museology, Archival Studies, Library Science, Conservation, or a related field.
  
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills with the ability to follow structured workflows.
  
• Basic computer proficiency, including MS Office and digital documentation tools.
  

Essential Experience:

• Demonstrated interest in archives, history, conservation, archaeology, museology, or cultural heritage practices.
  
• Exposure to documentation, research, cataloguing, or digitisation work through coursework, projects, internships, or volunteer experience.
  
• Strong attention to detail and an organised approach to handling records, files, and archival materials.
  

Key Personal Attributes & Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and record-keeping.
  
• Organised and methodical approach to managing digital and physical archival materials.
  
• Patience, care, and sensitivity while handling fragile or historical objects and documents.
  
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a research and conservation environment.
  

Key Roles/Responsibilities:

• Follow archival handling and safety protocols strictly.
  
• Assist in scanning and digitisation of approved archival materials.
  
• Support item-level documentation and inventory creation.
  
• Enter accurate metadata and descriptions under supervision.
  
• Maintain clean, well-organised digital folders and file structures.
  
• Apply prescribed file-naming conventions consistently.
  
• Record daily activities and progress in work logs.
  
• Flag damaged, fragile, or sensitive materials to supervisors promptly.
  
• Ensure careful handling and basic care of archival materials during processing.
  

Requirements
Essential Qualifications: MA History of Art or MA Museology, Conservation of Art/Heritage, BFA/MFA, or MSc. In Chemistry from a recognised University Strong communication skills, with written and verbal proficiency in English Knowledge of at least one vernacular Indian language is ideal Competency in using IT systems, particularly Microsoft Excel, Word, and Powerpoint Essential Experience: 3-5 years of experience, ideally with an art gallery, museum or a private art collection Prior experience working with mixed media, managing physical artworks Prior experience working for a structured company Key Personal Attributes & Skills: Creative individual with drive, sincerity and ability to work efficiently and accurately according to instruction Ability to collaborate and work with a team to achieve common goals Highly organised and detail-oriented with good observation skills Values of adaptability and sincerity are critical A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills Conscientious attitude with the ability to handle precious objects with care Good time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure