We are seeking expressions of interest from organisations interested in hosting an intern specialising in Modern Materials Conservation. This exciting opportunity has been made possible through the generous support of a partnership of seven heritage sector funders: The Anna Plowden Trust, The Idlewild Trust, The Julia Rausing Trust, The National Manuscripts Conservation Trust, The Pilgrim Trust, The Radcliffe Trust, and The Swire Charitable Trust.
This placement will explore the unique conservation challenges posed by new and emerging materials increasingly found in museum collections and heritage contexts. Modern materials include plastics, pigments, binders, coatings, fabrics, and objects incorporating electronic or digital components, as well as those used in contemporary artworks and time-based media such as film, video, and digital installations.
Hosts are invited to define the specific material types their placement will focus on and may offer opportunities across a range of conservation practice areas.
Placement Requirements
- Host organisations must have access to in-house expertise to support the placement and enable the intern to develop their knowledge and skills in the conservation modern materials.
- Opportunities may be designed for early-career or mid-career professionals seeking to further develop their conservation skills.
- Host organisations must be based in the UK.
- Placements may be 3, 6, or 12 months in duration, depending on the projects available and the host’s capacity. Twelve-month placements are preferred.
- Public and private sector organisations are welcome to apply, provided they have appropriate insurance and robust health and safety measures in place.
Funding and Management Options
This fully funded programme provides £25,000 to support the delivery of each internship. How these funds are allocated will depend on the management route chosen by the host organisation.
Please note that funding is based on a 12-month placement; funding for shorter placements will be pro-rated accordingly.
There are two options:
Icon Managed
All funds will be paid directly to Icon. The internship will be delivered as part of the Icon Internship Programme, which offers a structured placement giving emerging professionals an invaluable opportunity to develop their careers, engage with professional networks, and gain hands-on experience under the guidance of highly experienced conservation professionals.
Key elements of the programme include:
- The intern receives a tax-free stipend of £20,000 (equivalent to a salary of £24,000), paid and managed by Icon.
- A dedicated Intern Advisor supports the intern through a structured programme aligned with the Icon Professional Standards, guiding them in their continuing professional development.
- Ongoing support is provided to the supervisor and host organisation throughout the placement.
Hosts may also choose for Icon to manage the recruitment process for an additional fee of £1,000 + VAT.
Self-Managed
The full £25,000 will be paid directly to the host organisation, which will be solely responsible for managing and delivering the internship.
This funding must cover:
- £20,000 allocated to the intern’s bursary (offered on a tax-free basis where possible).
- £5,000 allocated for enrichment opportunities for the intern – for example, attendance at conferences, training, or professional networking events.
How to Apply
To apply for funding, hosts should complete the Host Application Form and submit it to [email protected] by Monday 2 March 2026 and 10am.
Collaborative Internships Host Application Form
Attend Our Drop-In Session
We will be holding a drop-in session on Friday 13 February 2026, 11AM-12PM GMT. This is designed to help organisations understand what hosting involves, including expectations, the level of support available from Icon, the types of projects that are suitable, and how to submit an expression of interest. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss how the internship could align with their organisation’s work and capacity.