Supvr. Ridley-Thomas Helps Launch Summer Arts Internship Program

Supvr. Ridley-Thomas Helps Launch Summer Arts Internship Program

75 College Students to participate

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas welcomed 75 excited interns who will begin paid internships at arts programs and organizations throughout the County this summer, thanks to the Board of Supervisors who averted suspension of the County's Arts Internship program by allocating $250,000 to fund the program.

The program was slated to be suspended because of the County's budget problems. But at Supervisor Ridley-Thomas' request, the Board agreed to use money from the County's Provisional Financing Uses fund to continue the program.

"This is not about fluff; this is about job creation, economic development, and education for our youth. It's about practical skill building and real life job experience for these interns as well as sustainability for the hosting arts organizations," the Supervisor told those in attendance at the intern orientation breakfast at Culver City City Hall.

The Supervisor added that the program "provides non-profits and community-based arts organizations with an infusion of new energy and creative ideas, as well as much-needed human resources."

The Arts Internship program provides 75 internships - 45 fewer than last year - for college students chosen to participate. In the program's 10 year history, the County has supported 1,292 paid interns, including 125 who participated in 2009.

Students in the program, the County's only external internship program, will be paid $3,500 for 10 weeks of employment.

While some of the arts organizations that participate in the program include large organizations, many are smaller organizations that provide direct services and culturally appropriate programs.

 "By funding this program, the Board has planted the seed of economic development for these organizations and the community in which they operate and serve," the Supervisor said.

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