Now in its 18th year, the LA County Arts Internship Program will provide 179 university and community college students with paid on-the-job experience at over 100 arts organizations across LA County this summer. Approved as one of the five initial recommendations from the Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative that were funded by the Board of Supervisors in 2017, the expansion both increases the total number of internships available through the program and for the first time in its history specifically reserves at least 28 positions for community college students with the goal of increasing access to opportunity in the arts.
It is one in a series of steps that were put into motion by a Board resolution in November 2015 that stated, “It is our responsibility [as a County] to ensure that all the benefits of, and opportunities provided by the arts are available and accessible to all residents, no matter who they are or where they live.”
Over the course of these 10-week paid internships beginning between June 4 – June 18 students will be given the opportunity to build their professional skills and connections at nonprofit performing, presenting, literary and municipal arts organizations located throughout LA County.
“Work force development opportunities like the Arts Internship Program fill a unique role in expanding career pathways into the arts and creative sector,” said LA County Arts Commission Executive Director Kristin Sakoda. “They not only help students get a foot in the door with paid internships that level the playing field and make it more accessible for all, but they also allow us to assist cultural organizations in LA County develop future arts leaders.”
Past participants in the LA County Arts Internship program have explored the professional side of finance, programming, marketing, arts education, literary management and more at some of the largest and most influential arts organizations in the County. In addition to the on-the-job experience they acquire as Arts Interns, participants also take part in educational and arts networking activities generously funded by the Getty Foundation. The Getty Foundation also supports internships at the LA County museums and visual arts organizations through its Arts Commission Program, a companion program to the Arts Commission Program.
Applications for the program are now open. Any current undergraduate students, as well as any students graduating between May 1 – September 1 are eligible to apply. All applicants must have completed at least one semester of college by June 2018 and/or be currently enrolled in a community college or four-year university. Applicants must also be residents of or attending schools that are located in Los Angeles County, and they cannot be previous participants of the Program. Eligible students of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Students who wish to apply may do so by identifying the opportunity they are interested in at lacountyarts.org/internships, and applying directly to the organization offering the internship. These positions are highly competitive and must be filled by May 18, 2018, so students are encouraged to apply early.
The Los Angeles County Arts Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County. The Commission provides leadership in cultural services for the County, encompassing 88 municipalities, including funding and job opportunities, professional development and general resources. For more information, visit lacountyarts.org
