21 Art Internships for High School Students

Have you ever wanted to work in a museum or assist a professional artist? Do you dream of turning your artistic passion into a career? Even in high school, you can take a giant leap toward that dream with an art internship! Internships offer invaluable experience, helping you develop your skills, explore different artistic paths, and build an impressive portfolio.

In this blog, we have compiled 21 incredible art internships specifically designed for high school students like you. From museum assistantships to artist residencies, there’s an internship out there for you.

Benefits of Art Internships for High School Students

There are several key benefits to doing an art internship as a high school student:

• Gain real-world experience: Art class offers a foundation, but internships let you see how art functions in the professional world. You might assist with exhibitions, create content for social media, or even help artists with their projects. This hands-on experience can be incredibly inspiring and informative.

• Develop new skills: While you’ll hone your artistic skills, internships can also introduce you to valuable professional skills. You might learn about communication, collaboration, project management, or even the business side of the art world. These skills are transferable and can benefit you in any career path.

• Explore career options: Unsure if you want to be a painter, sculptor, or graphic designer? Internships allow you to test the waters in different art fields. This can help you discover your artistic passions and refine your career goals.

• Build a network: Internships connect you with professionals in the art world. These connections can be invaluable when applying to art schools, future jobs, or even seeking mentors who can offer guidance and support throughout your artistic journey.

• Boost your resume: An internship shows initiative and dedication to your artistic pursuits. It can make your application stand out from the crowd, especially when applying to colleges or future art-related jobs.

• Gain confidence: Successfully completing an internship can be a real confidence booster. It shows you that you have the skills and talent to succeed in the art world and that your artistic voice has value.

21 Art Internships for High School Students

1. Yocket High School Summer Internship Program

The Yocket High School Summer Internship in Art is an intensive 4-week virtual program that digs deep into the world of art. It gives you the skills and knowledge to excel in your artistic pursuits. You’ll work on real-world projects, exploring areas like digital illustration, animation, or even 3D design, all guided by expert mentors.

Our program goes beyond technical expertise. Weekly mentorship sessions will provide personalized feedback and career guidance, while practice assessments will help you refine your skills. You’ll graduate with a director-signed certificate and an official letter of recommendation, a powerful addition to your college applications or future portfolios. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a community of 50 passionate students and take the first step toward your artistic future. Spots are limited, and scholarship applications close soon, so apply today!

2. Arts for Learning ArtWorks Summer Internship

Miami high school students passionate about the arts can apply for the ArtWorks Summer Internship program offered by Arts for Learning, a local non-profit. This six-week paid program welcomes students of all experience levels to explore various artistic disciplines like visual arts, dance, creative writing, theater, music production, or animation.

Interns work alongside professional mentors for 180 hours and hone their skills while creating art. Florida residents receive an hourly wage of $12, while non-residents can earn valuable community service hours.

3. Asian Art Museum Art Speak Internship

The Asian Art Museum offers a paid internship program called Art Speak. This 10-month opportunity runs from August to May. It is open to Bay Area high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

As an Art Speak intern, you’ll gain experience by working 6–8 hours weekly throughout the school year. You’ll also work on the intersection of Asian art and activism, develop and lead engaging art activities for museum visitors, and participate in workshops led by local artists.

4. Bloomberg Arts Internship Programs, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, with the help of Bloomberg Philanthropies, runs two internship programs designed for high school seniors in the area.

• The first program is the eight-week intensive Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) that takes place during the summer (June to August) and provides students with paid positions at local arts and cultural organizations.

• The second program is the Bloomberg Arts Internship-School Year (BAISY) program, which offers paid internships throughout the school year (October to May) for up to eight hours per week. In addition to gaining work experience at cultural organizations, BAISY interns participate in workshops that focus on developing essential skills for college and future careers, such as public speaking, self-advocacy, and post-secondary readiness.

5. Brooklyn Interns for Arts and Culture

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is one of the nation’s most historic performing arts institutions. Their year-long paid program starts with intensive workshops in July to prepare students for internships within BAM’s Education Department, which run from October through the following June.

Throughout the year, participants get artistic training, college application guidance, and professional development opportunities. They’ll network with industry professionals, develop a guide for their future education, and even receive fee waivers for college applications.

6. Getty Museum’s Teen Gallery Guides

The Getty Museum’s Teen Gallery Guides program is a paid internship opportunity for 16–18-year-olds residing in LA. Over roughly seven weeks, interns will gain valuable experience working with the Getty’s vast collection and leading engaging tours for museum visitors of all ages.

This program hones public speaking and group facilitation skills while providing a stipend and covering transportation to and from the Getty. Additionally, students in Boyle Heights can explore the Getty Teen Lab, an eight-week STEAM-focused internship with a similar stipend and transportation support (application deadlines for the Teen Lab program are typically in the spring).

7. High School Internship, The Montclair Art Museum

The Montclair Art Museum offers an internship program running throughout the academic year. This is your chance to study museums and explore various art-related careers. From content creation and event planning to lesson design, you’ll gain firsthand experience working alongside artists and museum professionals. Not only will you get paid $13 per hour, but you’ll also receive invaluable real-world knowledge about the day-to-day operations of a museum.

8. Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internships

The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers internship opportunities for high school sophomores and juniors interested in art history, research, and museum administration. There are two programs: a summer program running from July to August and a school-year program running from February to June. Both require a 40-hour commitment and culminate in a stipend.

Interns from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut (summer only) are eligible and will be placed in one of 17 departments. The program offers a chance to gain hands-on experience through tasks like event planning while also attending career workshops that provide insights into the world of museums. Applications are typically due in October for the school-year program and in April for the summer program.

9. Museum of Contemporary Art, Teen Creative Agency

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is a world-renowned institution dedicated to contemporary art. It offers an exciting year-long program: The Teen Creative Agency (TCA). The TCA kicks off with a two-week summer intensive, followed by weekly meetings throughout the school year.

As a TCA member, you’ll collaborate on projects, plan events, participate in workshops with artists and museum staff, and explore Chicago’s cultural scene through visits to various sites.

10. Opportunities for Teens, Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago offers paid internship opportunities year-round for teens in the Chicagoland area. This is an opportunity for teens with a passion for art to gain experience in a prestigious museum setting. The internships last anywhere from 2 to 12 months, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so there’s no need to wait for a specific deadline.

With four programs to choose from, you can find a perfect fit for your interests, whether you’d like to be involved in event planning, creating art, or interacting with visiting artists.

11. Richard Louie Memorial Internship, National Museum of Asian Art

The Smithsonian Institution’s Freer and Sackler Galleries, also known as the National Museum of Asian Art, offers the Richard Louie Memorial Internship for high school students. This year-long program allows students to learn about Asian art museums through an independent project mentored by a museum staff member.

Students with a strong interest in Asian art and culture, or fluency in an Asian language, are given application preference. Application deadlines vary by season: Spring (October 15), Summer (March 15), and Fall (August 15). Upon successful completion, interns receive a $1,500 stipend.

12. Saturday Workshops, The One Club for Creativity

The One Club for Creativity, in partnership with the New York City Department of Education, offers free Saturday workshops for high school sophomores and juniors interested in pursuing a future in the visual arts. These workshops are not your typical internship, but they provide similar advantages.

Students will gain exposure to the professional world by meeting and learning from successful artists and designers. The workshops also include hands-on projects to help build a strong portfolio. It is a crucial component for college applications and future job prospects.

13. Student Historian Internship Program, New York Historical Society Museum and Library

The New York Historical Society offers an internship program called “Student Historian” to high school students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who reside in the metropolitan area. This prestigious program lasts for six weeks during the summer (October through June) and allows 25 selected students to work on historical research throughout the city.

Interns will use their findings to create digital projects. To encourage participation, the program provides a stipend to students who qualify for a free or reduced lunch or attend a Title I school. All other participants can earn community service hours or receive school credit for their involvement.

14. Teen Artist Internship Program (TAIP), New Bedford Art Museum /ArtWorks

The New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks Teen Artist Internship Program (TAIP) is a competitive, free program that pairs Massachusetts high school juniors and seniors with professional artist mentors. Over nine weeks, these mentors guide students in the technical and professional aspects of creating and exhibiting art.

This experience includes studio visits and introductions to the local art community. It culminates in a joint exhibition showing the work of both students and their mentors.

15. Teen Programs, Bronx Museum of the Arts

The Bronx Museum of Arts offers two paid internship programs for high school students in New York City. Both programs are four-month commitments but with different focuses.

• Teen Summer is a four-week intensive program where teens work together to explore the Bronx and New York City’s art and culture. The program culminates in the creation of art and media projects inspired by their discoveries.

• The Teen Council is an eight-month program during the school year. Here, teens dig deeper into the museum world by curating an exhibition, interviewing artists, and collaborating on video projects.

16. Teen Programs, Brooklyn Museum

The Brooklyn Museum offers three paid internship programs for local teenagers aged 14–19. These programs offer an opportunity to gain valuable skills through hands-on projects that directly engage museum visitors and the local community. Interns will have the chance to meet and learn from artists and museum professionals throughout the eight-week program duration.

The Museum Apprentice Program runs from December to August, InterseXtions: Gender and Sexuality from November to June, and the Teen Night Planning Committee from November to May. All interns receive a competitive hourly wage that increases in the second year, along with Metrocards to help with commuting costs.

17. Teen Programs, Dallas Museum of Art

The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is a leading art institution that offers two exciting programs for you to get involved with art.

• The Teen Advisory Council is a year-long program where you’ll collaborate with museum staff to develop engaging experiences for fellow teens, like planning events and programs. This council membership comes with a stipend, free parking, free access to special exhibits, and discounts at the museum store and cafe.

• If you’re passionate about art education, consider the Teen Ambassador Program, a summer opportunity where you’ll lead gallery tours and art activities for younger students. This program allows you to share your knowledge and passion for art in a fun and interactive way.

18. Teen Programs, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, offers a variety of exciting paid internship programs for passionate teens in the Boston area. These programs are open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with some opportunities specifically designated for Boston Public School students. Internships last for 12 months and offer a chance to go through the world of art museums through hands-on projects and special experiences.

Students can choose from programs that focus on leadership development (Teen Arts Council), exploring art and museum careers through a STEAM lens (STEAM Team), or gaining a deeper understanding of exhibition creation (Curatorial Study Hall). All programs come with the benefit of working alongside professionals, learning valuable skills, and getting paid $14.25 per hour.

19. Teen Programs, Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) offers a variety of programs for teens interested in art and event planning. During the school year (October to May), high school students can participate in the Teen Arts Group (TAG).

In TAG, teens will collaborate with museum staff on exciting projects like selecting artists, organizing gallery talks, and helping to coordinate community programs. This is a great opportunity to earn community service credit or a stipend for their work.

SAM also provides other programs for teens, such as Teen Art Intensive and Design Your Neighborhood, which are multi-session workshops focused on developing art-making techniques and exploring public design.

20. Work of Art, Inner-City Arts

Designed for Los Angeles sophomores and juniors with an artistic bent, Work of Art is a program from Inner-City Arts. It provides students with the tools they need to transition smoothly from high school. Through engaging events and activities, participants explore career paths within the vast and dynamic creative economy while simultaneously gaining valuable college-ready skills and experience.

21. Youth Insights Artists, Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney Museum of American Art offers an opportunity for high school students in NYC called Youth Insights Artists. This free, four-month program pairs students with contemporary artists for after-school sessions (once a week) focused on collaboration, critical art discussions, and creative thinking.

Participants even receive a Metrocard to ensure convenient travel to and from the program. With all materials and art supplies provided, Youth Insights Artists fosters a dynamic environment for young minds to develop their artistic skills and gain valuable insights from professional artists.

From the Desk of Yocket

Art internships offer an opportunity to step outside the classroom and explore the professional art world in a hands-on way. Interns can gain skills that go beyond artistic technique. For example, you might learn about art curation, exhibition design, or arts administration. These experiences can be particularly helpful for students who are unsure about what path to take within the vast field of art.

Internships also provide a platform for students to build their professional network. Working alongside established artists, educators, or curators can open doors to future opportunities and provide valuable mentors who can offer guidance and support. The connections made during an internship can be a real asset when applying to art schools or future jobs.

Perhaps the most important benefit of an art internship is the chance to see the real-world application of artistic skills. You get to witness firsthand how art functions in a professional setting, whether it’s in a museum, gallery, or artist’s studio. This exposure can be inspiring and help you develop a deeper understanding of their artistic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are art internships paid?

Some art internships are paid, while others are unpaid. This will be listed in the internship description. Even unpaid internships can be valuable for gaining experience and making connections.

What should I write in my cover letter?

In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in the art internship and the organization. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences and what you hope to learn from the internship.

What will I learn from an art internship?

Art internships can help you develop a variety of skills, including technical art skills, art history knowledge, professional communication skills, project management skills, and critical thinking skills.

What kind of work will I do in an art internship?

This will vary depending on the organization, but it could include assisting artists or curators with their work, helping with art education programs, working on marketing or social media for the organization, and creating art for the organization (depending on the internship).

What kind of art internships are available for high school students?

There are internships at a variety of art-related organizations, including museums and galleries, art schools and universities, art nonprofits and community arts organizations, studios of professional artists (depending on the artist), and arts administration offices.