15 Fine Art Internships for High School Students

If you’re in high school and already thinking about college applications or the kind of career you’d like in the future, an internship is one of the best ways to get started. Internships give you practical experience, help you build useful skills, and let you discover what kind of work might interest you. They also boost your confidence, teach you what it’s like to work in a professional environment, and connect you with mentors who can guide you along the way. 

For students who are into art, design, and anything creative, fine art internships for high school students are a great way to learn from experts in galleries, museums, and art institutions. These programs combine creativity and education, showing you not only how art gets made but also how it’s displayed, preserved, and shared with everyone. We’ve gathered 15 of the best fine art internships for high school students to help you explore your artistic interests while gaining valuable experience. Whether you want to work in a museum, learn from professional artists, or get involved in a cultural organization, these opportunities can help you grow your skills.

1. Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internships

Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer: June – August | Spring: January – June
Application Deadline: Summer: March |  Spring: October
Eligibility: Open to sophomores and juniors from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut

The Met’s internship program gives students an opportunity to experience what it’s really like to work inside one of the world’s leading art museums. As an intern, you will be placed in one of the museum’s 17 departments, ranging from curatorial research and marketing to event planning and digital media. You’ll get to attend workshops, work closely with museum professionals, and see what it takes to handle a giant cultural organization. You’ll also get to build connections with experts and mentors who can guide your artistic or academic goals. With its mix of mentorship, administrative duties, and creative assignments, this is truly one of the most complete Fine Art internships for high school students around.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts – Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort (Spring: January, Summer: May, Fall: September, Winter: November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students

The Ladder Internship Program gives high school students a remote internship experience of working with fast-growing start-ups in industries such as tech, design, marketing, and even fine arts – all from home. You’ll be matched with a start-up that fits your interests to take on projects. What makes this program special is that you’re not just watching; you’re actually helping shape company goals. With its flexible schedule and global reach, the Ladder Internship is a good option for students seeking Fine Art internships that combine creative work with mentorship — no matter where you are. Apply now!

3. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston | Teen Programs

Location: Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: $15.00/hour (paid)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: 12-month duration
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the Boston area

Museum of Fine Arts’ Boston Teen Programs invite high school students to dive into the creative and professional world of one of the nation’s top art museums. You can choose from one of three programs: the STEAM Team, Curatorial Study Hall, or Teen Arts Council. Each track offers a unique experience, from working on exhibitions to engaging with visitors. You’ll get to collaborate with artists, curators, and educators on creative projects, attend special museum events, and build your leadership and teamwork skills. This year-long internship lets you experience the behind-the-scenes world of one of the most respected art museums in the U.S.

4. Art Institute of Chicago | Opportunities for Teens

Location: Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: $16.20/hour (paid)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: September 13 – June 6 (2–12 months)
Application Deadline: June 30
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicagoland area

This internship lets high school students work at one of the most historic art museums in America. As a teen intern, you’ll take part in projects, including planning events, creating art, and collaborating with guest artists and museum staff. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how exhibitions are organized and how the museum connects with the public. For students interested in professional museum work or the business of art, this is one of the most rewarding Fine Art internships for high school students you can apply for.

5. Getty Museum Student Gallery Guides

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Transportation and stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: 8 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Varies (check in spring)
Eligibility: Ages 16–18, Los Angeles area residents

If you’re based in LA, the Getty Museum offers an incredible summer opportunity for high school students in Los Angeles who love art and communication. As a Student Gallery Guide, you’ll interact with visitors, share insights about exhibits, and help foster public appreciation for art. You’ll build public speaking and teamwork skills, and learn how to engage with diverse visitors. For students from Boyle Heights, the Getty Teen Lab offers a similar program with a STEAM-focused art focus, blending creativity, science, and design.

6. Brooklyn Museum | Teen Programs

Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: $16–$17/hour (paid)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: All year round
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Teens aged 14–19

The Brooklyn Museum offers three teen programs to give you a different way to experience art and creativity up close. As a Museum Apprentice, you’ll dive into art interpretation and audience engagement, helping visitors connect with the museum’s collections in new and meaningful ways. Through InterseXtions, you’ll explore gender and identity in art with the use of creative projects and discussions. And if you love event planning, the Teen Night Planning Committee lets you design and host public events for the museum. You’ll also meet professional artists, participate in skill-building workshops, and join a network of young creatives who share your passion for art.

7. Arts for Learning | ArtWorks Summer Internship

Location: Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: $14/hour for Florida residents
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: June 16 – July 25 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: April 16
Eligibility: Florida high school students

This six-week paid internship from Arts for Learning Miami is an opportunity for teens eager to explore their creativity across fields such as visual arts, dance, creative writing, or animation. As an intern, you’ll be paired with professional artist mentors to create meaningful, original work while learning what it’s like to work in the creative industry. Even if you don’t live in Florida, you can still participate remotely and earn community service credit. This internship blends creativity and career skills building beautifully, making it a standout among Fine Art internships for high school students.

8. Studio Institute | Arts Intern College Program

Location: Cleveland, OH & New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Cleveland: $23/hour + $500 final stipend | NYC: $28/hour + $600 final stipend
Dates: Cleveland: June 4 – August 4 | NYC: June 8 – August 7
Application Deadline: Applications open December 15
Eligibility: College juniors or seniors with demonstrated financial need, EFC/SAI between $0 and $10,000, must live in Cleveland or NYC for the full program, and are legally authorized to work in the U.S.

The Arts Intern College Program is a nine-week program that places students inside some of the country’s leading museums and cultural organizations. You’ll work as part of teams in areas such as curatorial research, design, marketing, archives, or community engagement, gaining experience that reflects the work of arts professionals. You’ll commit around 28 hours a week, usually four days on-site and one full day on Fridays, and even receive a completion bonus at the end of the program. 

9. Bronx Museum of the Arts | Teen Programs

Location: Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: Teen Summer: 4 months | Teen Council: Fall (4 months) or Spring (4 months)
Application Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: New York high school students

The Bronx Museum Teen Programs is for students who want to explore how art connects with the community. You can either join the Teen Council or Summer group, both of which offer opportunities to collaborate on creative projects while working alongside museum professionals and fellow young artists. As an intern, you’ll work on exhibitions, film interviews with artists, and explore what makes art powerful. Plus, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who care deeply about culture, creativity, and social impact. 

10. Center for Visual Arts (CVA) | Art + Action Lab Teen Internship

Location: Appleton, WI
Cost/Stipend: $300 stipend each semester
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: September 23 – May 12
Application Deadline: September 14
Eligibility: Grades 9–12

The Art + Action Lab internship is great for creative students who like working with their hands and don’t mind trying new things, giving you a real taste of what it’s like to be an artist or work in an art organization. You’ll go on art-related trips, meet working artists and professionals, and collaborate on small creative projects that let you experiment with different materials and ideas. It’s a laid-back, welcoming environment – you don’t even need a portfolio; just curiosity, creativity, and an open mind. 

11. Seattle Art Museum | Teen Programs

Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Community service credit or stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: October – May (8 months)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Seattle-area high school students

The Seattle Art Museum’s Teen Arts Group is all about giving young people a voice in the art world. As part of this program, you’ll plan museum events, collaborate with artists, and help design public art programs that anyone can enjoy. It’s a creative, social, and leadership-driven experience, where you’ll learn what it takes to bring art to the community.  For those who want to go deeper, programs such as the Teen Art Intensive let you focus on specific skills such as design, drawing, and or painting, guided by museum educators and practicing artists. 

12. New-York Historical Society Museum & Library | Student Historian Internship Program

Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Stipend or school credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 25 students
Dates: October 29–June 24 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: August 24
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10, 11, or 12

This internship is a creative blend of history, art, and storytelling. You’ll research New York City’s history using museum collections and archives, then turn your discoveries into digital projects that share those stories with the public. It’s part creativity, part detective work, giving you the chance to see how historians and artists bring stories to life together. The best part? You work in teams, so it never feels like you’re doing it alone. This internship is perfect for anyone who loves old stories, visuals, and exploring culture from different angles.

13. Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance | Bloomberg Arts Internship

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 20 – August 15
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school seniors

If you’re from Philadelphia and want to combine your love for art with real work experience, the Bloomberg Arts Internship is one of the best opportunities out there.  Over the summer, you’ll be placed at a local cultural or arts organization, where you might work on communications, events planning, or art education. Beyond the internship, you’ll also take part in college prep workshops, public speaking sessions, and networking events that help you build skills useful far beyond the art world. Plus, you’ll meet a ton of professionals who could help shape your next steps. 

14. Whitney Museum of American Art | Youth Insights Artists

Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; Metrocard provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: February – May (4 months)
Application Deadline: August 22
Eligibility: High school students in New York City

The  Whitney Museum Youth Artists Program gives high school students the chance to work directly with artists and explore what it means to create art in a contemporary museum setting. You’ll meet once a week, make your own art, discuss creative ideas, and even help design small exhibitions that bring your creativity to life. Unlike a traditional internship, the program is relaxed and hands-on, making it ideal for students who want to experiment and express themselves in a supportive environment. The museum provides art materials and transportation, so you just need to bring your energy and creativity. 

15. New Bedford Art Museum / ArtWorks | Student Artist Internship Program (SAIP)

Location: New Bedford, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited
Dates: Eight weeks
Application Deadline: TBD
Eligibility: High school seniors

The Student Artist Internship Program at New Bedford Art Museum is designed for high school students who want to focus on their craft. You’ll work one-on-one with professional artists, learning new techniques, creating your own portfolio pieces, and receiving personalized feedback to help you grow as a creator. The environment is calm, supportive, and very hands-on, giving you the space to experiment and focus on your passion. You’ll also help with exhibits and public art events around the museum. At the end of the program, you’ll showcase your work at a student art exhibition.

Image source - Museum of Fine Arts, Boston logo