12 Art Internships for College Students
If you’re a college student pursuing, or keen on pursuing, any form of the arts—visual, performing, literary, or media-based—internships can offer exposure to the professional landscape. Whether you’re studying studio art, theatre, film, creative writing, arts education, or arts administration, internships provide experience that’s often hard to replicate in a classroom setting.
During an art internship, you might assist with exhibition planning at a gallery, support programming at a community arts organization, help run a theater production, or work behind the scenes at a film festival. These roles give you a closer look at how arts institutions operate day to day, while also strengthening your project management, communication, and collaboration skills.
For those considering a career in the arts or related fields, internships are a useful way to build your resume, make industry connections, and gain insight into possible career paths. To help you get started, we’ve curated this list of the top 12 art internships for college students that you can apply to! Let’s dive in.
1. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Internships
Location: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City, New York. Some hybrid and remote options are also offered
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend - $6,160 (Summer internship) | $42,000 (12-Month internship)
Application Deadline: March (Summer internship) | June (12-Month internship) |
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer | September - August (12-Month internship)
Eligibility: College students and recent graduates. Further eligibility criteria will vary with the internship role. Make sure you check the eligibility requirements before you apply!
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) offers a range of paid internships for college students and recent graduates seeking experience in museum work. Through seasonal and year-long programs, interns gain insight into the operations of a leading institution in modern and contemporary art. The Summer Internship is open to rising college juniors and above, offering department-specific placements, exposure to museum practices, and training through lectures and projects. The 12-Month Internship, for recent graduates, includes focused work in areas like curatorial research, archives, or collections, as well as stipends for research travel and a year-round seminar series. You can find all open MoMA internship opportunities here!
2. The Met Summer Internships for Undergraduates and Graduate Students
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid $24 per hour. Full-time interns also receive $1,500 toward housing/travel
Application Deadline: January 15
Dates: June 2 - August 8; hours may vary based on the internship role
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students (with authorization to work in the U.S.) across the world can apply!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Summer Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students a paid, ten-week opportunity to work behind the scenes at one of the world’s leading art institutions. Interns are placed in departments across the Museum, from curatorial and conservation to digital media, education, scientific research, and more, based on their interests and backgrounds. A smaller group of interns is also hosted at The Met Cloisters, with a focus on medieval art and visitor engagement. The program combines practical work experience with professional development. You will contribute to department-specific projects, receive mentorship from Met staff, and attend weekly seminars that explore how different museum departments collaborate. Early in the program, participants undergo intensive training in public speaking and teaching, and by the end, many take part in planning and leading public programs. Internships are full-time, and financial support is available, including housing assistance for those who qualify.
The Met offers Fall and Spring internships, too! Take a look.
3. Ladder University Internship Program – Media, Design, Marketing Tracks
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year, vary with the cohort
Dates: Multiple 8-12 week cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Eligibility:Open to all high school students who can work 10–20 hours per week, for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective virtual internship program that pairs college students with startups and nonprofits around the world. Founded by Harvard alumni, the program offers internship tracks in design, media, marketing, UI/UX, content strategy, and creative direction, making it especially valuable for students interested in the intersection of art, storytelling, and digital communication. Apart from these, the program also offers tracks in business, AI, tech, health tech, sustainability, and so on. Interns are matched with startups based on interest and skill, and work on projects with impact, such as brand identity development, campaign design, digital media production, or user experience research. You will be mentored by both a manager and a Ladder Coach, who provide professional guidance throughout the internship.
4. The New York Times (NYT) Internships
Location: Hybrid, with the in-person component at the NYT office in New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: Students will be paid, but information on the exact amount is not available
Application Deadline: October-end
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer. Exact dates to be announced
Eligibility: All college students can apply. Recent graduates can apply, too!
The New York Times Internship Program offers a 10-week, paid opportunity for students and recent graduates to work at the Times’ headquarters in New York City. Interns join teams across Technology, Advertising, Marketing, Product & Design, and Data, contributing to projects that shape how readers engage with news and storytelling. The program includes professional development sessions, close collaboration with experienced staff, and exposure to the inner workings of one of the world’s most respected media organizations. Most internships are hybrid, based out of the New York office, with select roles available remotely. Applicants from traditional degree programs, bootcamps, associate programs, and recent grads are welcome.
If you’re looking to explore journalism in depth, check out the year-long newsroom fellowship program.
5. Internships at the National Geographic Society
Location: Different locations across the U.S., and will vary with the internship role. Most internships will be remote, with one week in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 2 - August 8 (10 weeks)
Eligibility: Students enrolled at an accredited college or university, who are rising sophomores or above, can apply. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.
The National Geographic Society offers paid summer internships for undergraduate and graduate students interested in storytelling, science, education, and conservation. Interns gain experience working on projects across departments, ranging from media and editorial to education and community outreach, while contributing to the organization’s mission. In addition to project-based work, you will engage in professional development activities, attend events featuring National Geographic staff and Explorers, and receive mentorship throughout the program. You may be assigned to a single major project or support multiple smaller initiatives, depending on the role. This opportunity is ideal for college students interested in the intersection of art, communication, and science, particularly those drawn to fields like documentary storytelling, photography, visual design, or educational content creation.
You can check current internship opportunities here.
6. Marvel Comics Internships
Location: Los Angeles, California | New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: All internship positions are paid; the exact amount varies
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year; varies with the internship role
Dates: Internships are offered year-round
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an accredited college or university, who are taking at least one class, are eligible to work in the U.S., and are at least 18 years old, can apply
Marvel Entertainment offers paid internships for college students at its New York City and Los Angeles offices. Internships are available year-round, during fall, spring, and summer, and span a variety of departments beyond just comics and film, including design, marketing, editorial, production, and more. Open to currently enrolled college students, the program provides experience in the entertainment industry with one of the most iconic brands in pop culture. Interns must provide their own housing and transportation and commit to a consistent work schedule throughout the internship period. Students are encouraged to apply to multiple roles that match their skills.
You can check current internship opportunities here.
7. Guggenheim New York Internships
Location: Guggenheim Museum, New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Some internships may be paid ($18/hour in summer and $16–18/hour during the academic year), some may offer academic credit
Application Deadline: January 31 (summer internship) | The deadline for the academic year internships varies
Dates: 10-12 week-long internships are offered year-round, including summer, fall, winter, and spring. Based on the term, the internship may be full-time or part-time
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students can apply
The Guggenheim Museum offers a robust internship program for undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in the arts and museum fields. You will be placed across a variety of departments, including Curatorial, Conservation, Digital Media, Education, Marketing, and Development, based on your interests and qualifications, working directly on projects aligned with the museum’s programming needs. You will benefit from structured professional development that includes weekly “Museum Culture Seminars” featuring guest speakers, portfolio and writing workshops, and networking with arts professionals. These sessions support career exploration and skill-building across museum roles. In addition to contributions to projects in areas like exhibitions, programming, digital media, and archives, you will gain access to exclusive museum events and additional networking opportunities throughout their term.
8. Summer Internships at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Location: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students receive a $6,000 stipend
Application Deadline: February 10
Dates: June 9 - August 15 (10 weeks)
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at the time of application and eligible to work in the U.S.
The Peter A. Krueger Summer Internship Program at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to explore museum work through the lens of historic and contemporary design. You will spend the summer working closely with museum professionals on departmental projects while participating in workshops, public programs, and professional development sessions. The program is designed to deepen your understanding of how design informs museum practices and public engagement. You will be placed into one of four tracks based on your interests and experience. The Digital Media internship focuses on creating accessible visual content across platforms. The Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design internship involves research, cataloging, and exhibition planning with one of the world’s leading works-on-paper collections.
9. Brooklyn Museum Internships
Location: Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York
Cost/Stipend: Interns are paid $17 per hour. They also receive free admission to most NYC museums and enjoy employee discounts at the Brooklyn Museum Café and Shop
Application Deadline: March-end
Dates: June 9 - August 22 (Summer). Dates for the academic year internships vary.
Summer internships are full-time, and internships during the academic year are part-time
Eligibility: Undergraduates, graduate students, recent graduates, and adults aged 21+ who aren’t enrolled in higher education can apply
The Brooklyn Museum’s Adult Paid Internship Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to explore museum careers through a combination of experience and critical engagement. You will be placed within departments such as Curatorial, Conservation, or Development, where you will contribute to projects while receiving mentorship from staff members. These placements are designed to build workplace skills and support your professional development. In addition to departmental work, you will participate in weekly seminars that explore the role of museums in contemporary society. Through discussions with museum professionals and guest experts, as well as visits to cultural institutions, you will engage in conversations about museums’ histories, challenges, and futures. This holistic structure encourages both skill-building and reflective thinking, helping you develop a clearer vision of your place in the arts and culture field.
10. Internships at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $500 (Summer Internship) | $1,250-20,000 (Advanced-Level Program)
Application Deadline: February 15 (Summer Internship) | June 15 (Advanced-Level Program)
Dates: 8 weeks full-time starting in June (Summer Internship) | Fall and Spring semesters part-time (Advanced-Level Program)
Eligibility: Summer Internship: College juniors, seniors, and recent graduates with limited museum experience can apply; Advanced-Level Program: Graduate students, exceptional college seniors, and recent graduates with prior experience in museums or art institutions, can apply
The Smithsonian American Art Museum offers two internship programs for undergraduates and graduates interested in museum careers and the field of art.
Summer internship: You will work full-time for 8 weeks, are assigned to a single department, aligning with your interests or career goals, and receive stipends to help cover living costs.
Advanced-Level Program: You will work 20 hours per week (or full-time in select positions) and rotate through departments to gain a comprehensive understanding of museum operations. You will receive a stipend and benefit from mentoring, professional development workshops, and lectures from leading art scholars.
Both programs pair interns with museum staff mentors, and participants attend events designed to build professional networks and foster deeper engagement with American art and museum practice. Interns from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and academic enrollment is not required.
11. UPenn’s Summer Humanities Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In-person or hybrid
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students receive a $5,500 stipend
Application Deadline: February-end
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer. Exact dates are not specified
Eligibility: Current, regularly enrolled students at UPenn’s College of Arts and Sciences, who have a GPA of 3.0 or greater, and are members in good standing of the University of Pennsylvania community, can apply. Graduating seniors are not eligible
The Summer Humanities Internship Program (SHIP) at the University of Pennsylvania offers approximately 25 full-time, 10-week internships for undergraduates pursuing research and professional experience in the humanities and social sciences. You will be placed in a cultural, historical, or archival institution and receive a stipend. These internships are conducted either in person or in a hybrid format. Internship opportunities span a diverse range of arts, media, and cultural institutions in and around Philadelphia. Past placements have included art galleries, museums, opera houses, radio stations, film projects, contemporary art institutes, and more. These roles cover areas such as archival research, arts programming, publishing, music education, video production, and curatorial support. You are expected to devote your full attention to the internship and should not enroll in summer courses or undertake other work unless discussed and approved by their SHIP supervisor.
Take a look at the available internship opportunities across different departments!
12. Stanford University’s Stanford Internship Program in the Arts (SIPA)
Location: Varies with the internship
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend!
Application Deadline: February (Pre-arranged internships) | March (Self-designed internships)
Dates: June/July - August/September (10 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to current Stanford undergraduate students (freshmen, sophomores, and juniors) from all academic disciplines. Priority will be given to students who have not previously participated in SIPA or the Lyric McHenry Community Arts Fellowship. Co-terms and graduating seniors are not eligible for either track
The Stanford Internship Program in the Arts (SIPA) offers college students the opportunity to explore career pathways in the arts through funded internships. Designed for Stanford students, the program supports 10-week internships focused on arts administration, programming, curation, and production. SIPA is open to students pursuing both structured and self-directed placements, providing exposure to the workings of arts institutions and creative professionals. There are two tracks: pre-arranged internships with Stanford arts organizations (such as Stanford Live, Frost Amphitheater, Cantor Arts Center, or the Anderson Collection), and self-designed internships with off-campus arts organizations. Both options offer funding to support basic living expenses during the internship period. Students participating in the off-campus track are responsible for securing their own placement and housing. Whether working with faculty artists on campus or engaging with arts institutions elsewhere, SIPA encourages students to build meaningful experience in the arts sector.
Bonus! Here are a few more programs you can consider: