Internship Opportunities
“I wanted to say a great and warm thank you for everything the Palo Alto Art Center has provided me over the past year, from reminding me that the arts are still thriving in Palo Alto to immersing myself in a unique environment for community arts engagement with an intimate staff.” – Sean Volavong, Exhibitions Intern
“Thank you for the contributions you have made to my personal and professional development, and for making this one of the best learning experiences I have had in college so far.” – Annie Ng, Social Media & Marketing Intern
Art Center internships (undergraduate level) and fellowships (graduate level) give you the opportunity to enhance professional skills, build your professional network, and serve the community. Our opportunities are designed for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as adults interested in re-entering the workforce or exploring a career change. Art Center internships and fellowships are paid and many of our exceptional interns have gone on to permanent positions at the Art Center and neighboring institutions.
Art Center internships and fellowships are supported by the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, through generous donors and foundations.
Working Together Commitment: The Palo Alto Art Center is committed to fostering the next generation of arts professionals through teen engagement, internships, and fellowships. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, countries of origin, ability levels, ages, religions, and gender expressions. We encourage individuals who are traditionally underrepresented in the museum field to apply.
Contact artcenter@cityofpaloalto.org to learn more about the internship program.
Internship Benefits
- $18 dollars per hour for internships, $20 per hour for fellowships
- One-on-one mentorship from Art Center staff and informational interview opportunities
- Real hands-on experience and leadership opportunities in our LEED certified and renovated Art Center
- A structured experience with opportunity for growth and exploration
- Exclusive access to an active Art Center intern group on LinkedIn with job postings and networking opportunities
- Special training and professional development activities with peer cohort
- Opportunities to network and connect with experienced professionals in the field
Summer Positions
Exhibitions Fellowship
Join the Art Center’s Director, Guest Curators and Registrar to support upcoming exhibitions and any current Artist-in-Residence program. The Exhibitions Fellow also interacts with visitors at virtual and in-person events and public programs. The fellow will work on a series of exhibitions planned for the academic year 2023-24 focused on food and growth.
Art Center Exhibitions Fellowship Summer 2023.pdf(PDF, 91KB)
Development Fellowship
Join the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation team for a graduate-level fellowship dedicated to the development process. The fellow will gain insight into the steps of the development process at a vibrant arts institution, while assisting with special events, membership communications, research, and database maintenance.
Art Center Development Fellowship Summer 2023.pdf(PDF, 94KB)
Education Fellowship
Join education and volunteer management staff to plan and deliver meaningful professional development opportunities and support to our cohort of summer undergraduate interns and teen leaders. The Fellow will support the cohort of Youth and Teen Studio Art Interns with daily summer camp operations, serving as staff lead in Art Center camps.
Art Education Fellowship Summer 2023.pdf(PDF, 90KB)
Youth and Teen Studio Art Internship
Join the Palo Alto Art Center team for an interactive internship aiding studio instructors with summer camp classes. Youth and Teen Studio Art Interns work directly in the Art Center’s classrooms, providing classroom management support to art instructors. Interns also work one-on-one with students, encouraging their creativity and supporting their development. Four positions available!
Art Center Studio Art Internship Summer 2023.pdf(PDF, 96KB)
Social Media & Marketing Internship
Join the Palo Alto Art Center team for an internship dedicated to marketing, design, research, and social media strategy. The intern will work directly with the Art Center’s Director and Social Media Team to support the Art Center’s artmaking studios and upcoming public programs.
Art Center Social Media Marketing Internship Summer 2023 1.pdf(PDF, 89KB)
Learn more about our internship program