For high school students passionate about the arts, internships offer a unique opportunity to turn creativity into a potential career path. These programs go beyond the classroom, providing immersive experiences that allow students to develop practical skills, build a professional network, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
Imagine gaining hands-on experience in a museum, working alongside accomplished artists, or contributing to a live exhibition—these are just some of the possibilities that art internships can offer.
Students Seeking Art Internships
Internships are more than just resume boosters; they’re gateways to exploring various disciplines within the arts. Whether your interest lies in museum curation, animation, art education, or even the intersection of technology and art, these opportunities allow you to delve deeply into your chosen field. You’ll gain invaluable insights into what each role entails, helping you make informed decisions about your future. Plus, showcasing this experience on your college applications signals to admissions committees that you’re serious about your passion and ready to take on new challenges.
What’s more, art internships are available in diverse locations around the globe, offering exposure to different artistic practices and cultural perspectives. From the vibrant galleries of New York City to the historic museums of Europe, these internships provide a global stage for young artists to refine their talents and broaden their horizons.
Top Art Internships for High School Students
To help you embark on this exciting journey, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of the top 12 art internships designed specifically for high school students. Each program offers a stepping stone toward a fulfilling career in the arts, equipping you with the experience and confidence to succeed in this competitive field.
1. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Teen Arts Collective
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Teen Arts Collective is tailored for high school students who harbor a passion for contemporary art and its associated culture. This program gives the participants workshops involving hands-on activities, discussions with artists, and projects of collaborative disposition. Engagement in the MoMA Teen Arts Collective results in young artists having enhanced artistic capabilities and constructing foundations solid enough to support future creative careers.
- Duration: Varies by program
- Requirements: High school students in the area
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
2. Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internship
This program offers both a summer internship and one during the school year.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internship is a program that enables students to explore art history, museum conservation, and education. Each intern works in one or two departments and helps prepare exhibitions, research artworks, and assist with the museum’s educational programs and activities. The internship scheme allows them to experience the reality of being in a museum, meaning they learn how cultural artifacts are preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. These students benefit from experienced staff’s training and dedication to sharing culture.
- Duration: January – June (School Year) and June – August (Summer)
- Requirements: Grades 10-11 in the New York City area
- Application Deadline: October 28 (School year) and March 7 (Summer)
3. Disney Animation Studios High School Art Internship
The National Gallery of Art allows high school students to volunteer and assist in clerical and administrative tasks integral to the support of departmental educational programs. This position allows students to take an active role in the inner workings of one of the nation’s premier cultural institutions. Volunteers learn about the mission of the National Gallery of Art, its collections, and educational activities through their interaction with the museum staff and by taking guided tours in the galleries that allow for a fuller appreciation of art and cultural heritage.
- Duration: 9 weeks, from June to August
- Requirements: Students
- Application Deadline: February 29th
4. National Gallery of Art’s Teen Program
The National Gallery of Art allows high school students to volunteer and assist in clerical and administrative tasks integral to the support of departmental educational programs. This position allows students to take an active role in the inner workings of one of the nation’s premier cultural institutions. Volunteers learn about the mission of the National Gallery of Art, its collections, and educational activities through their interaction with the museum staff and by taking guided tours in the galleries that allow for a fuller appreciation of art and cultural heritage.
- Duration: 9 weeks, from June to August
- Requirements: Students
- Application Deadline: February 21st
5. Hirshhorn Museum ArtLab Collective
The Hirshhorn Museum at the Smithsonian provides an opportunity for individuals who are passionate about contemporary art to explore different modes of creative expression. This immersive program offers far more than workshops and art-making sessions—this dynamic platform, through which fellow students engage in interactive projects, pushes them out of their comfort zone in artistry. Through active participation in such activities, interns gain advanced knowledge of contemporary art practices and nurture important skills in collaboration, innovation, and artistic expression that will be relevant in pursuing a vibrant modern art career in the future.
- Duration: December to June
- Requirements: Ages 15-19 in the DC area
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
6. Whitney Museum of American Art Youth Insights Program
Whitney Museum Youth Insights Program engages high school students with contemporary art. Through interactive gallery experiences and conversations with artists, interns delve into the museum’s exhibitions and build sophisticated views of artistic practices and cultural repercussions. As well as engaging with the galleries, interns plan the aesthetics of art programs specifically for teenagers and run public programs. This hands-on involvement does more than provide an enhanced appreciation of evolving themes and techniques in the contemporary art field; it enhances their skills in program development and community engagement, as well as leadership.
- Duration: Varies by program
- Requirements: New York high school students
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
7. Art Institute of Chicago Teen Council
The Art Institute of Chicago’s Teen Council engages high schoolers to have a deep view of the vast collections and exhibitions within the institution. Council members help with the organization of programs, exhibitions, and workshops catering to peers specifically. This internship provides hands-on experience in museum curation, education methodologies, and community outreach efforts. By doing so, it is expected that members will become more appreciative of art and cultural heritage, in addition to amassing valuable leadership, teamwork, and creative expression skills, which could help shape their future academic and professional pursuits.
- Duration: September to June
- Requirements: Chicago high school students
- Application Deadline: August 9th
8. Bloomberg Arts Internship Program
Bloomberg Philanthropies offers high school students in its five cities the opportunity for meaningful paid internships with local arts and cultural organizations. This includes practical experience in a wide range of projects related to arts administration, exhibition planning, marketing campaigns, and event coordination. Through this program, participants receive mentorship and special training in college preparation. This experience provides practical insight into arts and cultural institutions, which are valuable experiences toward the development of important skills needed to pursue a future in the arts academically and professionally.
- Duration: Varies by city
- Requirements: Varies by city
- Application Deadline: Varies by city
9. Brooklyn Museum’s Creative Practice
Brooklyn Museum interns are actively engaged in the areas of art, education, and museum careers, with support from teaching artists. This is a comprehensive work program within which tasks include: studio preparation and material organization, lesson planning and classroom management, and getting practice in an educational setting. While being very demanding on one’s time, the program is exceptionally enriching; it offers great opportunities for learning and professional growth, and with it comes necessary skills and insight into an increasingly dynamic intersection between art, education, and museum practices.
- Duration: September – May
- Requirements: New York City high school students ages 15-19
- Application Deadline: July 24th
10. Museum of Arts and Design Teen Programs
MAD offers two unique paid internships that turn artistic experiences into reality: Artslife and RECESS. For one, the Artslife program merges art and design to provide leadership training. In the process, it equips interns with practical knowledge regarding the functionalities of a museum. At the same time, RECESS offers immersion into the history of art and deeply enriches the knowledge an intern has about cultural heritage and curatorial practices. Both programs involve interns in developing and leading peer-to-peer tours at the museum, enhancing communication skills, and creating deeper engagement with MAD exhibitions and collections. These opportunities provide not only the practice in those areas but also further inspire participants to become advocates for art and museum education.
- Duration: July – August
- Requirements: Grades 10-11 in the NYC area
- Application Deadline: April 21st
11. Walker Art Center Teen Arts Council
Minneapolis’s Walker Art Center empowers high school students through its Teen Arts Council, which allows them to take leadership roles in the planning of youth-focused programming and events. The council members collaborate with museum staff in many ways—planning exhibitions, workshops, and performances—to reflect their interests and perspectives.
- Duration: September – June
- Requirements: Sophomore – Senior in the Twin Cities metropolitan area
- Application Deadline: July 26th
12. Milwaukee Art Museum Internships
The Milwaukee Art Museum offers two paid internships: Satellite Teens and ArtXpress—both providing different kinds of active participation in the local arts community. Through Satellite Teens, participants work closely with staff members at the museum and local artists to be involved in real-life, everyday actions associated with the work of the museum and artistic creations. ArtXpress, on the other hand, is about creating murals that will make a difference in Milwaukee, concerning the most important issues and enable interns to express important social themes through art. Both will provide you with a deep level of interaction with local artists and deep immersion in the rich collections of the museum, which relate to the achievement of a complete understanding of art’s place in community expression and cultural dialogue.
- Duration: 10 weeks (Satellite Teens) and July – August (ArtXpress)
- Requirements: Ages 16 – 18 in the Milwaukee area
- Application Deadline: January 31st (Satellite Teens) and June 7th (ArtXpress)
13. Getty Museum Teen Gallery Guides
The Getty Museum in Los Angeles offers a paid summer internship for teens aged 16–18 to serve as gallery guides at both the Getty Center and Getty Villa. Interns learn strategies for understanding and discussing artwork, audience engagement techniques, and teaching strategies to lead gallery experiences for school-aged visitors. The program pays for transportation to and from the Getty, along with a stipend upon completion. The Getty Villa program is specifically for teens living in or attending school in the Boyle Heights community.
- Duration: Summer (approximately 6–8 weeks)
- Requirements: Ages 16–18 in the Los Angeles area
- Application Deadline: Varies by program; check Getty’s teen programs page
14. LACMA Art & Tech Teen Internship
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers a community-based teen internship that exposes high school students ages 16–18 to workforce training, museum education, and art career connections. Interns work on specialized art and technology projects, create digital illustrations, experiment with photography, and develop final presentations. The program runs on Saturdays and is designed to support students from historically marginalized communities who wish to pursue museum or creative careers.
- Duration: Approximately 6 months (Saturday sessions)
- Requirements: Ages 16–18 in the Los Angeles area
- Application Deadline: Typically early fall; check LACMA’s website for current cycle
15. Guggenheim Museum High School Internship
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City offers high school students the opportunity to explore modern and contemporary art within one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions. Interns assist with educational programs, visitor services, and administrative tasks while attending workshops and discussions led by museum staff. The program provides a well-rounded introduction to museum operations and the art world.
- Duration: Varies by program
- Requirements: High school students in the New York City area
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
16. Philadelphia Museum of Art Teen Programs
The Philadelphia Museum of Art offers a range of programs for high school students, including internships, workshops, and youth councils focused on art-making, exhibition interpretation, and museum operations. Participants collaborate with museum educators and curators to explore diverse artistic traditions and develop skills in visual literacy and cultural understanding. Programs are designed to be accessible and welcoming to students from all backgrounds across the Philadelphia region.
- Duration: Varies by program
- Requirements: Philadelphia-area high school students
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
17. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship
New York’s very first museum offers a Student Historian Internship to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the New York City metropolitan area. The organization selects 25 students annually to participate in this six-week summer program, conducting research around the city to create digital projects. Interns eligible for free or reduced lunch or attending a Title I school receive a stipend, and all others qualify for community service or school credit.
- Duration: 6 weeks (summer)
- Requirements: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the NYC metropolitan area
- Application Deadline: Typically spring; check the museum’s teen programs page
18. Seattle Art Museum Teen Arts Group
As the major art museum in the Pacific Northwest, SAM offers a Teen Arts Group that runs during the school year for local teens interested in event planning and community arts programming. Participants select artists, organize gallery talks, and work with museum staff to coordinate community programs. Students receive community service credit or a stipend for their work. SAM also offers the Teen Art Intensive and Design Your [Neighbor]hood, multi-session workshops focused on art-making techniques and public design.
- Duration: School year (September – June)
- Requirements: Seattle-area high school students
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
19. Denver Art Museum Summer Internship Program
The Denver Art Museum provides high school students with hands-on experience in museum education, collections management, and public outreach. Interns assist with gallery installations, educational workshops, and special events while learning about art conservation, exhibition design, and museum administration. The program offers mentorship from museum professionals and an introduction to the full range of museum careers.
- Duration: Summer (approximately 8–10 weeks)
- Requirements: High school students in the Denver area
- Application Deadline: Typically spring; check DAM’s website
20. ICA Boston Teen Arts Council
The Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston runs a Teen Arts Council that invites high school students to take on leadership roles in youth programming. Council members plan events, curate exhibitions, collaborate with visiting artists, and develop programming that reflects the interests and perspectives of young audiences. The program provides a paid stipend and is designed to build skills in leadership, public speaking, and creative project management.
- Duration: School year (September – June)
- Requirements: Boston-area high school students
- Application Deadline: Typically late summer; check ICA’s teen page
21. Smithsonian American Art Museum Youth Programs
The Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. offers youth-focused programs that allow high school students to engage with American art through research, exhibition preparation, and public engagement projects. Students work alongside museum educators and curators, gaining exposure to art history, conservation, and the behind-the-scenes operations of one of the nation’s premier cultural institutions. As a Smithsonian institution, programs are free of charge.
- Duration: Varies by program
- Requirements: High school students; programs based in Washington, D.C.
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
22. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Teen Council
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston operates a Teen Council that empowers high school students to take active roles in museum programming. Council members plan and host teen-focused events, create content inspired by the MFAH collections, and work alongside museum staff on community engagement initiatives. The program develops leadership, communication, and creative thinking skills while providing an inside look at how a major art museum operates.
- Duration: School year
- Requirements: Houston-area high school students
- Application Deadline: Typically summer; check MFAH’s teen page
23. Hammer Museum Teen Program (UCLA)
The Hammer Museum at UCLA in Los Angeles offers teen programs that provide high school students with opportunities to engage with contemporary art, meet working artists, and develop their own creative projects. Programs include workshops, artist talks, and hands-on activities that explore current exhibitions and contemporary art practices. The Hammer’s close connection to UCLA provides additional educational context and access to university resources.
- Duration: Varies by program
- Requirements: High school students in the Los Angeles area
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
24. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) Teen Programs
SFMOMA offers teen programs that engage high school students with modern and contemporary art through gallery visits, art-making workshops, and conversations with artists and curators. The museum’s Teen Advisory Board gives selected students a leadership role in shaping youth programming and events. SFMOMA’s programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible, welcoming students from across the Bay Area.
- Duration: Varies by program
- Requirements: Bay Area high school students
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
25. Carnegie Museum of Art Teen Programs
The Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh offers teen programs that include workshops, artist collaborations, and leadership opportunities for high school students. Participants engage with the museum’s collections, develop their creative skills, and contribute to youth-focused programming. The museum’s annual Carnegie International exhibition — one of the oldest and most prestigious international exhibitions of contemporary art in the world — provides a unique learning context for teen participants.
- Duration: Varies by program
- Requirements: Pittsburgh-area high school students
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
26. Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) Teen Programs
The Perez Art Museum Miami offers a range of teen programs, including paid internships, art-making workshops, and leadership opportunities for high school students. Interns work alongside museum staff in education, curatorial, and community engagement departments. PAMM’s waterfront Biscayne Bay location and focus on international contemporary art provide a vibrant setting for young artists to develop their skills and explore creative career paths.
- Duration: Varies by program (summer and school year options)
- Requirements: Miami-area high school students
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
27. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) Teen Creative Agency
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s Teen Creative Agency is a paid program that gives high school students the opportunity to work as creative leaders within the museum. Participants plan exhibitions, produce events, create content, and collaborate with contemporary artists. The program develops skills in curatorial practice, event production, and creative communication while providing a paid stipend and professional mentorship.
- Duration: School year and summer sessions
- Requirements: Chicago-area high school students ages 15–19
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
28. Dallas Museum of Art Teen Advisory Council
The Dallas Museum of Art’s Teen Advisory Council empowers high school students to shape youth programming at one of the largest art museums in the Southwest. Council members organize events, lead tours, create content, and serve as ambassadors for the museum. The DMA also hosts teen-focused events like Late Nights and art-making workshops that are open to all area high school students.
- Duration: School year
- Requirements: Dallas-area high school students
- Application Deadline: Typically summer; check DMA’s teen page
29. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Mellon Summer Academy
While most LACMA pathway programs target undergraduates, the Mellon Summer Academy is designed to introduce students from underrepresented backgrounds to museum careers through an intensive multi-week experience. Participants explore LACMA’s encyclopedic collections, attend workshops with curators and conservators, and develop a proposed exhibition concept as a capstone project. This is an ideal program for high school students considering a career in museums, art history, or cultural institutions.
- Duration: 2 weeks (summer)
- Requirements: Students from underrepresented backgrounds; check LACMA’s website for current age/grade eligibility
- Application Deadline: Typically spring; check LACMA’s fellowships and internships page
30. National Portrait Gallery Teen Docent Program
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. offers a Teen Docent Program that trains high school students to lead tours and engage visitors with the museum’s collection of portraits depicting notable Americans throughout history. Teen docents develop public speaking, art interpretation, and leadership skills while learning about American history and portraiture. As a Smithsonian institution, the program is free, and participants gain valuable community service hours and professional experience.
- Duration: School year and summer sessions
- Requirements: Washington, D.C.-area high school students
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
Conclusion
The more curious and imaginative you are, the more rewarding this path will be. Each of these internships offers an invaluable experience that not only prepares students for a future in the arts but also connects them with inspiring mentors and peers who share a deep love for creativity. These opportunities challenge you to grow, pushing the boundaries of your artistic potential and enriching your journey with real-world experiences that will shape your career.
Don’t hesitate to explore these opportunities. Your passion for art, combined with the hands-on learning and connections you’ll make during an internship, can pave the way for a dynamic and successful career in today’s ever-evolving landscape of creative expression and innovation.
If you’re serious about pursuing a career in the arts, let Empowerly be your guide. Our team of dedicated counselors and admissions experts is here to help you find the perfect internship that aligns with your interests and goals. From mapping out your journey to submitting applications for top art programs, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way. Partner with Empowerly, and increase your chances of gaining entrance into prestigious art programs, setting the stage for a bright and creative future.
