The Los Angeles County Arts Internship Program, now in its 19th year, will provide 203 university and community college students with paid on-the-job experience at over 100 arts organizations this summer.

Approved as one of the five initial recommendations from the Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative that were funded by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors in 2017, the program was expanded last year to increase the total number of internships available and reserve at least 28 positions for community college students. With the addition of flexibility for working students and the expansion of the program in 2019, the program will continue to support increasing access to opportunities in the arts.

Students are encouraged to apply for the paid internships, which start from June 1-14. Students can build professional skills and connections at nonprofit performing, literary and municipal arts organizations. They are required to complete 400 hours of service from June 1 through Aug. 25.

“The Arts Internship Program provides a wonderful opportunity for college students to explore career pathways into the arts and creative sector,” said L.A. County Arts Commission Executive Director Kristin Sakoda. “Paid internships allow students to gain valuable work experience, develop job skills and provide an edge in a competitive job market while cultural organizations throughout the region develop future arts leaders and discover new talent.”

Past participants have attained experience in finance, programming, marketing, arts education, fundraising and event production fields. In addition to the on-the-job experience, participants also take part in educational and arts networking activities funded by the Getty Foundation. The Getty Foundation also supports internships at the L.A. County museums and visual arts organizations through its Multicultural Undergraduate Internship Program, a companion program to the Arts Commission Program.

Any current undergraduate students, as well as any students graduating between May 1 and Sept. 1 are eligible to apply. All applicants must be currently enrolled in a community college or four-year university. Applicants must also be residents of or attending schools that are located in Los Angeles County, and cannot be previous participants in the program.

The positions are highly competitive and must be filled by May 15, so students are encouraged to apply early. For information, visit lacountyarts.org/internships.