Art Internships in Washington, D.C.: A Comprehensive Guide

Washington, D.C., a vibrant hub for arts and culture, offers a plethora of internship opportunities for aspiring artists, museum professionals, and arts administrators. These internships provide invaluable hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities within the city's diverse arts landscape. This article delves into the various art internship programs available in Washington, D.C., offering insights into eligibility, application processes, and the diverse range of experiences they provide.

Eligibility and Application Process

Many internship programs in Washington D.C. have specific requirements for applicants. For instance, the internship program with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is designed for those who have completed their sophomore year of undergraduate study (or higher), graduate students, recent graduates, or those with two years of work experience after high school. Applicants to CAH may only apply for one internship per session and must submit an electronic application. A cover letter is not required; instead, a two-page writing sample should be uploaded. Students should also upload their unofficial transcript. All supplemental documents must be in PDF format and labeled with the applicant’s last name, first name, and the name of the document.

The National Gallery of Art internship program is open to undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and career changers.

While specific deadlines vary, the National Museum of Asian Art's Summer Undergraduate Internship Program applications for Summer 2026 are due by February 13, 2026 (11:59 PM ET). The Smithsonian Science Education Center curriculum development internships have application deadlines around March 15, 2025.

Internship Opportunities Across Institutions

Washington D.C. is home to a diverse range of institutions offering art internships, each with its unique focus and opportunities:

Government Agencies

DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH): CAH, a District of Columbia Government agency, offers internships in various departments, including Grants, Events, Arts Education, Communications, and Resource Allocation. These internships provide exposure to the administrative and operational aspects of supporting the arts in the city. An interest in, and knowledge of, the arts in Washington, D.C. is vital for these positions.

Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex, offers a wide array of internship opportunities across its various museums and research centers:

National Gallery of Art: Interns at the National Gallery receive hands-on experience, mentorship, and are paid for their work. Interns are matched with projects and departments aligning with their skills and interests, whether in conservation, digital storytelling, curatorial, archives, facilities, operations, or public programs. Each intern is paired with a supervisor for guidance and a separate mentor for career advice.
National Museum of African American History and Culture: These internships offer undergraduate and graduate students, and recent graduates' opportunities to work closely with professionals and scholars in the museum field. Interns receive a stipend while they gain practical museum skills and program development experience.
National Museum of Asian Art: This museum offers an eight-week, paid Summer Undergraduate Internship Program.
National Museum of Natural History (NMNH): NMNH hosts the Natural History Research Experiences (NHRE), a 10-week summer internship program. It also offers a Summer High School Internship Program for students aged 15 to 18. Additionally, there are internships available for science writing.
National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI): NMAI offers internships during the Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer terms at its locations in Washington, D.C., Suitland, MD, and New York City. These internships provide firsthand experience and professional training in a curatorial department focused on Native American cultural heritage.
National Portrait Gallery: The National Portrait Gallery offers formal internships to qualified applicants, providing structured learning experiences in the fall, spring, or summer.
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum: The Peter A. Krueger Summer Internship Program offers undergraduate students the unique opportunity to develop professional skills and learn about museum practices.
National Air and Space Museum: This museum's structured summer internship program provides firsthand experience working in a museum.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO): SAO offers a 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) internship where students take on an astrophysics research project with an SAO or Harvard scientist.
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC): SERC provides science-based knowledge to meet the environmental challenges of the 21st century and offers internships related to this mission.
Smithsonian Gardens: Smithsonian Gardens provides an array of public garden learning experiences through its internship program.
Smithsonian Science Education Center: Interns work with curriculum developers to assist in the development of nonfiction stories for Smithsonian Science for the Classroom units.
Smithsonian Associates: Interns with Smithsonian Associates are offered unique opportunities to learn about all aspects of educational programming for both adults and children.
Office of Educational Technology: An internship here is a unique opportunity to be part of a department working to make digital education resources more accessible and useful.
Office of General Counsel (OGC): Legal interns in the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) work closely with attorneys whose work covers such diverse topics as tax, employment discrimination, ethics, imports/exports, federal appropriations, intellectual property, and environmental law.
Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO): The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) provides the Smithsonian’s central computing and telecommunications services.
Office of Advancement: The Office of Advancement offers internship opportunities for candidates interested in fundraising and development-oriented careers.
Claudine K. Brown Internship in Education: Awardees of the Brown Internship are appointed based on a demonstrated interest in the field of education and museum leadership.
Women’s History Internship Program: This program offers paid eight-week internships that amplify women’s stories to tell a more complete American history.
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC): APAC believes that a great 21st-century museum is more than a building and seeks to engage communities in surprising and innovative ways.
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage: Every year, the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage involves over a hundred interns in our various activities.
Office of Planning, Design, and Construction (OPDC): The primary purpose of the OPDC, Architectural History and Historic Preservation (AHHP) internship is to provide a practical learning experience in the stewardship of historic cultural facilities.

Other Museums and Cultural Organizations

The Phillips Collection: This museum offers internships in various departments.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: Internships are available at the Hirshhorn.
Art Museum of the Americas: This museum provides internship opportunities focused on Latin American art.
Arlington Arts Center: This center offers internships focused on contemporary art.
The Getty Research Institute: This institute offers internships related to art history and research.

Community Arts Organizations

Sitar Arts Center: Sitar Arts Center provides opportunities for teens and young adults to develop as artists and leaders. Their S.E.A.L. (Sitar’s Emerging Arts Leaders) program is open to high school students. Sitar also offers summer internships, including the Mural Arts Internship, Classroom Assistant, and Musical Theater Internship. Sitar Arts Center is also the DC home of the Bloomberg Arts Internship program.
GirlsRock!: After completing the Bloomberg Arts Summer Internship, BAI interns can apply for a school year internship during their senior year of high school.

Specific Internship Examples and Program Details

National Gallery of Art Internship: This program emphasizes hands-on experience, mentorship, and fair compensation. Interns are paired with supervisors and mentors, participate in weekly tours, and engage with staff at all levels of the museum. The program includes a $25.26/hour wage for 10 weeks, a cost-of-living stipend, and a transportation subsidy.
Sitar Arts Center Internships: Sitar offers several internship opportunities for teens and young adults, including the S.E.A.L. program, Mural Arts Internship, Classroom Assistant, and Musical Theater Internship. These internships provide opportunities for artistic development, leadership skills, and community engagement.
Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) at Sitar Arts Center: This program helps prepare the next generation for success as they transition from high school to college and the workforce. BAI interns can apply for a school year internship during their senior year of high school.
National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) Summer High School Internship Program: This program supports high school students interested in learning about museum work, offering experiences in both science and non-science departments. The program includes enrichment activities to provide well-rounded learning experiences.
National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Internships: NMAI internships provide opportunities to gain firsthand experience and professional training in a curatorial department focused on Native American cultural heritage.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Summer Intern Program: This 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) internship allows students to take on an astrophysics research project with an SAO or Harvard scientist.

Resources for Finding Art Internships

American Alliance of Museums: Useful job posting forum for various careers in museums.
College Art Association (CAA): Useful for finding call for papers.
Humanities and Social Sciences Net Online: Job postings for academic and museum positions.
International Council of Museums (ICOM): Offers worldwide free museum access with membership.
Art Hist: Discussion and information forum for art historians.

Benefits of Art Internships in Washington, DC

Participating in an art internship in Washington, D.C. offers numerous benefits:

Professional Development: Internships provide opportunities to develop professional skills, gain practical experience, and build a professional network.
Mentorship: Many programs offer mentorship opportunities, providing guidance and support from experienced professionals in the field.
Networking: Internships allow students to connect with professionals, peers, and potential employers in the arts community.
Exposure to Diverse Fields: Internships offer exposure to various aspects of the art world, from curatorial work to education and administration.
Career Advancement: Internships can lead to future employment opportunities and help students gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Personal Growth: Internships can foster personal growth, enhance creativity, and deepen an appreciation for the arts.
Community Engagement: Internships provide opportunities to engage with the local community and contribute to the cultural landscape of Washington, D.C.

Read also: Summer Internships in D.C.

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