10 Art Internships for High School Students
Are you a high school student with a passion for art and creativity? Are you looking to gain hands-on experience and take your artistic skills to the next level? Internships are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the art world, learn from professionals, and build an impressive portfolio for your future. In this blog post, we have curated a list of ten art internships specifically designed for high school students. Whether you're interested in visual arts, graphic design, or museum curation, these programs offer unique opportunities for young artists to explore their potential and make valuable connections in the art industry.
10 Art Internships for High School Students
1. MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (MOMA) TEEN ARTS COLLECTIVE
The MoMA Teen Arts Collective offers a unique internship opportunity for high school students to engage with contemporary art and culture. Through hands-on workshops, discussions with artists, and collaborative projects, participants gain insight into the art world while developing their creative voices. This competitive program equips students with the skills to curate exhibitions and events, fostering a deep appreciation for art history and contemporary trends.
2. ART + AI INSPIRIT AI PROJECT
With artificial intelligence on the rise, a popular topic of discussion has been the place of AI in the arts. In the Inspirit AI Art + AI program, high schoolers explore the potential intersections of art and artificial intelligence through projects like music recommendation platforms and sketch recognition programs. Participants will also interrogate the ethics of AI in art spaces and think about responsible applications of this technology in the art world.
The AI Scholars Program at InspiritAI is a unique offering that empowers high school students around the world to apply artificial intelligence and computer science to their work across disciplines. The program emphasizes project-based learning and encourages high schoolers to seize on their interests and conduct socially-impactful research in their field of choice.
3. METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIP
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a prestigious internship for high school students passionate about art history, conservation, and education. Interns work alongside museum professionals, assisting with exhibition preparation, researching artworks, and engaging with museum visitors. This opportunity provides an unparalleled understanding of museum operations and fosters a profound connection to the cultural heritage housed within the institution's walls.
4. DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS HIGH SCHOOL ART INTERNSHIP
For aspiring animators and illustrators, the Disney Animation Studios High School Art Internship offers a dream opportunity. Participants collaborate with seasoned Disney artists, learning animation techniques, character design, and storytelling. This immersive experience allows students to contribute to real projects while gaining insight into the creative process behind Disney's beloved animated films.
5. NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART'S TEEN PROGRAM
As part of its offerings in gallery and studio learning, the education division recruits local high school student volunteers for the fall (October through December) and spring terms (February through May). Volunteering takes place after school.
Student volunteers assist behind the scenes with clerical and administrative tasks that support the department’s education programs. Typical activities include preparing materials for art projects, photocopying, collating, and program cleanup. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn more about the National Gallery of Art through conversations with staff and tours of the galleries.
6. HIRSHHORN MUSEUM ARTLAB COLLECTIVE
The Hirshhorn Museum ArtLab Collective is a dynamic and innovative internship program designed for high school students interested in exploring contemporary art and creative expression. Hosted by the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., the ArtLab Collective offers a unique opportunity to work closely with artists, educators, and museum professionals. Through hands-on workshops, art-making sessions, and interactive projects, participants gain a deeper understanding of contemporary art practices and develop their artistic skills.
The ArtLab Collective aims to foster a supportive and inclusive community where young artists can freely experiment with different art forms, including painting, sculpture, digital media, and performance art. Interns engage in critical discussions, collaborate on group projects, and contribute to public events, allowing them to explore their creative potential while gaining exposure to museum operations and exhibition development. With access to the Hirshhorn's extensive art collection and inspiring surroundings, the ArtLab Collective empowers high school students to discover their artistic voice and cultivate a passion for contemporary art that extends beyond the internship experience.
7. WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART YOUTH INSIGHTS PROGRAM
The Whitney Museum's Youth Insights Program invites high school students to explore contemporary art through interactive gallery experiences and conversations with artists. Interns contribute to the development of teen-oriented art programs and assist with public events, deepening their understanding of contemporary art and its relevance in society.
8. COOPER HEWITT DESIGNPREP PROGRAM
The Cooper Hewitt DesignPrep Program offers high school students interested in design and technology an exciting internship experience. Participants engage in hands-on workshops, design challenges, and portfolio development sessions with design professionals. This program fosters creativity and innovation while exposing students to various design disciplines.
9. GOOGLE DOODLE CONTEST
The Google Doodle Contest is a fantastic opportunity for young artists to showcase their creativity and have their artwork featured on Google's homepage. This annual contest invites high school students to create unique Google Doodles, incorporating themes of global significance. Winners receive scholarships and technology prizes while gaining recognition on an international stage.
10. THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO TEEN COUNCIL
The Art Institute of Chicago Teen Council is a dynamic and enriching program that empowers high school students with a passion for art to engage with the museum's collections, exhibitions, and educational initiatives actively. Located within one of the world's premier art museums, the Teen Council offers a unique platform for young artists, art enthusiasts, and leaders to collaborate, develop their creative skills, and shape meaningful experiences for their peers.
Through regular meetings, workshops, and special events, the Teen Council facilitates an inclusive and supportive community that fosters artistic growth, critical thinking, and cultural exploration. Council members actively contribute to the planning and execution of teen-focused programs, exhibitions, and workshops, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in museum curation, education, and community outreach. The Art Institute of Chicago Teen Council serves as a powerful platform for high school students to leave their mark on the art world, engage with art history and contemporary practices, and make a positive impact on their local artistic community.
Conclusion
Art internships for high school students offer invaluable experiences that can shape their artistic journey and open doors to future opportunities. These ten programs provide unique insights into various aspects of the art world, from museum curation and animation to graphic design and photography. Aspiring young artists can embrace these opportunities to learn from professionals, gain practical skills, and foster a lifelong passion for the arts. Whether you're considering a career in art or simply want to explore your creative potential, these internships offer a springboard for your artistic aspirations. So, seize the opportunity, take a leap of faith, and embark on a transformative artistic adventure!
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
