2025-2027

Arts Internship Program Application

DUE DATE: Monday, October 6, 2025

 

This application is for the Los Angeles/Pasadena program.

For questions/concerns regarding this application, please contact: 

 

Maya Mackrandilal 

mmackrandilal@exploringthearts.org  

Or

Jessica Delgadillo

jdelgadillo@exploringthearts.org

 “The mission of the Arts Internship Program is to support students who face structural barriers with paid work experiences, mentorship opportunities, and professional development in the arts that empower their self identity and help them build valuable skills to propel them through their future endeavors.”

Arts Internship Description: Exploring the Arts (ETA) is the nonprofit organization founded by legendary singer, Tony Bennett, and his wife, Susan Benedetto, a former public school teacher, to support arts education in public high schools. ETA's Arts Internship Program places juniors from public Title I high schools as interns in one-to-one mentorship with professionals at arts organizations, arts businesses, and cultural institutions. Our program demystifies creative careers, helps students develop a professional skill set, inspires their ambitions within the arts and beyond, and supports their college and career readiness in and through the arts.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• This program is available only for 11th graders who attend an Exploring the Arts Partner School.
• Applicants will be selected based on their artistic interests, answers to application questions, grades, and schedule of availability. We encourage all students that have enthusiasm for a particular art form and want to grow to apply.
• Interns that are accepted must be able to work within the United States and will need to provide either an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification) number or a SSN (Social Security) number.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS: All students applying to the Arts Internship Program must be vaccinated against Covid-19 and be able to show proof that they have received the most recent booster (Fall 2025 - pending availability*) at the Orientation session in November. 

*ETA recognizes that access to fall 2025 boosters is a rapidly evolving issue. At this time, if students are not able to access boosters by November due to public health guidelines, ETA will adjust the timeline for this requirement

PROGRAM TIMELINE + HOURS:

Exploring the Arts’ Arts Internship Program places juniors as interns at arts organizations, cultural institutions, and art businesses for the duration of two school years:›

YEAR 1: October 2025 – May 2026, with a holiday break in December

SUMMER SESSION: June-July 2026

YEAR 2: September 2026 – May 2027, with a holiday break in December

Interns are paid a stipend for their work in the program. The breakdown is as follows: $400 in December 2025, $320 in March 2026, $400 in May 2026, $768 at the end of July 2026, $400 in December 2026, $320 in March 2027, $400 in May 2027. The total for successfully completing the entire two year program is: $3,008

Interns will also receive a small travel stipend in the form of gift card each semester to travel to their internship site and attend ETA in-person events.

Interns will work approximately 3-6 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters (approximately 12 hours/month) for a total of 70 hours during the school year and 48 hours over the summer.

Interns will create a work schedule in collaboration with their mentors for each semester (School Year 2025-2026, Summer 2026, and School Year 2026-2027). Work schedules are based on the intern's availability and the operating hours of the internship site. You can learn more about the hours of our internship sites by clicking here.

Interns are also required to attend ETA Orientations and Learning Labs, which will typically take place on Saturdays:

Fall 2025 Orientation Saturday, November 8 from 11am - 1pm at dublab (located near USC) a parent, guardian, or caring adult will need to attend this session with the intern

Creative Development Retreat Saturday, November 15 from 10am - 3pm at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena 

November Learning Lab (virtual - zoom): Saturday, November 22 from 11am-12:30pm

Fall Semester Wrap-up Saturday, December 13, Location and Time TBD

Spring 2025 Learning Labs will take place one Saturday per month (Jan-May), switching between in-person and virtual).

The Summer Learning Lab schedule (June-July) will be announced in Spring 2026. These are in-person visits to colleges, arts institutions, and creative workplaces across LA County. They take place during the week. ETA will provide transportation to these sites.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

ETA does not discriminate against people with disabilities and is committed to making its arts education programs accessible to and adaptable for all eligible participants. If a student participant has special needs, ETA staff will work closely with the partner to adapt the program to ensure the student can fulfill his/her/their internship.

If you will need special assistance or accommodations, please contact ETA LA Program Manager, Maya Mackrandilal at mmackrandilal@exploringthearts.org

AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS

You will need to select your top three choices for internship site on the application. You can read about our partner organizations and what interns will be working on by clicking here. 

 

 *** IMPORTANT***

ON PHONE OR TABLET: Scroll down and save your progress before proceeding. If you visit an art organization's website before saving, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROGRESS and HAVE TO START OVER.
ON COMPUTER: Scroll down and save your progress before proceeding. If you don't save, YOU RISK LOSING PROGRESS ON YOUR APPLICATION and HAVE TO START OVER. If you visit an organization's website, use your browser's back arrow to return to the application.

( ) Part I: Student Information

( ) Part II: Additional Information 

     ( ) Vaccination Status

     ( ) Optional: Accommodation Request

     ( ) Demographic Information

     ( ) Schedule of Availability

     ( ) Most Recent Report Card (Physical or Digital Copy)

     ( ) School Circumstances Narrative

     ( ) Working Documents

( ) Part III: Available Arts Internships

( ) Part IV: Application Questions

 

NOTE: We expect the student applying to the program to fill out this application. Parents, caring adults, and others can support the student, but this application should be a direct expression of the applicant's interests and goals.

COVID-19 Policies at ETA:

The ETA Arts Internship Program includes a mix of primarily in-person with some virtual (zoom) programming. Internship sites have their own work policies that range from mostly virtual to only in-person. See the internship descriptions for more details. Interns are encouraged to wear masks for indoor activities, especially during times of high transmission.

All students that are accepted into the 2025-2027 Arts Internship Program must be vaccinated against COVID-19 and able to show proof of the most recent booster (Fall 2025 - pending availability*) during the Orientaiton Session on November 8th.

*ETA recognizes that access to fall 2025 boosters is a rapidly evolving issue. At this time, if students are not able to access boosters by November 8th due to public health guidelines, ETA will adjust the timeline for this requirement.

If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please contact LA Program Manager Maya Mackrandilal at mmackrandilal@exploringthearts.org

I am able to commit to the full two year duration of the program (October 2025 - May 2027) including the summer session in June and July. If accepted, I will be able to attend the orientation session on Saturday, November 8th and the Creative Development Retreat on Saturday, November 15th. I also understand that the program includes monthly learning labs that take place on Saturdays during the school year, and I will make myself available for those.

Exploring the Arts receives government and foundation funding in support of this program, who ask us to report on the demographics of the constituents we serve and with whom we work. These questions are optional, but do help us to accurately describe the impact of our programs. Your response will be kept confidential and only used as anonymous data for these funders. We appreciate your assistance in responding as you feel comfortable:

While the 2025-2027 Arts Internship Program will be for two years, we are only asking about your CURRENT schedule for the 2025-2026 School Year in the section below.

Fill in weekly availability under each day of the week below, thinking carefully about your other commitments (like sports team, school musical, family care [picking up sibling from school], or college prep class). Write the hour increments that you are available (Ex: “3PM-6PM”, “4PM-7PM”).

If you have no available time on a particular day type ‘NOT AVAILABLE’ under the appropriate day.

NOTE: You are not committing to working at all of these times, just sharing time slots, which will allow ETA staff to determine the best fit for you. During the school year you will work 3-6 hours per week (12 hours per month total) depending on your internship placement.

Interns must be eligible to work in the US and will be required to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN). Interns will be asked to complete a W-9 if they are accepted into the program. Interns will be issued a 1099 for tax year 2026 because their stipend will exceed $600 that year.

ETA is not able to offer tax preparation advice; please consult a tax professional if you or your family have questions.  

Before you select your top 3 choices, consider:

• What internship speaks the most to your interests, goals and how you wish to grow?
• Is there an organization whose work you particularly identify with or feel excited about?
• Is the location and transportation to/from the organization realistic for you?

 

*Please note: If you are selected as a finalist for the program, you will be required to interview with a staff memeber at the host organization. You will recieve interveiw prep during the first orientation on November 2nd and interview the following week. 

*** If you are filling out this application on your PHONE or TABLET, you need to SCROLL DOWN and SAVE your progress before proceeding. If you click on an art organization's website before saving, YOU WILL LOSE PROGRESS on your application and HAVE TO START OVER.

 

*** If you are filling out this application on your COMPUTER, you need to SCROLL DOWN and SAVE your progress before proceeding. If you do not, YOU RISK LOSING PROGRESS ON YOUR APPLICATION and HAVE TO START OVER. When clicking on an organization's website, you should be able to use your brower's back arrow to return back to the application.

Armory Center for the Arts
Visual Art 

Pasadena's Armory Center for the Arts is a leader for contemporary art exhibitions and community-based arts education. The Armory believes that an understanding and appreciation of the arts is essential for a well-rounded human experience and a healthy community. At the core of our mission is a deep commitment to social justice through arts education.

Armory Mission
To nurture our community and its young people by creating, learning, and presenting art to advance equity and social justice.

Internship Type/Location/Hours: In-person only. Hours are primarily afterschool (latest is 5:30pm) with occasional weekend hours for events.

Description: The intern will work with Education Department staff supporting school based program and field trip activities such as organizing art materials. Assists with events like Pasadena Art Night and Armory Benefit. The intern works with Vice President of Programs Karen Satzman and teaching artists. The intern will have opportunities to meet with several different staff throughout the organization to learn about different facets of non-profit arts careers like communications, exhibitions, and visitor services. Interns also have the opportunity to take an art class or observe a class, attend Armory public programs, and participate in off site programming depending on their interests.

 The Armory Website

 

LA Commons
Visual Art

The Mission of LA Commons is to engage communities in artistic and cultural expressions that tell their unique stories and serves as a basis for dialogue, interaction and a better understanding of Los Angeles. Through community-based arts programs, centered on youth leadership development, we help diverse, generally low-income neighborhoods create dynamic works of public art that build community connection and empowerment.

Internship Type/Location/Hours: Hybrid (both virtual and in-person) The office is located in Leimert Park and events/projects take place at various locations, mostly South LA. The schedule will include at least one weekday afternoon in the 4pm-7pm range for taking part in a youth arts workshop project. The other time can be arranged in cooperation with mentor and mentee. 

Description: Intern will be learning/working in four areas:

• Cultural Organizing: supporting workshops, art activities and event logistics and execution; practicing community engagement and connection. Research new areas for program growth, best practices, etc.
• Youth Artist: join weekly workshops to participate in gathering stories, designing and creating artwork.
• Festival Arts: assisting artists to lead art activities at festivals or events.
• Systems and Tracking Support: support data collection of youth artist evaluations, transcribe sign up sheets and track and store attendance for events, weekly sessions, etc.

LA Commons Website

 

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

Visual Art/Cultural Studies

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes centers the history of Mexican and Mexican Americans in Los Angeles, and collects, preserves, and shares the stories, accomplishments, and experiences of Latinx people and Latino culture. Under new leadership, we are excited to explore our four identities as: Community Builders; Cultural Connectors; Stewards; and Storytellers.

Internship Type/Location/Hours: Hybrid. The museum is located in Downtown LA. Flexible schedule with Monday/ Thursday/Fridays 4pm-5pm preferred; and participation in major events such as Family Days (on select Sundays 5 times per year 12pm to 4pm); and/or Activation dates with Les Navegantes (select Saturdays once per month)

Description: Under the direct supervision of the the Engagement Manager for Visitor Experiences, Alondra Virrey, the intern will work on engagement, and interactive/ workshop designs in a cultural institution and museum setting. As part of the Engagement & Outreach department, the intern will learn about the Latinx experience of Angelenos in the El Pueblo area, and how through workshops and interactives we build reciprocity with our communities. Through the course of the internship, there will be an opportunity to highlight the artistic interests of the intern and incorporate this medium into designing workshops and interactives. The intern will also further strengthen their leadership and public speaking skills, their confidence in a professional setting, and expand their understanding of Los Angeles and the Latinx experience with history, art,and culture.

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes Website

 

Side Street Projects

Visual Art

Side Street Projects is a mobile, artist-run organization that supports artists, projects, and programs to foster leadership through socially engaged art and a DIY (Do it yourself) & DIT (Do it together) ethos. We are devoted to community-centered artists through community-led programming that promotes creativity, wellbeing, and the potential for collective growth. 

Internship Type/Location/Hours: Hybrid. Side Street is located at the Zorthian Ranch in Altadena. Hours are mainly after school (Monday-Friday until 6PM) with occasional weekend hours for in person events (offsite for the time being) and independent projects.

Description: We aim to provide opportunities that align with the interests of our Intern. Generally we support learning opportunities within the focus areas of Youth Education, Artist Projects, and Community Programming. Specific skills are to be determined with the applicant but could include communications related work, administrative support, program development. Once we know what the interests are of our intern, we can develop the skills needed in the first year to be able to move on to summer development of a more advanced dedicated project to be completed during the second year.

We host artist projects, long term and emerging, which they would have access to working with and meeting. We have a roster of teaching artists that we work with as well. We encourage creative expression with our interns once we know what sorts of skillsets/mediums they are interested in and can help introduce them to additional ones as well.

Side Street Projects Website   

Pasadena Media
Media/Journalism

Pasadena Media is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that manages four public access cable channels and multiple studios which are available to community members and organizations to learn how to use in order to create various art forms.

Internship Type/Location/Hours: Hours will take place on Monday through Saturdays depending on training hours and production needs. Hybrid hours are available. The studio/office is located in Pasadena. Some events require working outside and/or being on your feet for long periods of time, interns should be prepared and willing to work in this way and under these circumstances.

Description: The intern will learn how to produce and participate in all crew positions (e.g. audio technician, studio camera operator, on-location camera operator, teleprompter operator, floor manager, on-camera talent, etc.) for a production including Social Media Essentials and Editing. The intern will work primarily with the Community Engagement team and, on occasion, with the Production team who handles government related programming. Because of the nature of the facility, the intern will have constant opportunities to engage with local artists and creatives. Additionally, interns will get ample opportunities to meet key government and NGO officials who may appear on our shows. There is opportunity for a potential field trip to NBC Universal amongst other places.

Pasadena Media Website

 

Vidiots

Film

A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema, Vidiots is dedicated to inspiring human interaction around film through preserving, growing, and providing access to our diverse DVD, BluRay, and rare VHS collection, showcasing the work of emerging, master, and underrepresented artists, and producing unique and affordable film events and vital education programs.

Internship Type/Location/Hours: In-person internship. Vidiots is located in Eagle Rock. They are open 7 days a week (12pm-10pm Mon-Fri, 11am-10pm Sat-Sun).

Covid Policy: Intern must be fully vaccinated

Description: Working closely with Video Store + Volunteer Director, Robbie McCluskey, interns will help run the rental store with a small group of staff and volunteers. Various tasks include renting out movies, organizing the library, and assisting customers (either direct problem-solving or helping to find movies or offer suggestions of what to rent). Interns will also be able to assist with special events and premieres in the movie theater and have an opportunity to learn from our projectionists, theater staff, and marketing director. Interns will have access to the largest collection in Los Angeles County (and possibly the country) of DVDs and Blu Rays of films, documentaries, animation, and TV from around the world and a community of enthusiasts with experience in all aspects of the film industry.

Vidiots Website

 

 

Heidi Duckler Dance (HDD)

Dance

Founded in 1985, Heidi Duckler Dance (HDD) strives to democratize dance, provide innovative arts education, and promote spatial justice. HDD creates site-specific performances that transform non-traditional spaces, providing learning opportunities and engaging diverse communities, in the belief that the arts can change our vision of the world and of ourselves.

Internship Type/Location/Hours: In person. The office is located in Downtown LA. After school hours (the office closes at 6pm) with a preference for Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Some occasional weekend availability for projects and production events.

Description: The intern will engage in tasks related to education, administration, outreach, & production. They will support planning and prep for educational programs and professional performances, creating communications materials to support and promote the organization, and shadowing department leaders. The intern will build skills in professional development, project management, communications, relationship building, idea creation, leadership, and research. The intern will be able to assist and attend our evening professional performances throughout each season which will give them the opportunity to meet our artists, musicians, costume and lighting designers, site staff, and other support needed to put on our performances. The intern will also be able to support the Founder/Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director in the final product of each performance, and in some cases be a part of the performance! 

Heidi Duckler Dance Website

 

 

 

East West Players

Theatre

Founded in 1965, East West Players is committed to raising the visibility of the Asian American experience by presenting inventive world-class theatrical productions, developing artists of color, and providing impactful youth education programs. East West Players’ vision is to inspire and advocate for a world free of racism and discrimination through transformative artistic works.

Internship Type/Location/Hours: Hybrid (Virtual and In Person) The office is located in Downtown LA and internship work hours are flexible. Office hours are 10am-6pm; Rehearsals take place later in the evenings and end at 10 PM but can accommodate intern’s schedule. Weekends vary depending on production needs and intern interest/availability. 

Description: Intern will work under the guidance of the Arts Education Manager, shadowing and learn each position of the theatre organization. Intern will shadow in meetings, create spreadsheets, possible cold calls for outreach, writing emails, and other basic administrative tasks. Intern will be involved in outreach efforts for main stage shows and youth programming, and developing communication skills, customer service skills, team/collaboration, and of course, confidence.Intern will have the chance to decide between being more involved on the production side assisting with front of house and box office, or the administrative side. More advanced tasks will include assisting Arts Ed Manager and Marketing Manager in the creation of and posting to social media accounts. Intern will have the opportunity to see productions, meet artists, and meet other interns that will be working with us. They will also be working events such as opening nights. 

East West Players Website

Building Beats (LA)
Music

Building Beats is a non-profit organization that develops and expands DJ, music education, podcasting, & music coding programs that teach entrepreneurial, leadership, and life skills. We envision a world where any individual, regardless of their background, can pursue their passion and build a career out of it.

Internship Type/Location/Hours: Virtual (with the possibility of some in person events.) Hours are flexible, primarily after school based on student availability.

Description: 

• Work with the Executive Director to research and experiment new program activities for the org.
• Connect with DJs, Music Producers, Recording Artists, A&Rs, and Music Executives in various workshops and hear about their own experiences/journeys into their professions
• Showcase skills and represent Building Beats at events throughout the city (Expos, music events, recruitments)
• Experiment and research new generativeAI tools for creatives.
• Learn how to create and edit content for Building Beats social media.
• Lead workshops based on intern’s interests for younger participants and assist with event planning

Building Beats Website

 

dublab
Music/Music Technology/Journalism

dublab is a non-profit, radio station based in Los Angeles. Our programming has expanded to include the production of original art exhibits, films, events record releases and educational programs related to health, youth, development, education and creative processes.

Internship Type/Location/Hours:  In Person only. The office is located in South L.A. Generally after-school hours (the office is open from 10am- 6pm)

Description: The intern would learn practical skills such as sound editing, and radio archiving management that can be applied to personal projects the intern will develop later in the internship. Once familiar with certain concepts and procedures the intern will produce their own radio/podcast program/s or series. The intern will assist with day to day tasks in order to learn and be familiar with how radio programs are produced. Once the intern demonstrates the ability to produce programming on the second year the intern will brainstorm and create their own programs.

dublab Website

 

Neighborhood Music School

Music

Neighborhood Music School has served Los Angeles for 108 years, and has been specifically in Boyle Heights since 1933, right down the street from Mariachi Plaza. We provide one on one music instruction at an affordable cost, making sure that music development is available to everyone who seeks it out. Our focus is on that individual development, and we understand that each student has unique goals and musical interests at every age and stage. We also have an Ensemble program, deep connections with our community partners, summer programming and outreach programming.

Internship Type/Location/Hours: Hybrid (Virtual and In-Person) The school is located in Boyle Heights. After-school (Mondays and Wednesdays through 6pm at NMS) and Saturdays (10:30am - 1:30pm at Art in the Park in Hermon Park) are available for the Intern to schedule their hours. Additional events and opportunities are available as needed on Saturdays at NMS.

Description: The intern can perform a variety of tasks, including: Office assistance in helping with the needs of the school and Victorian house which could include filing, organizing, sheet music inventory; Ensemble Assistance, particularly with Community Band (at Hermon Park) and/or Youth Coro (at NMS) which would include participation as a musician, setting up/breaking down the space, maintaining the information list; Though partnership and event planning: providing insight, experience and assistance in planning and implementing events, recitals and open houses. Through professional development program, interns will also have the opportunity to work with and engage with artists from community partners like PUENTE Learning Center, Disney Music Group, Piano Spheres, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and our Board of Directors. 

Neighborhood Music School Website

 

Libros Schmibros

Literature

Libros Schmibros is a bilingual lending library that promotes reading, writing, and learning in Los Angeles. Since 2010, we've tried to create a place where anybody, regardless of means or status, can walk in and find good books and good company. In addition, we show movies, host public conversations and podcasts, teach classes, install the occasional pop-up around town, read books to kids, lead field trips, and essentially do whatever we can think of to champion the pleasures of reading and its power to change lives.

Internship Type/Location/Hours: In-person. Libros Schmibros is located in Boyle Heights and open Tuesday-Sunday, 12-6PM.

Description: The intern will organize the book collection and help patrons find books. They will help with programming, such as the Children’s Storytime. If they are interested in graphic design or photography, they will help with social media posts. They will assist staff with book distribution, organize programming, and engage in community outreach and have the opportunity to take on these activities more independently. The intern will be given time to write creatively and, when possible, meet professional writers.

Libros Schmibros Website

 

 

Exploring the Arts is excited to learn more about you as a creative individual and how this Arts Internship Program can help propel you towards your future endeavors. 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

We are aware that some students may be using AI (Artificial Intelligence, like ChatGPT) to answer the written questions and/or creative responses (paintings, drawing, video, audio, etc.)  on the application. ETA uses these questions to get to know the students and understand their interest in the internship program. It’s important that we can learn about the student and see if they are a good fit for the program. We are not looking for perfection in your writing or creative work, we are looking for you.

Please be aware that if ETA staff are unable to use the answers to understand a student’s interests and motivations to apply to the program, and we feel the use of AI may be a reason for that, we may ask the student to resubmit their application.

Please note if you are submitting artwork or videos: ETA values students freedom of expression, and we encourage you to use your best judgement in selecting artwork to submit. Applicants are cautioned against submitting artwork that explicitly depicts violence towards yourself or others, or uses harmful language. If you are unsure, please reach out to us.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Please answer the following five questions below. You may answer these questions in any of the following ways:

• A written short answer (each question should be addressed in at least one paragraph).
• A video (each question should be addressed in less than two-minutes). Videos must be placed on either Youtube, Vimeo, or sent through a WeTransfer Link. Please provide any passwords for viewing access.

1. What art forms are you most passionate about and why? Optional: You can showcase your response with 1-2 pieces of your art (video, audio, or images) and a brief statement.

2. How will this internship support your personal, professional, and artistic goals?

3. ​​What is your first choice for an internship site? What do you hope to learn from this site? What do you think you can contribute to this organization? How do you plan on getting there (transportation)?

4. What is your second choice for an internship site? What do you hope to learn from this site? What do you think you can contribute to this organization? How do you plan on getting there (transportation)?

5. What is your third choice for an internship site? What do you hope to learn from this site? What do you think you can contribute to this organization? How do you plan on getting there (transportation)? 

 

APPLICANTS, PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK THAT ALL OF THE INFORMATION WITHIN YOUR APPLICATION IS CORRECT. ONCE YOU HIT SUBMIT, YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO EDIT.