Throughout Colorado, local art galleries as well as artists are searching for passionate young people interested in careers in the arts. Art internships help to give students hands-on experience that is relevant to their goals and interests. An art internship can be a fun way to spend your summer, or a serious start to your career journey, depending on what you’re looking for. There are plenty of opportunities for internships offered throughout our local area, so go ahead and explore!

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is currently looking for someone who is digitally savvy and enthusiastic about art to fill a “New Media/ Internet Marketing” internship. This opportunity involves working with the FAC’s Communications Department to create a website content and development plan which supports the organization’s marketing strategy. If you took part in this internship, you would get to craft and evaluate social media campaigns, as well as explore writing, images, and videos. This internship is a part-time position that offers academic credit, in which you would be working 2-3 days a week (15-20 hours). The Fine Arts Center asks that applicants have the ability to learn and use new technology, are interested in social media, and have video or digital content editing skills. Previous experience in marketing or journalism is preferred. If you were accepted into this internship, you would have free admission to gallery exhibitions, theatre productions, and select FAC events. If this sounds interesting to you, send your resume to [email protected] or visit http://www.csfineartscenter.org/information.asp#internships for more information.

In addition to the above internship, the Fine Arts Center is also always accepting applications for volunteers. Fine Arts Center volunteers get the opportunity to meet new people and explore their interests while also supporting the arts community. Volunteers help in different areas such as hospitality and special events. Much like an internship, you would receive the opportunity to explore careers in the arts and what it’s like to work in an art gallery. To apply for a volunteer position, or for more information, call 719.477.4366 or email [email protected].

For those of you willing to make a short trip, museums and galleries throughout Denver offer a variety of internship opportunities. The Denver Art Museum is currently offering a graphic design internship for spring of 2015. The application deadline is January 30^th, 2015. The museum is looking for an intern seeking real-life experience. This intern will learn the ropes of the communications field, with special emphasis in graphic design. This is a part-time internship for academic credit, and includes great perks but no financial compensation. If this sounds appealing to you, visit http://www.denverartmuseum.org/about/jobs-internships for more information.

As you will find out, some art internships are very serious, while some are more relaxed and fun. Internships differ in what they expect of applicants, as well as what they involve. Art internships are very common in popular museums and galleries such as the Fine Arts Center, and less advertised at smaller, more independent galleries. For example, although many galleries such as the Tracy Miller Art Gallery and Green Horse Gallery in Manitou Springs don’t specifically list internship opportunities on their websites, they are more than willing to talk to enthusiastic students who are interested in working with them. Finding the right internship takes time and research, and never be afraid to personally drop into an art gallery and introduce yourself. So, start exploring! The world of art is wide and inviting, and is waiting for you to dive in.