The 14 Best Art Internships and Fellowships
- Art majors can apply for internships with big-name companies like Disney, Nike, and Apple.
- Many programs are available in the summer and maintain basic eligibility requirements.
- Art fellowships allow students to gain real-world experience while honing their creative skills.
Today’s art majors have many options when it comes to art internships and fellowships. In addition to providing valuable work experience, internships give participants the chance to work with mentors and connect with industry professionals.
Though many companies and organizations have shifted their internship models due to the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities still abound in the creative sector. Benefits and eligibility requirements vary, with some internships offering pay and functioning like a full-time job. Many programs allow participants to earn college credit as well.
Students hoping to pursue careers in the arts can benefit greatly from gaining real-world experience before entering the job market. Here are 14 of the best art internships for students specializing in animation, game design, fashion, graphic design, drama, and music.
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Animation Internships
Walt Disney Animation Studios Internship Program
The famed animation giant offers several for-credit, paid summer internships with concentrations in filmmaking, design, and technology. Each internship lasts 12 weeks and includes professional seminars, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative projects. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
At least 18 years old- Enrolled in a postsecondary program
Pixar Animation Studios Summer Internships
Fans of hit animated movies like “Toy Story” and “Brave” may want to participate in one of Pixar’s summer art internships, which offer concentrations in animation, story, layout, and technical direction. These paid, 12-week internships stress the importance of mentorship and give students access to companywide events, such as lectures and screenings.
Eligibility
Nickelodeon Artist Program
The Nick Artist Program offers three internship tracks — general design, storyboard, and CG (computer graphics) generalist — for budding animators and artists. Unlike other art internships, this program is a full-time job lasting six months. Interns get to work directly on the studio’s animated TV series and do not need a college degree to apply. All applications must be submitted by August 1.
Eligibility
- At least 18 years old
- Must submit a design portfolio and/or demo reel
Game Design Internships
Epic Games Internships
A popular U.S. video game developer based in North Carolina, Epic Games hosts competitive, year-round internships for students interested in fields like art, game design, UX (user experience), and software engineering. Interns work 3-12 months and receive pay, relocation assistance, housing, and other perks, such as meals and swag.
Eligibility
- High school graduates with 0-3 years of work experience in the tech/gaming industry
- Must undergo an interview
Riot Games University Programs
League of Legends creator Riot Games hosts college students for 10-12 weeks each summer for a chance to collaborate with industry professionals. Interns work on site at one of the company’s U.S. offices and receive competitive pay, relocation assistance, and housing. Other perks include meals and a $75 gaming stipend.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in a postsecondary program
- Authorized to work in the U.S.
Fashion/Graphic Design Internships
Express Summer Internship Program
Premier fashion retailer Express offers paid internships to college students interested in various aspects of fashion, such as design, graphic design, and marketing/visual. Interns work full time from May to August in either the Ohio office or the New York City office. As an intern, you’ll help industry mentors create and manage projects, and participate in special events and activities.
Eligibility
Apple Internships
As the world’s biggest technology curator, Apple welcomes college students to work on some of its latest products and designs. These for-credit programs run for three months year-round for individuals interested in fields such as graphics/UX design and software engineering.
Eligibility
Nike Internships
Footwear giant Nike hosts many paid internships year-round, with several geared specifically toward design. These fashion internships offer concentrations in areas such as apparel design, footwear design, and material design, and require students to complete individual design projects.
Eligibility
Performing Arts/Theater Internships
Disney College Program
The House of Mouse offers performing arts majors the chance to flex their acting muscles in one of the company’s famed U.S. theme parks. Students can take part in productions and day-to-day operations. These highly competitive, paid internships provide college credit and a full-time position lasting 5-7 months at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland.
Eligibility
- At least 18 years old
- Enrolled in a postsecondary program or a recent graduate
- Authorized to work in the U.S.
FGTM/BFV Management/54 Below Internship Program
Art students can work with one of New York’s premier theatrical companies on Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Participants in this unpaid internship earn college credit while getting hands-on experience with stage production and management. Students can participate in the program for either a year or seasonally (spring, summer, or fall).
Eligibility
Dramatist Guilds Foundation Fellows Program
This renowned acting foundation offers paid art fellowships to students interested in fields like playwriting, music composition, and lyricism. Participants hone and develop their craft while being mentored by industry professionals over the course of a year. Applications open in the fall.
Eligibility
The Old Globe Internships
A highly regarded California-based theater organization, The Old Globe offers unpaid internships year-round to college students and recent graduates. Participants can earn college credit while training under world-renowned theater professionals in a variety of departments.
Eligibility
Music Internships
Atlantic Records Internship Program
A historic record label, Atlantic Records offers upper-level college students the opportunity to work in the music industry. Participants in this unpaid internship earn college credit while learning, collaborating, and developing their skills across multiple departments. Students can participate in the program in the spring, summer, or fall.
Eligibility
- Current sophomore or junior (or rising sophomore or junior for summer internships)
- Previous internship or work experience
The Recording Academy Intern Program
For music students, working for music’s biggest voting body is a prime opportunity for gaining industry knowledge. This unpaid internship allows participants to earn college credit over the course of 12 weeks, or one semester, while shadowing industry professionals. Interns work 20 hours a week, with some time spent working on weekends and in evenings.
Eligibility
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