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Public Art Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epacenter

Design Studio Internship

East Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Design Studio Internship Job Type: Paid Temporary, Internship, Non-Exempt Reports to: Director of ... The studio model draws on a socially engaged, materials-based approach to public art, treating a ...

Epacenter

Design Studio Internship

East Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Design Studio Internship Job Type: Paid Temporary, Internship, Non-Exempt Reports to: Director of ... The studio model draws on a socially engaged, materials-based approach to public art, treating a ...

Epacenter

Design Studio Internship

East Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Design Studio Internship Job Type: Paid Temporary, Internship, Non-Exempt Reports to: Director of ... The studio model draws on a socially engaged, materials-based approach to public art, treating a ...

Heritage Auctions

Public Relations Internship

Dallas, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

From technology and communications to fine art and collectibles, we are seeking the next generation ... Internships are paid and may last from eight weeks to 90 days. Public Relations Internship ...

Lord Cultural Resources

Consultant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$55/hr

... internships included) in arts administration, urban planning, public art, cultural policy, research, or a related field. Strong writing and communication skills. Proven research and analytical skills ...

Lord Cultural Resources

Consultant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$55/hr

... internships included) in arts administration, urban planning, public art, cultural policy, research, or a related field. Strong writing and communication skills. Proven research and analytical skills ...

Lord Cultural Resources Inc.

Consultant

Culver City, CA · On-site

$55 - $70/hr

... include internships or early-career roles in arts administration, urban planning, public art, cultural policy, research, or a related field. * Strong writing and communication skills. * Proven ...

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Public Art Internship information

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How much do public art internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for public art internship in the United States is $16.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public art internship?

A Public Art Internship is a temporary position designed to give students or emerging professionals hands-on experience working with public art projects. Interns may assist with project management, community outreach, research, installation, and documentation of artworks in public spaces. These internships provide valuable insight into how public art programs operate and help interns build skills in arts administration, curation, and communication. The goal is to prepare individuals for careers in the arts by exposing them to real-world challenges and opportunities in public art.

What types of projects and collaborations can I expect during a public art internship?

As a Public Art Intern, you'll typically assist with a variety of projects such as planning and installing temporary or permanent art installations, helping with community engagement events, and supporting public artists in their creative process. You'll collaborate closely with artists, city officials, curators, and sometimes local community members to ensure projects align with both artistic vision and municipal guidelines. This role often offers hands-on experience in project management, research, and logistical coordination, providing valuable exposure to the public art field and networking opportunities for future career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public art intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Art Intern, you generally need a background in art, art history, or a related field, along with strong organizational and research skills. Familiarity with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), project management tools, and basic knowledge of public art processes are typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help interns collaborate with artists, community members, and municipal staff. These skills are crucial for successfully supporting public art projects from conception to installation, fostering community engagement, and ensuring smooth project execution.

What is the difference between Public Art Internship vs Public Art Coordinator?

AspectPublic Art InternshipPublic Art Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of arts, design, or related programsOften requires experience in arts administration, project management, or related fields
Work EnvironmentTemporary, educational, and training-focused; often in museums, galleries, or public agenciesFull-time, professional role managing public art projects and programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by arts organizations, city agencies, and cultural institutions for trainingUsed by municipalities, arts councils, and public agencies for project oversight

While a Public Art Internship provides hands-on experience and training in public art projects, a Public Art Coordinator is a professional responsible for managing, implementing, and overseeing public art initiatives. Internships are entry-level and educational, whereas coordinators hold more responsibility and require relevant experience.

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Public Art Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Art Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,957 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Design Studio Internship

Epacenter

East Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Temporary

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Design Studio Internship
Job Type: Paid Temporary, Internship, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Director of Visual Arts
Organizational Overview
EPACENTER is a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural engagement headquartered in East Palo Alto. We are dedicated to inspiring imagination and activating the creative potential of all who seek greater access to artistic opportunities in San Mateo County. EPACENTER unites individuals of every age through artistic expression, supports career pathways in creative fields, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our community.
EPACENTER presents a dynamic range of public programs, including captivating live performances, thought-provoking exhibitions and installations, stimulating lectures, curated film screenings, and spirited community events. Our comprehensive array of classes in digital, visual, culinary, and performing arts offers abundant opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and the discovery of lifelong passions. Additionally, fellowship and training programs open doors to rewarding high-wage careers within the creative industries.
Designed as an inviting and accessible 25,000-square-foot space, EPACENTER is a welcoming gathering spot where people of all abilities explore their talents, engage with inspiring ideas, and flourish creatively.
Position Overview
The inaugural Immersive Environments Design Studio is a design-build internship housed within EPACENTER's Creative Enterprise initiative. Interns work with the Director of Visual Arts and a lead artist to conceptualize, and eventually create, an immersive environment, first for EPACENTER and eventually for institutions that serve the public through cultivating relationships with local government arts councils, community centers, schools, libraries, and hospitals, with room to expand into, transit hubs, and corporate developments.
Interns will learn the skills to eventually function as a working design studio-for-hire: scouting clients, running consultation meetings, reading a site, developing a concept rooted in that community's identity, fabricating the work, installing it on location, and assessing how it performs for key stakeholders.
The studio model draws on a socially engaged, materials-based approach to public art, treating a wall, hallway, or waiting room as a canvas for participatory, site-specific storytelling, treating that sensibility into a repeatable, commissionable service line. The goal of the inaugural year is to build and prove a working prototype hosted at EPACENTER, positioning the studio as both a design-build practice and a Creative Workforce pipeline into careers in immersive exhibition design, environmental design, and public art among others.
In addition to the key component of immersive exhibition design, interns will learn the principles and best practices of arts education, incorporating student art into the final design.
Key Roles
Throughout the course of the internship, interns will have the opportunity to engage in 1 or more of the following project roles:
  • Lead Designer: Develops the spatial/visual concept from client brief and site visit through schematic design
  • Client Liaison / Project Manager: Runs intake meetings, manages timeline and budget, is the studio's point of contact with the institution
  • Materials Researcher: Sources materials and fabrication methods appropriate to each site's constraints (durability, safety, budget)
  • Fabrication: Builds installation components in-studio
  • Installation Technician: Leads on-site install, site prep, and safe handling in occupied public spaces
  • Documentation & Assessment: Photographs and documents the process and finished work, runs the post-installation user-response tool, and compiles the case study
  • Community Engagement: Gathers stakeholder and community input during conception, and coordinates any public-facing reveal or walkthrough
  • Classroom Assistant: Assistant classroom arts teachers across a variety of media including digital art, photography, sculpture, and filmmaking.

Qualifications
  • Desire to learn through doing, with a commitment to a growth mindset
  • Interest in community-centric design, immersive exhibition design, environmental design, or a related creative field
  • Comfort working collaboratively and adapting to real-world constraints
  • Ability to represent the organization professionally in front of clients who may or may not have an arts background
  • Willingness to engage in hands-on fabrication and site installation work
  • Openness to giving and receiving feedback
  • Experience working with children and adults in an arts environment

Desired Qualifications
  • Spanish speaking, or multilingual a plus
  • Entrepreneurial mindset and solution-oriented approach
  • Prior experience with a studio-based, community-facing, or client-facing creative project (student or professional)
  • Familiarity with sketching, illustration, digital software, basic fabrication tools and materials handling
  • Experience gathering or synthesizing community/stakeholder input
  • Interest in pursuing a career in the arts, environmental design, exhibition design, museum or hospital art programs, or public art administration

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling materials.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and by email..
  • Ability to read printed materials and computer screens for extended periods.

What Interns Will Gain
  • Work closely with artists, design professionals and administrators in an apprenticeship capacity
  • Learn fundamentals of program design and engagement
  • Read a client brief and translate community input into a design concept
  • Budget and fabricate to a real, non-negotiable constraint
  • Install work safely in an occupied public space
  • Formal evaluation and assessment process
  • Portfolio design examples

Who Should Apply
This program is for emerging artists, designers, and creative producers aged 18 - 25, who want hands-on experience in an emerging field, and are ready to take on this challenge!
How to Apply
Submit:
  • Cover letter outlining why you are the best fit for this opportunity and what you expect to gain from this experience.
  • Resume/C.V.
  • Portfolio Samples (optional) to this address: jenniferifilryan@epacenterarts.org

Apply