Art Speak Internship

The Asian Art Museum’s Art Speak internship offers on-the-job training and monthly stipends to Bay Area public high school students in grades 10 to 12. Interns explore Asian art and cultural traditions, learn from local artists and arts organizations, conduct informational interviews with museum staff to explore careers in the arts, and develop leadership skills by creating and leading art activities with the public.

The Art Speak internship is a paid nine-month experience that runs from September to May. Interns are on-site Thursdays after school and Sundays, with occasional Saturdays as needed, and are expected to commit six to eight hours each week.

What Will I Do at the Museum?

• Discover the art and cultural traditions of Asia and learn about special exhibitions and the museum collection.
• Create hands-on art activities and other materials for learning about art and culture.
• Develop and lead art activities for bimonthly Family Fun Days, cultural celebrations and public programs.
• Learn about the Bay Area arts scene and particiapte in workshops with local artists.
• Get together with like-minded teens working at other San Francisco museums.
• Meet museum staff and learn about running a world-class arts organization.
• Use social media to build an online youth presence and generate interest in the museum’s programs.

Am I Eligible?

The Art Speak internship is open to:

• SFUSD and East Bay public high school students in good standing in grades 10, 11 and 12.
• Teens interested in art-making, art history, Asian culture, museums, writing, social media, social justice and arts education.
• Artistic, responsible, self-motivated, enthusiastic teens excited about working in a creative environment.
• Outgoing individuals eager to share their artistic skills by teaching museum visitors.
• Youth who are comfortable interacting with the public and enjoy meeting new people.
• Students who can commit to being at the museum eight hours a week for nine months.

What’s In It for Me?

Art Speak interns get:

• A monthly stipend.
• School credit (if applicable; must be confirmed through your school before applying).
• A Teen Pass membership, a free yearlong museum membership and access to programs and exhibitions.
• Opportunities to spend time with other artistic teens, professional artists and museum staff.
• Opportunities to expand your skill set and build your portfolio.
• Field trips to other museums and art spaces.
• Rich experience for resumes, jobs and college applications.