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Arts Organizations of the greater Orange County area are eligible to apply to the Arts Launch program, with priority given to small and midsize organizations who serve historically excluded populations and center diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in their mission. 

Organizations may receive an Intern in order to:

• Drive your organization's mission forward with increased resources
• Fulfill areas of need with an engaged, emerging arts professional
• Develop the next generation of creative leaders

Arts Launch Interns are UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts (UCI Arts) students majoring in Art, Dance, Drama or Music. The Arts Launch Internship Program not only provides UCI Arts students with paid, valuable professional learning and development, it also further promotes the vibrant Orange County arts community by supporting the important work its area arts organizations are doing.

Application

Organizations and its Intern Supervisors are committed to providing a positive working and professional experience for our Arts Launch Interns. The relationship between the intern and the supervisor should be mutual, with the intern gaining just as much from the supervisor and organization as the supervisor and organization gains from the intern.

Organizations/Intern Supervisors must:

• Be an Orange County arts organization, without an existing paid internship opportunity
• Possess strong communication and collaborative skills
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor
• Maintain flexibility and understanding that our Interns are students first, interns second

The core responsibilities of the Organization/Supervisors are to:

• Support, mentor, and supervise the Intern by providing duties and projects that align with your organization's goals and needs
• Attend and engage in all required Supervisor activities, including orientation, evaluations and symposium
• Communicate regularly with the Intern and program staff on both successes and challenges
• Liaise with organization administration and any other stakeholders
• Build and maintain a safe and comfortable community for all participants

Please review the Organization Application Guide for more information on what you will need to apply.

Apply

Due Tuesday, June 2, 2026 @ 12 noon PDT

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Application/Position Timeline

Spring 2026 Quarter

• Monday, March 30 // Organization applications open
• Tuesday, June 2 // Organization applications due

Summer 2026 Quarter

• June // Organization application review & virtual meetings
• July // Intern-Organization interviews
• August // Matching & initial meetings
• September 17 // Mandatory Organization Orientation (remote)

2026-2027 School Year

• End of September - Beginning of June // Internship work
• February // Mid-Year Evaluations
• May // Final Evaluations + End of the Year Symposium

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How are Organizations matched with an Intern?

​Interns will be able to review Organization applications and interview those that interest them in July. Matches will be determined in August, after which an initial meeting between the Intern and Organization will be scheduled to discuss needs and goals. Once both Intern and Organization agree to move forward with the match, the Intern will take responsibility for managing their internship, working with the Organization to plan and confirm work hours and duties.

Please note, we do our best to match the interests of the Interns with the needs of the Organizations. Because of this, we, unfortunately, may not be able to provide all Organizations with an Intern.

• What is the expected time commitment to participate in this program?

​Interns are expected to work 5-19.5 hours per week with your organization. These hours may vary and will be determined between the Intern and the Organization/Supervisor. Hours can consist of independent remote work, meetings, on-site activity, event support, or anything else that may be needed. If matched with an Intern, Organizations are also required to attend a mandatory remote Orientation in September and an in-person End of the Year Presentation & Reception in May.

• My organization is extremely interested in applying for an Arts Launch Intern, however, we do not have the resources to support such employment. Can we still apply?

​Yes! This opportunity is available to any Orange County arts organization with no fee or cost aside from your generosity of time, commitment and mentorship to our Interns. Our Interns will be compensated through our Arts Launch program. If successfully matched with an Intern, your Organization will receive a $1,000 stipend to help cover the costs of hosting an Intern. More information on how to receive the stipend will be shared once matched.​

• What if I have other questions that were not answered here?

Should you have any other questions or concerns, please email us at artsengagement@uci.edu.

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