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Give us a call or send us an email at:
Access & Engagement
(949) 824-8976
artsengagement@uci.edu
4000 Mesa Rd, Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92697-2775
Arts Launch
The Arts Launch Internship Program at UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts (UCI Arts) offers paid, academic year-long arts management internships for UCI Arts students to explore career pathways in the Orange County creative sector.
Arts Launch aims to:
- Support UCI Arts students’ career and professional goals
- Broaden who UCI Arts students think about working in the creative sector
- Strengthen arts organizations in Orange County
- Develop the next generation of creative leaders
Orange County lacks a comprehensive internship program for those interested in working in the creative sector. Arts Launch helps fill this gap by supporting UCI Arts students' professional growth, while promoting the vibrant arts community in Orange County.
Participation is free for organizations. Priority is given to small and mid-size organizations that serve historically excluded communities and center diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their mission.
Interns
Arts Launch Interns are UCI Arts students who are looking to build their professional skills and gain experience in the creative sector.
“ I’m excited to show up to work because I know I’m contributing to the industry I want to build a career in. ”
Double major Music and Business Administration, Intern at Philharmonic Society of Orange County
Interns participate in Arts Launch because they are:
- Interested in exploring career opportunities in the arts
- Seeking hands-on professional and leadership experience through mentorship and connections
- Looking to contribute to the mission of local arts organizations in Orange County
The program provides UCI Arts students with paid professional development and the chance to explore different career paths. Interns work with an Orange County Organization to build transferable skills used in careers both inside and outside the creative sector.
In partnership with the Orange County Department of Education, Arts Launch Interns will also be registered in the OC Pathways Apprenticeship Program. Upon completion, Interns will receive a skills conforming certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor and the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Applicants must be UCI Arts students majoring in Art, Dance, Drama, or Music. Read about the position, responsibilities, and expectations in the job description.
Applications due June 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Timeline
Spring 2026
- Monday, March 30 — Intern applications open
- Tuesday, March 31 — Information Session
- Tuesday, June 2 by 12:00 PM (noon) — Intern applications due
- June 8–12 — Intern interviews
Summer 2026
- Tuesday, June 16 — Intern offers sent
- July — Intern and organization interviews
- August — Intern and organization matching
- September 9–11 and 14–15 — Mandatory remote training
2026-2027 School Year
- Late September through early June — Internship work and quarterly networking events (exact dates to be announced)
- February — Mid-year evaluations
- May — Final evaluations and end-of-year symposium
What types of internships are available through Arts Launch?
Internship opportunities vary each year based on the organizations that apply and their needs. Internships may be in areas such as marketing, fundraising, community outreach, education, and more.
How are Interns matched with an Organization?
Interns will review organization applications and interview those that interest them in July. Matches will be made in August. After matching, the intern and organization will meet to discuss needs and goals. Once matched, the intern will manage their internship by working with the organization to plan work hours and duties.
Will I know which Organizations applied before I apply?
The list of organizations is shared only after you are accepted into the program. We ask about your areas of interest in the application and during the interview, and we use your responses to guide our outreach to organizations. We do our best to match interns with organizations, but opportunities may vary from year to year.
I do not have a vehicle to travel to and from my internship. Can I still participate in Arts Launch?
Yes! We want all UCI Arts students to take advantage of this opportunity and are committed to removing barriers to participation. We reimburse all Interns for transportation costs to and from their internship sites, whether you use a personal vehicle, public transportation, or a ride service.
What if I have other questions that were not answered here?
If you have any other questions or concerns, please email us at artsengagement@uci.edu.
Organizations
Organizations in the greater Orange County area without an existing internship program are eligible to apply. Priority is given to small and mid-size organizations that serve historically excluded communities and center diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in their mission.
“ UC Irvine’s Arts Launch program has some of the most driven students that you’re ever going to find. They come to your organization ready to contribute and learn, but they also leave a lasting mark. ”
President & CEO, Arts Orange County
Organizations may receive an Intern to:
- Advance your mission with added support and resources
- Fill areas of need with an engaged, emerging arts professional
- Help develop the next generation of creative leaders
Participation in Arts Launch is free for Orange County organizations, as it is entirely donor-funded. Matched organizations receive a stipend to help cover the costs of hosting an Intern.
Organizations and their Intern Supervisors are committed to providing a positive professional experience for our Arts Launch Interns. The relationship between the intern and the supervisor should be mutually beneficial, with both Intern and Organization learning from one another.
Organizations and Intern Supervisors must:
- Be located in Orange County and not have an existing paid internship
- Have strong communication and collaborative skills
- Serve as a positive role model and mentor
- Be flexible and understanding, as our Interns are students first and interns second
Responsibilities of the Organization and Intern Supervisors include:
- Supporting, mentoring, and supervising the intern by assigning tasks and projects that align with your organization's goals
- Attending and participating in all required supervisor activities, including orientation, evaluations, and the symposium
- Communicating regularly with the intern and program staff about successes and challenges
- Coordinating with organization leadership and other stakeholders
- Creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all participants
Review the Organization Application Guide for more information on what is needed to apply.
Applications due Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Timeline
Spring 2026
- Monday, March 30 — Organization applications open
- Tuesday, June 2 — Organization applications due
Summer 2026
- June — Organization application review and virtual meetings
- July — Intern and organization interviews
- August — Matching and initial meetings
- September 17 — Mandatory organization orientation (remote)
2026–2027 School Year
- Late September through early June — Internship work
- February — Mid-year evaluations
- May — Final evaluations and end-of-year symposium
How are Organizations matched with an Intern?
Interns will review organization applications and interview those that interest them in July. Matches will be made in August. After matching, the intern and organization will meet to discuss needs and goals. Once matched, the Intern will manage their internship by working with their supervisor to plan work hours and duties. We ask Supervisors to stay in regular communication with their Intern and remain supportive and flexible throughout the year, keeping in mind that their Intern is a student first.
Please note, we do our best to match intern interests with organization needs. Because of this, we may not be able to place an intern with every organization.
What is the expected time commitment to participate in this program?
Interns are expected to work 5 to 19.5 hours per week. Hours may vary from week to week and will be agreed upon between the Intern and their supervisor. Hours may include remote work, meetings, on-site activities, event support, or other tasks as needed. Organizations are also required to attend a mandatory remote orientation in September and an in-person end-of-year symposium 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! There is no cost to participate, aside from your generosity of time and mentorship. Interns are compensated through the Arts Launch program. If matched, your Organization will also receive a $1,000 stipend to help cover the costs of hosting an Intern. More details on 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.
