Top 7 Art Internships For High School Students To Apply

We sure know high schoolers who always talk about the abstract ideas, look beyond the ordinary colors, and love witnessing the world from different perspectives. These artistic students deserve much more than classroom lectures. Imagine the chance of working with real artists, exploring museum collections, or even curating exhibitions. That is exactly what every art enthusiast desires to do while exploring the field.

Do you know the best way to understand art as an industry and as a profession? Well, art internships are the answer! Art internships open the door to this exciting world, offering a unique blend of creativity and fun. 

Most go far beyond making art; they help high schoolers understand how museums, galleries, and creative industries function. They prepare students for future studies and careers while fueling their passion for the arts.

7 Internships for Art Aspirants In High School

Art internships help students pursue their hobby, which can go beyond just painting and drawing. The below-mentioned art internships cover the areas of exhibitions, leadership, museums, and management to familiarize high schoolers with the real art world.

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

For students looking for a passionate internship, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the best one. It offers paid high school internships in the field of art. The internship is open to high schoolers in New York City. Even rising juniors or seniors from NY, NJ, or CT can participate in the internship. 

The museum also provides summer internships. It’s the time when high schoolers can get hands-on experience in museum careers. The internship gives an opportunity to connect with art and museum professionals. As students gain mentorship and develop networks, they also understand the practicality of a future in art. They also contribute to the museum community, making it a collaborative effort.

2. Oolite Arts Internship

Here is another interesting opportunity for high school. The Oolite Arts Internship is an excellent way to learn and earn fair compensation for your effort. It is available at the Miami Beach location, where students need to commit 10–20 hours per week. They can also participate in the Program Internship. It provides behind-the-scenes experience in planning exhibitions and events.

Similarly, another popular option is the Printshop Internship. Here, students get to assist with daily operations of a professional printmaking studio. They also get an opportunity to be a part of development workshops and art activities along with their peers. The internship helps them connect with artists and present their learning in a final reflection.

3. National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is a summer internship open to all students. It is a unique opportunity to explore careers in the arts while gaining professional experience. The internship begins from June 2 to August 1, 2025. This program places interns in varied projects tailored to their skills and interests. Hence, they learn to blend, collaborate, and explore. 

The internship also offers special tours and networking with museum leaders. Hence, this helps high school students build their personal and professional connections. The internship is fully paid, wherein students can earn $25.26 per hour and an $1,818 living stipend. It also offers travel support to selected students. Students need to complete an online application and be prepared for a virtual interview if shortlisted.

4. Bloomberg Arts Internship 

An artistic opportunity like this is perfect for high school students. The Bloomberg Arts Internship is a summer program for high school seniors. It helps them gain real-world experience in the arts while preparing for college and future careers. The internship is available in New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C.

Bloomberg places students in paid roles at cultural organizations. Hence, high schoolers get exposure to museum work, arts administration, and community engagement. Students also get an opportunity to attend career readiness workshops and local arts events. They receive mentorship from experienced art professionals, thereby strengthening their network in the creative industries.

5. Brooklyn Museum

Museums are fascinating places where even a blank corner seems to be artistic. Working in a museum is indeed a great way to dive into art. The Brooklyn Museum offers several paid internships for high schoolers, allowing them to gain hands-on experience. They understand art, education, and community programming. 

Students can be a part of Creative Practice, which includes assisting teaching artists in workshops. Another highlight is the Teen Night Planning Committee. High school students can design and promote art-focused events. 

The last is InterseXtions (LGBTQ+), which helps students explore identities through art. High schoolers can also opt for the Museum Apprentice Program. This is where they can teach, lead tours, and support family programs. 

6. Gilder Lehrman Institute

For high schoolers looking for a remote opportunity, the Gilder Lehrman Institute is an ideal choice. They offer paid remote internships for students interested in art. It specifically focuses on museums and cultural institutions. Interns get an opportunity to work on projects like digital archives, educational programming, and collection management. 

They also gain hands-on experience with historical documents and artifacts. While it is not exclusively art-focused, these roles intersect with museum studies. Students also learn about preservation and exhibition design. The internship requires 10–30 hours per week at $16.50 per hour. The academic-year internships require 10–15 hours weekly at $16 per hour. 

7. The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) 

Here is an excellent opportunity for teenagers to explore art in a distinctive manner. The Museum of Arts and Design is known for providing internships in various artistic careers. One of their significant internships is Artslife. It is a paid summer internship for NYC public and high schoolers. Students learn museum studies and community engagement along with aspects of leadership. Interns can also work alongside museum staff and artists, thereby gaining practical knowledge.

The same museum also offers an internship named RECESS. It is rather an intensive paid internship for teens from 13 to 18 years of age. They can lead youth-friendly tours of MAD exhibitions. This helps them understand what goes on behind the scenes. Additionally, Artslab workshops connect students with renowned artists. From creating artwork to collaborating with peers, it gives an overall view of the art industry.

Wrapping Up

For students always flauting their art project ideas, these internships become a pathway to learn, collaborate, and network. That is how high schoolers can emerge as decent artists in their near future. As these internships provide meaningful exposure to the creative world, students get an opportunity to make a well-thought-out career decision. 

They can also participate in various art competitions to build a strong portfolio. Hence, internships are a great way to develop a stronger appreciation for the arts. Lastly, they motivate students to turn their passion into success.