An intern screen-printing with an artist at Urban Arts Space's monthly Artist Commune event
Urban Arts Space interns, staff, and volunteers after the Artist Commune: Fashion Show
An intern installing artwork at the gallery
Two interns painting a window display to promote a show
An intern giving a gallery tour at Urban Arts Space
An intern leading a rooftop garden tour at the Lazarus building
Internships at Urban Arts Space & Hopkins Hall Gallery
Our internship program offers students from The Ohio State University the opportunity to gain comprehensive experiences in the operation of the College of Arts and Sciences’ Urban Arts Space (UAS) and Hopkins Hall Gallery (HHG). Guided by professional staff, student interns advance the mission of the galleries through the delivery of exhibitions, programming, and events. Interns are integral members of the staff and support daily operations through active learning experiences, hands-on projects, and group collaborations. The internship offers students the opportunity to employ classroom research in a professional setting to better prepare them in their professional pursuits.
Starting in 2024, Urban Arts Space launched a two-semester internship/externship program funded by the Mellon Foundation. Interns will spend one semester learning about gallery operations, from installing exhibitions and creating social media posts to planning events and engaging with the community. The second semester, interns will apply their skills at a community arts organization tailored to their interests. Interns are paid $13/hour and are expected to work for at least 10–15 hours/week.
You can read more about the program and our Internship Program Coordinator, Ashley Martin, on the Arts at Ohio State website.
How We Work
Students will work alongside professional staff to support exhibitions, programming, and events while contributing to daily operations. This role includes hands-on projects and collaborative learning, with a focus on art installation, gallery operations, marketing, and community programming, including ADA guidelines and accessibility practices.
In their first semester, interns will engage with Urban Arts Space activities and may choose a specialization, while in their second semester to further their development, students will be placed with community arts organizations and non-profits in Columbus, Ohio, that are seeking to build just communities through the arts. Designed for students passionate about community-based arts engagement, this program is open to all Ohio State undergraduates and aims to enhance access to the arts.
Key Responsibilities
- Research, plan, and implement educational programs, tours, and art activities inspired by current or past exhibitions.
- Gain experience in educational program planning, lesson planning, art-making processes, public speaking, and teaching.
- Assist various senior staff members in developing and operating exhibition-specific programs and collaborating on outreach activities.
- Participate in exhibition management, including design, artwork installation, and strike processes.
- Contribute to the planning and execution of exhibitions, window displays, and other aspects of striking and installing exhibitions.
- Assist in the planning and execution of communications strategies, including blog posts, press releases, and social media content.
- Collaborate with design and photo/video interns to maintain and innovate marketing efforts.
- Propose new materials and strategies to publicize events at UAS and HHG.
- Document and archive activities related to exhibitions, programming, and events.
- Conduct research to stay familiar with upcoming events, artworks, artists, and accessibility practices.
What to Expect
Urban Arts Space fosters a work culture that is open, interesting, creative, and challenging, and our interns must be self-motivated. Teamwork is essential to facilitate exhibitions, gallery programming, and daily operations. In addition to the interns’ concentration, all interns support general operations requirements for Urban Arts Space and Hopkins Hall Gallery including activities such as:
- Staffing gallery receptions, programs, and/or events
- Monitoring the gallery and the safety of the artwork
- Providing docent services for guests and groups
- Program and event set-up and management
- Basic customer service responsibilities to ensure a welcoming guest experience
- Supporting specific day-to-day facility maintenance
Interns are requested to work a minimum of 10–15 hours per week at Urban Arts Space and/or Hopkins Hall Gallery. However, hours are flexible based on student availability. Applicants must available during regular gallery hours.
Learn more about past interns' experiences in the video interview below!
How to Apply
Interested applicants may submit their application via Ohio State's job-posting platform, Workday, when open positions are available. Selected applicants will be invited for a follow-up interview at Urban Arts Space. Open internship opportunities are often advertised on the UAS Instagram and newsletter, with position postings typically occurring in April (for Summer), August (for Fall), and November (for Spring), although posting dates can vary.
We strongly recommend submitting a cover letter with your résumé expressing why you're interested in this position and what skills you'll bring to the role.
Apply by Nov. 4 for Spring 2025 internships!
The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status. To learn more, read Ohio State's Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.
Questions?
Contact Ashley Martin at martin.4988@osu.edu.
Professional Development Grant for Urban Arts Space (UAS) Interns
The UAS Professional Development Grant encourages Urban Arts Space interns to prepare for careers in their chosen field after graduation by helping defray costs associated with career development. By offering grants of up to $500 for one applicant per funding period, UAS will provide an incentive for interns to invest in their futures while interning at UAS. The UAS Professional Development Grants will be awarded to interns demonstrating strong linkages between their stated professional goals and their submitted professional development plan.
Applicants should read the full guidelines prior to applying. Next deadline TBD.