Texans for the Arts Internships

Internships are a key component of Texans for the Arts’ work both to extend our reach, capacity and impact, and to provide learning opportunities for students particularly interested in learning how to develop and galvanize community support for the arts. 

Interning with Texans for the Arts (TFA) is a unique opportunity for those interested in the intersection between the creative industries and the political world of securing public resources. 

Our interns are a vital part of our team at TFA. We believe internships are opportunities for professional development, as well as a chance for our interns to explore their own interests and bring their skills to the table. Our interns are an integral part of our staff and the pathways we provide for involvement that yield both professional growth and real impact on the organization’s work now and in the future. 

Through a variety of projects, interns will gain an understanding of non-profit arts administration and advocacy and will learn skills in community outreach, event coordinating, development, and public policy.

Texans for the Arts represents hundreds of arts nonprofits, large and small, all over the State. Many of the connections and networking opportunities the organization provides has led to our intern’s landing employment in the sector, and we are both proud and happy to facilitate this when and where we can!

Because of the timing of the Texas Legislature (140 days every two years, odd-numbered years), the cycle of activities engaging interns will vary quite a bit between even and odd-numbered years.

Texans for the Arts’ interns will report to Executive Director Ann S. Graham and Associate Director Christopher Kiley. While Texans for the Arts is based in Austin, most of the organization’s work is conducted virtually through Zoom and phone, so long-distance applicants are welcome to apply. We do offer a few opportunities for in person activities and tend to be on site in places like the Capitol Building more during the years that the Texas Legislature is in session. 

Time Commitment: 10-15+ hours per week (very flexible around interns academic and/or work schedule). 

Compensation: Texans for the Arts provides compensation for our internships based on the position and the time commitment agreed upon during the onboarding process.

Academic Credit: Texans for the Arts will support interns seeking academic credit for their time as an intern and will process required paperwork, as needed.

General Recommended Interests and Qualifications:

• Passion for the arts and a community’s access to the arts and culture.
• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the fields of Public Policy, Arts Administration, Fine Arts, Political Science, and/or Government Relations.
• Familiarity with and/or interest in local, state, and federal politics.
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and basic web content development (ideally Nationbuilder).
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency in Google Drive applications and Excel.
• Reliable, communicative and provide a fresh perspective, organized
• Possess a positive attitude and an ability to problem-solve.

Positions:

Texans for the Arts has several different internship opportunities based on those who possess specific skill sets and interests. Please see the opportunities we provide below. 

Non-Profit Operations, Management Training

This position is designed for those that may have an interest in long term employment in the nonprofit sector. These interns work closely with our senior leadership and often work on long term projects that have lasting impact on the organization. 

Strategic Communications

This position is designed for those that have a long-term interest working in the marketing and communications field. These interns help develop and execute our digital marketing and communications and oversee our entire social media presence. 

Web/Graphic Design

Technology is important to any business, including non-profits. This intern helps develop improvements to our website, user engagement, and database management. They also help create digital marketing materials, infographics, and other digital media that helps promote awareness about TFA and the importance of public resources for the arts. 

Event Management/ Government Relations 

This position is only available at certain times during the biennial cycle; but it is pivotal to the organization. This position helps develop and execute our most important event, the Texas Arts Advocacy Summit.  This role will communicate with our base, offices of elected officials and vendors/sponsors for the event. 

Development 

This position is designed for those interested in a future in fundraising. This is a field that is chronically in search of young talent; and we want to open the door for those interested. Researching and writing grants, identifying, and following leads on prospective donors and members, and looking for ways to creatively engage our base is pivotal for the future of any non-profit organization and this is a perfect entry point. 

Examples of the Body of Work 

Responsibilities are subject to change based on the needs of the organization and whether the Texas Legislature is in session, but may include:

• Planning, executing, and evaluating our Texas Arts Advocacy Summit, an Austin-based day-long event that mobilizes community members to advocate for the arts in their districts. (This event only takes place in odd-numbered years during the Texas legislative session.) In addition to planning and implementation, interns will assist with setting up legislative office visits for participants.
• Updating and evaluating the website-based, online advocacy resources that equip new arts advocates with the tools to begin sustained advocacy efforts at the local level with a particular focus on the “interim” between the legislative sessions.
• Managing communication and scheduling legislative visits for Congressional arts advocacy as part of efforts to engage at the national level with our peer state arts advocacy organizations promoting federal legislation which provides vital support at the statewide level. 
• Researching information for advocacy materials and resources, which may include information about Texas cultural districts, the economic impact of the arts, campaign finance reports, and current legislation.
• Managing Texans for the Arts’ social media platforms and website.
• Taking minutes for meetings with the Texans for the Arts’ Board of Directors.
• Conducting research and organizing and updating information about members, legislative districts, and other relevant subject areas.
• Other administrative duties as needed.

Interested in being an intern with Texans for the Arts?

• Submit a letter of interest speaking to coursework, experience, or special interests and skills related to the position and what you hope to gain from this internship.
• Send resume and letter of interest to [email protected]
• Provide references upon request.

Thank you for your interest in being a part of the Texans for the Arts team!

Questions? Please write to [email protected] and thank you!

Meet Our Current Interns

Meet Our Previous Interns

Teddy Hoffman

University Courses

Texans for the Arts is proud to meet with university classes across Texas to discuss arts advocacy.  Some of the courses we have worked with are below.

• Fall 2018 - University of Texas, Austin, LBJ School of Public Affairs, "What Is A Smart City?" CRP386
• Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Fall 2015, Winter/Spring 2021 - University of Texas, Austin, McComb's School of Business, MIS 324, Business Systems Development