We recently interviewed Nika, Valentina, and Maya, our three youth leadership interns, about the internship and what they loved best! Highschoolers interested in this paid internship — apply today! Deadline is December 14.

What is the New Art Center Youth Leadership Program?

Nika: The Youth Leadership Program is a 10-week internship for high school students. 

Valentina: The New art Center offers internships to high school students interested in art as a career in their Youth Leadership Program, where teens learn responsibility, teamwork, and art-managing skills. 

Maya: The youth leadership program is a 10 week long paid internship for high school students passionate about the integration of arts and community.

What did you learn during your time in the Youth Leadership Program?

Valentina: I learned a lot of things, but the most important things I learned are how important small jobs are in a studio, resume skills, and how much work goes into an exhibition. 

Maya: I learned so much in this program including what goes into planning and executing an exhibit, advertising, working with kids in camps, and setting up for classes! I am super grateful for this opportunity because it allowed me to grasp what a future in art might look like. 

Nika: This program helped me develop creative, administrative, and written communication skills. This program gave me a better understanding of careers and paths in the arts, as well as how non-profit organizations run. I assisted in outward facing community projects and events, including New Art’s Dia de los Muertos event and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

What was your final project?

Maya: Our final project was a pop-up exhibition featuring student artwork. Our goal was to provide students with the opportunity to showcase their work in a more formal gallery setting.

Nika: For our final project, me and the other interns curated a teen art exhibition for aspiring high school artists. The goal of this project was to inspire young artists to more seriously consider their pursuit of the arts, and give them a platform for self-expression.

Valentina:  Me and the two other interns created a student art exhibition that puts high schoolers art on display. We worked with New Art staff and local artists to make sure our show will be successful!

This program is generously supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.