HILLSBOROUGH ARTS INTERNSHIPS
Interning with the Hillsborough Arts Council is an excellent way for students to gain exposure to the behind-the-scenes operations of a nonprofit arts organization. Interns receive hands-on training alongside our dedicated team of staff and are offered considerable responsibility and creative autonomy while supporting community-driven arts programs.
Available positions vary by session. Learn more about the application process & our current openings below!
ABOUT THE HILLSBOROUGH ARTS COUNCIL
The Hillsborough Arts Council (HAC) is a community-building nonprofit arts organization that has been serving neighbors, artists, and visitors of Hillsborough, North Carolina for over 30 years. HAC is committed to providing access to the arts for educational enrichment, community development, and economic prosperity. Located in historic downtown Hillsborough, HAC’s headquarters known as the Gallery & Gift Shop provides a creative environment for local artists to market and share their work.
In addition to operating the Gallery & Gift shop year-round, the Hillsborough Arts Council is well-known for presenting signature events such as Hillsborough’s Last Fridays & the Art Walk, Handmade Parade, and Solstice Lantern Walk, along with various art markets, concerts, workshops, poetry showcases, and educational activities. HAC programs are designed to enhance the lives of residents in the Triangle by offering accessible, meaningful, and diverse connections with art of all mediums for all demographics. With the support of more than 40 volunteers and collaborations with over 25 local businesses and cultural organizations, the Hillsborough Arts Council is truly a community of artists, staff, board members, and friends working to ensure the creative future of Hillsborough and Northern Orange County, North Carolina.
2023-2024 INTERNSHIP TIMELINES
Fall (Current) Session: September 5 - December 8, 2023 *FILLED*
Spring Session: January 16 - May 3, 2024
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Deadline to apply: December 1, 2023
Summer Session 2024
Fall Session 2024
Note: some flexibility with session dates may be available on a case by case basis. Please indicate in your application if you will be requesting alternative start or finish dates.
ELIGIBILITY
College students, graduate students, recent graduates, and nontraditional students are encouraged to apply. Ideal applicants are pursuing a career in nonprofit management, business administration, or other related field, and are passionate about the arts. Additional requirements may vary by opening.
Hillsborough Arts Internships require work on-site in Hillsborough, North Carolina for the duration of the internship session. Some hybrid/remote work may be available depending on the position. Interns must be able to coordinate their own transportation to and from their internship site.
TIME COMMITMENT
Interns must be available approximately 10-15 hours per week with flexible schedules. Refer to the individual openings for expected hourly commitments.
ACADEMIC CREDIT
Hillsborough Arts Council is committed to furthering the field of arts administration and supporting students in their career pursuits, including helping interns fulfill their academic requirements.
Students are responsible for arranging all details with their schools to receive credit for their internship and should discuss any related requirements with their supervisor.
Internships with the Hillsborough Arts Council are currently unpaid, though we are actively exploring ways to secure financial support for these valuable educational opportunities in the future. Interns are encouraged to check with their college or university to determine any funding opportunities that may be available to them.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please review our current openings in the section below, then submit the following information to the application form provided.
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Cover letter, including which internship position you are applying for.
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Resume, with up-to-date, relevant experience; current academic enrollment; and contact information
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Letter of recommendation from a professional or academic reference (optional, but highly encouraged)
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Portfolio of 3-5 pieces of work relevant to your field of interest and/or study (optional, but highly encouraged; this may include artwork, graphic design, writing samples, project outlines, blog posts, etc.)
Accepted file types & naming conventions:
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All materials must be submitted in one of the following formats: .PDF, .PNG, or .JPEG
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All materials must be named clearly with the applicant’s full name and the appropriate file title. Example: “Last Name_First Name_Resume.PDF” or “Last Name_First Name_Portfolio Graphic Design Sample.JPEG”
REVIEW PROCESS
Once each application deadline has passed, HAC staff members will review all submitted application materials. Finalists are contacted for interviews within about two weeks after the deadline. Final decisions are typically made within two weeks after that.
The frequency and nature of HAC internship openings varies by fiscal year depending on the needs and capacity of the team. Please be sure to check back regularly.
CURRENT OPENINGS
MARKETING INTERN - FALL 2023
This intern will gain hands-on knowledge of PR, advertising, and marketing efforts within the organization, working closely alongside HAC’s Marketing & Program Director. In addition to ongoing projects, time will also be allocated to learn from each team member of HAC’s staff, including exposure to program coordination, strategic planning, fundraising, gallery curation, artist management, and more.
REQUIREMENTS
Ideal applicants should have prior experience with coursework in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related study. Strong writing skills and familiarity with graphic design, Google Workspace, and social media is strongly preferred. This role requires the use of a personal computer and email address to conduct responsibilities.
TIME COMMITMENT
15 hours per week, flexible schedule, with a minimum of five hours per week on-site. Must be available for select evenings & weekends for HAC events.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The internship will be structured to reflect academic background, interests, and talents of the selected intern and will include some or all of the following responsibilities:
Event and Exhibition PR Planning
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Draft press releases about upcoming gallery exhibitions, educational programs, and public arts events.
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Support coordination of June-August Last Friday & the Art Walk, to include press outreach, community engagement, and marketing material distribution.
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Locate and record press clippings for ongoing reports.
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Update media lists and post upcoming events to community event calendars.
Content Creation
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Support social media content development for organic and paid posts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and/or Pinterest. Monitor engagement and schedule posts.
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Assist with writing, designing, and distributing promotional materials such as flyers, posters, digital graphics, merchandise, and banners.
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Review website content and support updates as needed.
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Draft copy and source graphics for monthly e-newsletters, targeted campaigns, and other messaging.
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Attend HAC events to capture content in real time and support the overall needs of the team.
Ongoing Marketing
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Optimize and update branded social platforms.
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Participate in marketing and communications–related meetings and projects.
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Prepare signage for events and assist with management of supplies inventory.
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Set up media/Google alerts and pull analytics for reporting.
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Assist with additional needs as requested.
PLEASE READ AND REVIEW ALL REQUIREMENTS ABOVE PRIOR TO APPLYING!
Your submission is highly valued and appreciated. We will let you know as soon as possible once we've had an opportunity to review your application.
Interning with the Hillsborough Arts Council:
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Opens new door & connects you with community in Hillsborough.
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Offers ample opportunity for fun & creativity.
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Is flexible & adaptive to your interests.
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Makes a visible & rewarding difference.
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Exercises widely-applicable professional & life skills.