HILLSBOROUGH ARTS INTERNSHIPS

Interning with the Hillsborough Arts Council (HAC) 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 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!

An intern using chalk markers to create a Last Fridays yard sign.

About HAC

HAC is a nonprofit arts organization that has been serving neighbors, artists, and visitors of Hillsborough, NC for over 30 years. We are committed to providing access to the arts for educational enrichment, community development, and economic prosperity. Located in historic downtown Hillsborough, HAC’s headquarters, the Gallery & Gift Shop, provides a creative environment for local artists to share their work.

In addition to operating the Gallery & Gift Shop year-round, HAC is well-known for presenting signature events like Last Fridays & the Art Walk, Handmade Parade, and Solstice Lantern Walk, along with various markets, concerts, workshops, poetry events, and workshops.

HAC programs are designed to enhance the lives of residents in the Triangle, 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, HAC is truly a community of artists, staff, board members, and friends working to ensure the creative future of Hillsborough and Orange County, NC.

Iva and an intern in front of a HAC tent at Last Fridays.

JUMP TO CURRENT OPENINGS >

UPCOMING SESSIONS

ACADEMIC CREDIT: Summer 2025 (June - August 2025)

PAID: Fall 2025 (September - December 2025) - Spring 2026 (January - May 2026)

*Session start/end dates and weekly scheduling are negotiable. Please indicate your availability in your application.

ELIGIBILITY

College students, graduate students, recent graduates, and nontraditional students are encouraged to apply. Ideal applicants are pursuing a career in arts programming, nonprofit management, business administration, marketing, or another 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.

Cover letter, including which internship position you are applying for.
Resume, with up-to-date, relevant experience; current academic enrollment; and contact information
Letter of recommendation from a professional or academic reference (optional, but highly encouraged)
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:

All materials must be submitted in one of the following formats: .PDF, .PNG, or .JPEG
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

PROGRAMS & MARKETING INTERN

This intern will gain hands-on knowledge of event planning, arts administration, PR, and marketing within a grassroots, community-oriented organization, working closely alongside HAC’s Programs & Marketing 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 communications, public relations, or a related study. Strong writing skills and familiarity with graphic design, Google Workspace, and social media are strongly preferred. This role requires the use of a personal computer and mobile phone to conduct responsibilities.

TIME COMMITMENT

10-15 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:

Programs & Event Planning:

Support the administration and coordination of large-scale public arts events, including distributing information to artists, participants, and the public to ensure event success.
Assist with management of supplies inventory.
Attend HAC events to support the overall needs of the team.

Marketing & Communications:

Support social media content creation for organic and paid posts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and/or Pinterest. Monitor engagement and schedule posts.
Assist with writing, designing, and distributing promotional materials such as flyers, posters, digital graphics, merchandise, signage and banners.
Review website content and support updates as needed.
Draft copy and source graphics for press releases, monthly e-newsletters, targeted campaigns, and other messaging.
Support press outreach, community engagement, and marketing material distribution.