Arts Internship Award Program: MSU University Arts + Collections Intern

Arts Internship Award Program: MSU University Arts + Collections

Location: East Lansing, MI
Term: Fall 2025
Position Type: Internship (Part-Time, 10 hrs/week)

Overview

There are three (3) openings for interns with MSU University Arts + Collections for the Fall 2025 semester.

• Two (2) positions are funded by the MSU College of Music and must be filled by College of Music majors or minors (undergraduate or graduate)
• One (1) position is open to any qualified MSU student, regardless of major.

Use this job posting to apply for any of the positions. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are a College of Music student.

Award & Compensation

• The internship includes a $1500 award ($15/hour for 10 hours/week over 10 weeks).
• The internship will take place at an arts organization host site.
• Both graduate and undergraduate students are eligible.
• Note: Students are not eligible for this internship if they have graduated prior to Fall 2025 (e.g., May 2025 graduates are not eligible).

College of Music Applicants

If selected:

• The $1500 award will be distributed as a scholarship to your student account.
• Important: If you have loans, grants, or other scholarships, this scholarship may affect your aid package.
• Questions about your aid package? Contact Ben Ebener at ebener@msu.edu.

Non-College of Music Applicants

If selected:

• Discuss payment arrangements with Judith Stoddart after your interview has taken place.

Job Description

Interns will support the Vice Provost for University Arts and Collections and team in planning and implementing student-led initiatives aligned with the goals of Arts MSU. Projects may include:

• Arts4U: Supporting student artists and performers with campus and community arts performances.
• STEAMpower Project: Collaborations at the intersection of arts and sciences.
• Art Moves MSU: Support for a forthcoming interactive sound installation along the Red Cedar River trail.
• Communications & Marketing: Web, social media, and programmatic content creation.
• K–12 Career Development Program: Coordination support for programs serving pre-college students.
• Event Planning: Logistical and creative planning of public events and initiatives.

The internship focuses on arts-related engagement reaching broad community audiences within the setting of a large, research university. Interns will gain exposure to university-level arts strategy, planning, and public engagement.

About University Arts and Collections

University Arts and Collections (Office of the Provost) includes:

• Beal Botanical Garden
• Broad Art Museum
• MSU Museum
• Wharton Center for Performing Arts

It also coordinates the campuswide arts strategy (Arts MSU).

Arts MSU supports the integration of the arts into the university experience through three pillars:

1. Educational experience
2. Research endeavor
3. Campus infrastructure and placemaking

The initiative values creativity, inclusion, collaboration, and global perspectives, aiming to transform campus life through the arts.

Qualifications

• Strong project planning skills (mentorship will be provided)
• Experience or interest in community engagement activities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Interest in the public role of the arts

Position Details

• Duration: September 8, 2025 – December 12, 2025
• Hours: 10 hrs/week
• Compensation: $10.00–15.00/hour
• Schedule: Flexible; workspace available as needed
• Work Authorization: Required
• On-Campus Interviews: None

Eligibility

• Open to Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior undergraduate students
• Open to graduate students
• Open to students eligible for CPT/OPT and those requiring U.S. work authorization

Application Information

• Application Period: Open through September 7, 2025
• To apply, please submit the following:
  • Cover Letter: In your cover letter, please introduce yourself and briefly describe your background, interests, and academic or professional goals.
    We also encourage you to speak directly to your interest in one or more of the following areas as they relate to this internship (This information helps us better understand your motivation for applying and ensures a strong fit for the nature of the position.) -
    • Project planning and coordination
    • Community arts engagement
    • Higher education arts administration
    • Collaborative work in creative or interdisciplinary settings
• Current Resume
• Hiring Team Contact: Nicholas Dold (doldnich@msu.edu)