Business Merchandising Intern
The Business/Merchandising Intern will support The Guild’s Business
Manager in all aspects of planning, preparation and execution of business operations for art fairs, with primary focus on the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair. This internship is for those interested in business operations, event planning, management, and art-related non-profit administration. This role emphasizes collaboration, community involvement, and a commitment to excellence.
Responsibilities:
- Assistance with planning and management of merchandise sales. This includes: receiving and organizing merchandise (t-shirts, posters, etc.), laying out merchandise tents, setting up point of sale systems, signage and displays.
- Inventory, organize and catalog “vintage” merchandise from prior art fairs. Prepare a selection to be sold at the 2026 fair.
- Help recruit, hire and train temporary staff for merchandise tents.
- Support the Business Manager with financial reports and reconciliations, i.e. booth fees paid and due, expense forecasting, budget reconciliations.
- Assist with stocking and organizing artist hospitality areas. This includes acquiring food and supplies through donation and purchases.
- Supervisory support for merchandise tents and hospitality areas during the fair.
- Complete additional projects as assigned by the Business Manager or Executive Director.
- Collaborate with fellow interns and team members.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program focused on Business, Merchandising, Non-profit Administration, Marketing or Finance.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
- Well-organized and able to meet multiple and competing deadlines.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment as well as independently.
- Professional, responsive, and a positive work attitude—ability to interact effectively with
staff, artists, partners, the public, and volunteers. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools.
- Experience in retail or merchandising environments.
Requirements:
- Weekly schedules can be flexible, but applicants should be available for an average of 10-15 hours per week (hours increasing during and leading up to events).
- Applicants must also be available on select weekends and evenings of art fairs, with special consideration for dates before and during the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair - July 13-18, 2026.
- Compensation: $1,500 Stipend at end of internship (approx. $500/month; May-July) and/or school credit.
Eligibility: Interested individuals over the age of 18 are eligible for internships. The Guild provides equal opportunity to its applicants.
Schedule + Time Commitment: The Guild will work with interns individually to determine specific start and end dates, as well as weekly schedules. On average, interns should be available to work a weekly schedule of at least 10-15 hours per week. Ideal candidates will be available starting in May through the duration of summer fair season (May-July). Interns must be available before and during the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair (July 13-18) and should expect to work longer hours during those dates. Interns should be available to work some weekends and evenings to help support other events. Interns may work some hours virtually.
Transportation: The Guild of Artists & Artisans offices are located at 118 N Fourth Ave in downtown Ann Arbor, close to public transportation and several pay lots, as well as free neighborhood parking within walking distance. Transportation will be the responsibility of the intern.
Full list of 2026 fairs:
- Garage Sale Art Fair - February 28
- Art Birmingham – May 9-10
- East Grand Rapids Fine Art Fair - June 5-7
- Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair - July 16-18
- Perrysburg Hearts the Arts – August 15-16
- Brighton Street Art Fair - August 21-23
- A2 Artoberfest - October TBD
- Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition – November 19-20
Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter in PDF format to the Business Manager, Nancy Miller at nancy@theguild.org.