Creative Design Summer 2026 Internship #49103

Are you a creative student looking to build your portfolio while making a lasting impact in your community? The City of Virginia Beach Human Resources department is seeking a motivated and artistic intern with a passion for visual arts, community engagement, and creative design to support arts-focused projects within our department.

This internship offers a unique opportunity for a high school or college student to contribute original artwork and creative materials that enhance our public spaces and community experiences.

Duties may include;

The Arts & Culture Intern will assist with the development of visual art and creative communication projects for the Human Resources department. The primary project will include designing and creating a mural for a public-facing reception area, while also supporting additional creative initiatives such as digital media, promotional materials, and community-focused visual content.

• Design and create an original mural concept for a public reception area  
• Develop sketches, mockups, and presentation materials for review  
• Create digital flyers, graphics, posters, and promotional materials  
• Support social media or community engagement campaigns through visual design  
• Collaborate with City photographer to capture images that can be used for various campaigns, brochures and office space  
• Collaborate with staff to brainstorm creative ways to enhance public spaces  
• Research current art and design trends, public art concepts, and engagement ideas  
• Research social media posts and ideas for employment social media posts related to “national days, appreciation days/months” etc.
• Maintain organized digital design files and project materials
  .

Application Deadline: 

June 8th 2026.

Schedule & Hours:

Candidates will work 30- 40 hours per week Monday through Friday with flexibility to the students schedule. The applicant is responsible to provide their own housing and transportation to and from work during the internship.

Expected Duration:

Summer 2026

Ideal Candidate / Preferences:

• High school junior/senior or college student 
• Interest or coursework in art, graphic design, communications, or related field  
• Strong creativity and attention to detail  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively  
• Experience with traditional art mediums and/or digital design platforms preferred  
   

Required Attachments:

Please include Cover letter and Resume. Applicants may submit samples of their artwork or creative work. 

• Applicants selected for interviews may be asked to provide a portfolio showcasing artwork, design projects, murals, illustrations, digital graphics, photography, or other creative work samples

What You'll Gain:

• Hands-on experience working on real-world creative projects  
• Opportunity to leave a lasting visual impact within a City facility  
• Portfolio-building experience with public-facing work  
• Mentorship and collaboration with City staff  
• Exposure to local government and community engagement initiatives  

The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.