The next generation of arts administration
The Future Arts Workers of Worcester (FAWW) is a paid academic year-long internship designed for motivated high school students interested in exploring careers in art administration. This hands-on program introduces students to the inner workings of an arts nonprofit organization, including:
- Exhibition design and curation
- Art installation
- Marketing and promotion
- Theme development and jurying
- Nonprofit finance
- Professional communication and networking
Through weekly workshops, students will develop key skills in leadership, collaboration, organization, creative and critical thinking—all while gaining invaluable exposure to other professionals and careers in arts administration. By the end of the program, students will apply what they've learned, to conceptualize, plan, and execute their own public exhibition of ArtsWorcester artist member artwork in Spring 2026.
Want to spread the word about this program? Ask your teachers or guidance counselors for permission to hang this poster around your school.
/PROGRAM GOALS
- Explore and gain real-world experience in an art nonprofit setting.
- Collaborate with a diverse team of peers and professionals to develop an exhibition.
- Build credentials for college applications and future employment.
- Advance equity in the arts by contributing to a more inclusive arts community.
- Develop leadership and professional communication skills to carry into future careers.
/WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking motivated and responsible high school students (rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders) with an enthusiasm for the arts, curiosity for nonprofit administration, and leadership potential. This program is an engaging opportunity for those who are ready to commit to their personal and professional growth!
/WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
- Weekly commitment: 3 hours every Wednesday at ArtsWorcester (4:30 - 7:30 PM), with additional after-school or weekend shifts leading up to the exhibition.
- Contractual agreement: students must commit to the full academic year of participation.
- Roles & responsibilities: work closely with peers and ArtsWorcester staff to plan and execute a professional exhibition.
- Social and professional communication: engage with your peers, participating artists, and professionals to build positive connections and relationships.
/CODE OF CONDUCT
- Team-Oriented: we prioritize the collective welfare and success of the group, supporting and collaborating with fellow participants.
- Respect & Inclusion: we honor diverse perspectives and preferences (including pronouns)
- Accountability: we demonstrate accountability and trustworthiness with time management, communication, and task completion.
- Professionalism: we serve as positive ambassadors for ArtsWorcester inside and outside the program.
/WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
- Stipend: earn $10/hour, paid out at the end of each semester
- Experience: gain valuable, hands-on experience to build your resume
- Professional connections: Build relationships with mentors and professionals
- References: receive personalized letters of recommendation for future opportunities
- Social community: build friendships and become part of Worcester's vibrant art community
/HOW TO APPLY
Applications open: May 8, 2025
Application deadline: June 8, 2025
/THE CURRENT COHORT
The 2024-25 FAWW cohort are exhibiting their capstone exhibition, Origin, from May 8th through June 29th in the Davis Art Gallery. We invite all who are curious and interested in participating in this program to attend the show's opening reception on May 28 from 6-8pm. The reception is open and free to all. Meet the current cohort, the ArtsWorcester team, and see an example of the work you might do as a Future Arts Worker!
See more information about the juried members' exhibition Origin here.
SUPPORT FOR THE 2024-2025 FUTURE ARTS WORKERS COMES FROM:
