About the role#
The Public Programs Intern will gain hands-on experience in community engagement and arts programming at Phillips@THEARC. You will work closely with the Public Engagement Manager to coordinate and facilitate programs that serve diverse audiences. This role involves both administrative tasks and direct participation in on-site activities like the Afterschool Art Club and Studio Saturday workshops.
What you'll do#
- Support the Public Engagement Manager with the preparation and facilitation of programming.
- Participate in planning meetings and on-site program activities.
- Manage program logistics, including material preparation, room setup, registration, and participant flow.
- Assist teaching artists and staff during sessions and document programs through photography.
- Coordinate with teaching artists, community partners, and visiting groups.
- Maintain program records and operational systems, such as attendance tracking and digital file organization.
- Help with daily program coordination and other Community Engagement initiatives.
What you'll need#
- Current status as a junior or senior undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate.
- Ability to travel throughout Washington, D.C., and work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Experience working with K-12 students, families, or older adults.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
- A proactive approach, problem-solving abilities, and a professional demeanor.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Previous experience teaching studio art is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Term: Winter 2027 (January 25, 2027, to May 7, 2027).
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: This is a paid internship.
- Schedule: 12-20 hours per week.
About The Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection is a museum of modern and contemporary art located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. Founded in 1921 as the first museum of modern art in the United States, it operates as a private nonprofit institution. The museum houses a permanent collection of impressionist and modern works alongside contemporary pieces. It maintains a staff of nearly 200 employees and manages educational outreach programs for students and teachers.
How to get in at The Phillips Collection
Securing an internship at The Phillips Collection requires staying ahead of the applicant pool. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role is published, which helps you apply early before the volume of candidates grows too large. Applying early often ensures your materials are seen while the recruiter is still building their shortlist. You can use Intern Insider to identify the specific recruiters managing roles at The Phillips Collection. Reaching out to them directly to ask about the position or a potential referral often improves your response rate compared to waiting in the general queue.
