Art Program Intern

Selection Process

Eligible students must be enrolled at one of the below MCCMS partner institutions and meet the requirements of the Applebaum Internship Program. Applications will be reviewed by Michigan Central Art staff in coordination with the Applebaum Internship Program. This internship will be offered through a closed call in partnership with Michigan-based academic institutions. Michigan Central Art will invite applications through the following academic partners: Wayne State University; College for Creative Studies; Michigan State University; and the University of Michigan.

Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and our selected applicant will be notified before or on April 22, 2026.

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About Michigan Central

Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub located in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and new solutions that shape our collective future. 

Position Title: Art Program Intern (Applebaum Internship Program)

• Department: Michigan Central Center for Mobility and Society, Michigan Central Art
• Employment Type: Part-time, paid internship (hourly; non-exempt)
• Program: Applebaum Internship Program (AIP)
• Work Schedule: 25 hours per week (3-4 days/week), minimum 2 days onsite
• Compensation: $3,000 total paid in two installments—one midway and one after successful completion of the program
• Location: Michigan Central, 2050 15th St, Detroit, MI 48216, United States
• Reports To: Professional Supervisor, with day-to-day support from program staff
• Program Duration: Minimum eight-week placement (AIP) with required cohort programming (see below), beginning June 1, 2026 and ending on or around August 7, 2026

Position Summary

Michigan Central Art seeks a curious, community-minded Art Program Intern to support the research and planning of our international creative residency program and related events. The intern will assist with project coordination, documentation, digital storytelling, and on-site event support, gaining hands-on experience in how cultural programs move from early planning to public-facing execution.

A key context for this role is Michigan Central Art’s year-round residency fellowship platform that places artists within Michigan Central’s innovation district, where creative practice meets research, experimentation, and real-world application. The intern will work within an ecosystem of visiting artists, fabricators and technologists, academic partners, and cultural collaborators—supporting behind-the-scenes program operations and public events.

This internship is hosted through the Applebaum Internship Program (AIP), a paid internship program for students based in Southeast Michigan and enrolled at a college or university in Michigan. Interns gain first-hand experience working at a nonprofit or cultural arts organization in Detroit while building a cohort of peers and participating in professional leadership development programming. The mutual goal of the program is to provide invaluable opportunities that connect the next generation more deeply to the Detroit community and its cultural institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Michigan Central Art’s residency programs, gaining hands-on experience with schedules, materials, and on-site production
• Assist with event preparation and day-of operations, including welcoming artists and guests
• Contribute to short-form program copy and communications with guidance from staff
• Observe and support artist hospitality and public-facing moments to understand professional cultural workflows
• Support research related to artists, cultural partners, and community initiatives
• Help document outcomes and compile post-program reflections (what worked, what to improve)
• Capture and support digital media storytelling

About the Applebaum Internship Experience

In addition to day-to-day work with Michigan Central Art, AIP interns are part of a broader cohort experience supported by Applebaum Family Philanthropy and partner organizations across Detroit’s cultural ecosystem. This cohort model helps interns build skills, confidence, and a lasting peer network alongside students from colleges and universities across Michigan. Program requirements include participation in four cohort professional development and network sessions, which may include:

• Program Kick-Off featuring speed networking and conversation with professional supervisors and nonprofit/cultural arts leaders
• “A Day in the D” professional development experience exploring Detroit institutions and leadership perspectives
• Prep for Success programming such as resume-building and LinkedIn workshops
• End-of-Summer Celebration to reflect on learning and highlight accomplishments completed by intern-supervisor cohorts

Eligibility

Eligible participants are:

1. Undergraduate students enrolled at a Michigan college or university, with priority to the following schools: Wayne State University; College for Creative Studies; University of Michigan; and Michigan State University;
2. In their sophomore year or higher (or equivalent); and
3. Based in Southeast Michigan during the summer.

Students who live outside Southeast Michigan during the program or who have graduated before the program start date are not eligible to participate.

Qualifications

• Interest in arts and cultural program management or related studies, such as media, film, communications, humanities, technology, or social sciences
• Organized and detail-oriented; comfortable working from checklists, timelines, and clear direction
• Friendly, professional, and responsive, engaging with partners and the public
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office (Canva design tools a plus)

What You’ll Learn 

• How art programs are developed, planned, and produced within a new cultural organization
• Practical experience supporting artists, public events, and interdisciplinary projects
• Skills in project coordination, communications, documentation, and production support
• Exposure to Detroit’s cultural arts ecosystem through cohort professional development 
• A portfolio of tangible contributions (event support, published copy, documentation)

Application Process

To apply, please submit via Greenhouse the following items:

• Resume (2 pages max)
• One-page, three paragraph cover letter:
• Paragraph one: who you are and why you’re interested in Michigan Central Art and Detroit’s cultural landscape (be it for personal and/or professional reasons)
• Paragraph two: any current or prior experiences that relates to the internship description (coursework, volunteering, campus orgs, events, creative projects)
• Paragraph three: what you hope to learn through the Applebaum Internship Program
• Applications will be reviewed by Michigan Central and shared with Applebaum.
• If selected for an interview, you can expect one 30-minute interview with one of the Michigan Central Art team members.

Michigan Central is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply.