Arts & Culture Internship (Unpaid) at Middle East Institute

Washington, District of Columbia, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

18 Mar, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Programming, Marketing, Outreach, Canva, Salesforce, WordPress, Event Management, Research, Organizational Skills, Project Management, Customer Service, Media Initiatives, Graphic Design, Social Media Marketing, Video Creation

Industry

International Affairs

Description

Department: Arts and Culture Center Location: 1763 N Street NW, Washington DC Duration: Summer 2026: May 18, 2026 - August 7, 2026 Minimum of 15-20 hours a week, ideally half or more of that in-person at MEI at 1763 N Street NW. Department Description: The Arts and Culture Center facilitates cross-cultural understanding by promoting the work of Middle Eastern artists through the MEI Art Gallery and by organizing innovative programming, including panels, art talks, and film screenings to amplify the voices of artists, writers, filmmakers, and more from the region. The Center also promotes cultural diplomacy by engaging in cultural collaborations with arts institutions in the Middle East, connecting US and Arab cultural leaders. Internship Description: We seek an intern to assist this busy department with critical programming, marketing, and organizational needs. You will be involved in preparing for a fall exhibition of contemporary Middle Eastern art, including marketing and outreach campaigns, supporting our various programming, and learning about the role and impact of art, artists, and culture on society, policy, and cultural diplomacy. Key Responsibilities: • Working with the Center’s team to help conceptualize, plan, and execute programs to amplify MEI’s current exhibition. • Providing administrative support in preparing the upcoming exhibition and closing the current exhibition. • Assisting in the management of events, including gallery open houses, talks, panels, and screenings. • Creating various marketing content and materials for a variety of platforms (Canva, Salesforce, WordPress) to promote the current exhibitions and programming as well as grow our outreach and visibility. • Coordinating with the Arts & Culture team to plan and execute outreach and media initiatives. Educational Objectives: • Gain practical experience in the running of an art gallery with a focus on event production, research, and organizational skills. • Develop skills in project management, customer service, and the organization of international initiatives. • Gain an understanding of the workings of a non-profit organization. • Learn about Middle Eastern artists, culture, and the role of cultural diplomacy. Qualifications: • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in a related field or a recent graduate. • Strong interest in the arts and culture of the Middle East. • Excellent research, communication, and interpersonal skills. • Preferred: Experience with Canva, Salesforce, WordPress, graphic design, social media marketing, and basic video creation. Benefits: • Hands-on experience in the arts and programming. • Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals. • Networking opportunities within the industry. • Potential for academic credit, if applicable. Applications are due April 10, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET Note: Please be aware that this is an unpaid internship with no promise or expectation of compensation, express or implied. Furthermore, participation in this internship does not entitle interns to a paid job after the internship.

Responsibilities

The intern will assist the team in conceptualizing, planning, and executing programs to amplify the current exhibition while providing administrative support for preparing and closing exhibitions. Key tasks include managing events like open houses and panels, creating marketing content using tools like Canva and Salesforce, and coordinating outreach and media initiatives.