The Louisville Visual Art Association internship program welcomes students and recent graduates who wish to supplement their education and professional experience by working in a not-for- profit arts organization. LVAA internships offer experiential education in a challenging, hands-on environment in exchange for a substantive contribution from gifted and interested individuals.

The Louisville Visual Art Association is a nonprofit organization that provides art education, art enrichment, and advocacy to a broad spectrum of people throughout Jefferson and in five surrounding counties. Headquartered in its National Historic Landmark home at the Water Tower,
on the banks of the Ohio River, LVAA attracts more than 45,000 participants annually to its exhibitions, art classes and special events. LVAA interns have the unique opportunity to participate in the development and expansion of these programs and operations.

There are three application deadlines and selection periods per year. Internships require a minimum commitment of ten hours per week for three months, during which time interns complete a specific project as well as daily assignments. Interns also participate in departmental meetings, special events, and various educational programs, as well as attend LVAA events.

The Louisville Visual Art Association seeks diversity in its intern staff and provides equal opportunity to its applicants.

The Application Process

Applications may be submitted electronically by emailing jackie@louisvillevisualart.org and attaching your application form, resume, a letter of recommendation, and any additional materials by the appropriate deadline. Letters of recommendation may be submitted separately with the applicant's name in the subject line. Include your school's credit requirements in the e-mail.

When submitting an application by mail, send one copy of your application form, resume, two letters of recommendation, and any additional materials by the appropriate deadline. If applicable, include your school's requirements for credit with your application.

Please address all application materials (including letters of recommendation) to:

Jackie Pallesen

Education Programs Manager
Louisville Visual Art Association
3005 River Road
Louisville, KY 40207

Application materials are under review for approximately four to six weeks after the deadline. Candidates for interviews will be notified by e-mail. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Download the Internship Application!

LVAA does not offer paid internships but does participate in some cooperative education programs. Students interested in cooperative education or academic credit should contact their college placement office or counselor for more information.

If you have questions about applying for an internship, please email jackie@louisvillevisualart.org or call the Intern Coordinator at 502.896.2146.

Please address all application materials (including letters of recommendation) to:

Education Programs Coordinator
Louisville Visual Art Association
3005 River Road
Louisville, KY 40207

Application Deadlines (three yearly)
Internship Term                                            Application Deadline
Summer Term (May - August):                           April 22
Fall Term (September - December):                    August 26
Winter/Spring Term (January - May):                  December 16

Please address all application materials (including letters of recommendation) to:

Education Programs Coordinator
Louisville Visual Art Association
3005 River Road
Louisville, KY 40207

If you are interested in applying after a deadline, please contact the Education Programs Manager at 502.896.2146.

Internships are offered in following areas:
Arts Administration (Marketing & Membership)
Art Education
Community Arts
Curatorial/Event Planning (Art Auction-Summer, Dinnerworks-Fall, Buy Local First Fair-Spring)
Executive Assistant

Art Education
Interns provide organizational and on-site support for numerous education programs, including the Children’s Fine Art Classes program, the internship recruitment process, and adult education classes. Duties may include general departmental duties, such as preparation of program packets, educational materials, research, correspondence, and scheduling. Candidates must have excellent organizational and basic computer skills, and should be comfortable interacting with the public.

Arts Administration- Reports to Sponsorship and Membership Coordinators
Interns will gain a working knowledge of the daily operations of a not-for-profit organization, and will work to increase visibility for the Louisville Visual Art Association and its programs. Duties include: mailings, membership database and records maintenance; assisting in development and advocacy campaigns; customer service activities pertaining to the organization’s membership and Board of Directors; clerical support for the LVAA staff; uploading photos; posting events; drafting media advisories; and developing relationships with print publications, television and radio stations. Candidates should have experience with cataloging and/or database entry and Microsoft Office; a
strong knowledge of the Internet and research; the ability to work independently, strong writing and organizational skills; comprehensive use of Internet and social media programs.

Community Arts
The Community Arts Intern will provide assistance in initiating and managing ongoing Open Doors projects and will entail: Assisting in drafting grant proposals for potential open doors projects, as well as drafting reports to granters; Setting up new community art projects by recording information and documenting projects through photography/video/blog as well as through the organized filing of completed project forms; Continued organization of the program, ie drafting forms, refining filing methods, and developing of program specific website and branding; Last but not least, dreaming up and participating in fun community oriented art-making projects, next to professional artists and participants from various organizations around the city. Skills required: copy writing skills, Microsoft Office; some photography/Photoshop/graphic design/ web design experience; positive and effective people skills; a vehicle, a phone, and access to the web outside of the LVAA; Art-making experience; a positive attitude.

Curatorial/Event Planning (Art Auction-Summer, Dinnerworks-Fall, Buy Local First Fair-Spring)
The curatorial intern will assist in exhibition planning for current and upcoming exhibitions by receiving and cataloging artwork, coordinating exhibit promotion in regional press, and serving as a liaison between participating artists and the Louisville Visual Art Association. The intern will also be responsible for ongoing LVAA projects and participate in its daily activities. These activities typically include building the Children’s Fine Art Classes permanent collection and alumni database, as well as exhibition planning and research. This internship is intended for an individual who wishes to explore a career in museum work. Projects assigned involve considerable responsibility and will provide opportunities for the contribution of individual work. Candidates must have excellent organizational skills and be detail oriented. They should also have computer and administrative skills.

Executive Assistant

The Executive Assistant Intern will work side by side with LVAA’s Executive Director to help coordinate projects relating to: the centennial campaign; community outreach; marketing and public relations; financial management; fundraising; grant writing; communications; community relations and advocacy. Furthermore, this intern will be responsible for daily tasks as requested by the Executive Director. Applicant must possess strong organizational skills, proficient writing and communication skills, and the ability to work independently.