Background
Assembly for the Arts
Assembly for the Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a focus on advocacy, cultural policy, racial equity initiatives, research, marketing that elevates the region, and services for nonprofits, artists, and creative businesses.
Assembly by design operates in close partnership with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, a government agency and Assembly for Action, a 501(c)4 political action nonprofit to serve the entire creative sector.
Our mission is to convene, coordinate, and collaborate with everyone who lives and works in Greater Cleveland to strengthen and support those in the region who create, present, experience and appreciate all forms of arts and culture.
INTERNS MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM.
Artist Grants Intern
Details
Overview
The Artist Grants Intern will support Assembly for the Arts with administration of its 2025 core artist grant programs, the Creative Impact Fund, and Boost Fund. This position will support the efficient operation of both programs, resulting in funding for established and emerging artists across Cuyahoga County.
Job responsibilities will focus on fundamental grant administration processes, project management, and communications. Ideal candidates should be dedicated to supporting artists of all disciplines with an interest in their creative and financial success. The internship will culminate in a final project and presentation which will feature an intern-created infographic depicting the granting cycle and a portfolio of artist profiles the intern has connected with. The Artist Grants Intern reports to the Director of Artist Funding Programs.
The intern in this position will be offered a complimentary 1-year membership to Assembly for the Arts.
Responsibilities
The Artist Grants Intern will:
Gain a depth of understanding of the 2025 Boost Fund and Creative Impact Fund program guidelines, including application open and close dates, eligibility, application protocols, use of funds, and review timelines.
Learn basic functions of the Submittable platform—grants management software used in all program processes.
Field applicant inquiries—confidently communicate grant program information to interested artist applicants through email and phone calls when required.
Support with grant application review—assist with review of completed grant applications for eligibility, as outlined per program, using Submittable grant software.
Prepare for and attend grant information sessions—virtual and in person, including logistics and other planning elements as needed. Intern may be asked to support with content presentation depending on their comfort level.
Attend artist grantee studio visits as schedule allows (and as scheduled).
Support with grant-related communications as needed—with current and future grantees, panelists, and other requests as needed.
Create grant program-related social media and web communications. This may include artist grantee “spotlights,” announcement posts, or other content to bring awareness to the grant programs.
Support in the development of a distribution plan for program communications. Work with marketing staff to effectively disseminate marketing materials and content.
Attend regular supervisor check-ins and Assembly bi-weekly staff meetings—both in person and virtual.
Requirements, Skills, and Qualifications
The Artist Grants Intern should:
Be dedicated to supporting artists of all creative disciplines
Have an interest in grant making, arts administration, writing, funding and philanthropy is a plus
Actively participate in a personal art practice of any discipline (preferred)
Have knowledge of arts service or advocacy organizations and their function
Be able to self-direct and manage personal tasks
Have the ability to quickly learn processes, systems, and software
Possess excellent organizational skills and strong written and verbal communication skills—with keen attention to detail
Have basic computer skills for managing tasks, communications, and content entry. Familiarity with Microsoft products is a plus
Be familiar with social media marketing and general communication techniques
Be able to maintain confidentiality and professionalism on the job.
Compensation
$15.00 per hour
Work Schedule & Hours
Assembly for the Arts operates in a hybrid work environment. Regular office hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Mondays and Fridays virtual and Tuesday through Thursday in-person at the Assembly office in the MidTown Collaboration Center.
Standard internship hours: 2 hours per day, 5 days per week, following the above structure. Work hours will be flexible and determined based on the student's course load and the internship workflow.
Interested candidates may submit a cover letter, resume and references. Additional materials and work samples may be requested from those candidates moving forward in the interview process.
Eligibility
CSU Fellowship Details
Five awards per academic year will be made. Each Fellow will receive a $1,500 scholarship per semester, a paid internship ($15 per hour, 10 hours per week, 15 weeks per semester), and career mentoring at a local, creative institution.
Any semester-long fellowship may be renewable for an additional semester.
Eligibility
Full-time CSU undergraduate juniors and seniors with majors in Art, Design, Creative Writing or Film
3.0 Minimum GPA in the major
CSU Fellowship Online Application Process
Please complete a fellowship application form.
Fellowship Program Timeline:
May 5 – May 9: Cleveland State University will review student applications and approve students for participation.
May 9: Host sites receive information on students approved for participation.
May 12 – 23: Host sites will review student materials, contact students of interest, and conduct interviews.
May 23: Final student placements are communicated to Cleveland State and the Studio Institute Team from all host sites.