Bloomberg Arts Internship Program Now Available in LA County

Los Angeles County Launches Bloomberg Arts Internship Program

The Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture has partnered with Bloomberg Philanthropies to introduce the Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program in LA County. This initiative will provide 48 rising public high school seniors with paid summer internships at 22 local arts and cultural organizations, starting this summer. The program aims to enhance participants’ professional experience and college readiness.

Established in 2012, the Bloomberg Arts Internship connects high school and college students to paid summer roles at cultural organizations across cities such as Baltimore, Boston, and New York. This year marks its expansion into Los Angeles County and San Francisco.

The BAI program will offer eight-week internships from June 15 to August 7, 2026, at various local arts and culture organizations. Alongside work experience, participants will receive professional development, college application assistance, mentorship, and educational field trips. Additionally, they will engage in workshops designed to sharpen writing skills and career exploration, culminating in a professional portfolio that includes a cover letter, résumé, and samples of their work. To address the mental health challenges prevalent among youth, the program will also include elements focused on mental health awareness and support.

“This partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies expands transformative career opportunities for young people across Los Angeles County,” stated Los Angeles County Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. She emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative (CEII) and Creative Career Pathways, which she advocated for through a motion in 2015. “It is powerful to see that vision continue to grow, connecting more young people to meaningful opportunities,” Solis added, highlighting her commitment to creating pathways for success for all youth, regardless of their background.

While centered in cultural organizations, the internship program aims to equip participants with vital workplace skills applicable to any career sector, including communication, problem-solving, team-building, and civic engagement.

Bloomberg Philanthropies will fully fund the program, ensuring resources for internships and necessary staffing. To promote equity and access, the department set geographic parameters for eligible organizations to host interns. Selected institutions, particularly those in regions like the San Fernando Valley and South LA, applied last fall to participate in this inaugural year.

On April 8, the department posted 48 internship positions for the upcoming 2026 summer program on its website. Hosting organizations will also promote these opportunities through their own channels. The participating organizations include:

• 826 LA
• Artist Success Institute/African Soul International
• Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory
• Filipino American Symphony Orchestra
• Friends of the McGroarty Arts Center
• Get Lit
• Grand Performances
• Heidi Duckler Dance
• HERO Theatre
• Las Fotos Project
• Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project
• Latino Theatre Company
• LTSC Community Development Corp
• Mission Opera
• Outside in Theatre
• Plaza de la Raza
• Street Poets
• The Blank Theatre
• The Ebell of Los Angeles
• The H.E. Art Project/ArtworxLA
• Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural
• Women’s Voices Now

This collaboration reflects a significant step in enhancing access to cultural and professional opportunities for young people across Los Angeles County.