Paid internships in the arts and cultural sector and college preparation for rising high school seniors.
About the Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI)
The Department of Arts and Culture has partnered with Bloomberg Philanthropies to bring the Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program to Los Angeles County, as part of the Department's Creative Career Pathways for Youth work. LA County BAI connects rising public high school seniors with paid summer internships at arts and cultural organizations, in addition to professional development, college preparation support, dedicated mentorship, and educational and cultural excursions. Summer participants are eligible to continue their internships through BAI: School Year, a 22-week paid extension for high school seniors.
BAI is designed to help prepare the next generation for success in the workforce, be it in the arts or other industries. The purpose of the program is to provide a meaningful workplace experience, develop knowledge of the creative sector as a career path, encourage awareness of culture as a civic resource, and prepare students to apply and transition to college.
Applications to host BAI interns are closed for 2026. Applications for 2027 will open in August 2026.
Participating arts and culture organizations will have a direct impact on the lives of rising public high school seniors, equipping them with valuable real-world experience, mentorship, and support as they prepare for college and creative careers.
Benefits for Participating Organization:
- Build Staff Capacity: Two dedicated interns to support your projects and initiatives.
- Financial Support: Intern wages are fully covered by the grant; organizations will receive a stipend to cover administrative costs.
- Develop Future Talent: Provide crucial work-based learning opportunities for LA County youth.
- Structured Program Support: Access a well-organized program framework and resources for both interns and host organizations.
- Cultural Equity & Inclusion: Contribute to fostering diversity within the cultural sector.
Sign up to the Los Angeles County Bloomberg Arts Internship program mailing list to receive updates on application dates, program details, and other news.
Email: BAI@arts.lacounty.gov
Host site applications for summer 2027 will open in August 2026. More information coming soon.
- Duration: June 15 - August 7, 2026; 8 weeks of intensive learning and work experience.
- Paid Arts Internship: Three days per week, approximately 15 hours per week.
- Program Days: Interns spend two days per week at their Regional Hub, where they receive college preparation support and mentorship, explore creative careers, visit cultural organizations for special tours and career talks, and are provided personal enrichment, skill-building, and social-emotional support.
Organizations eligible for funding through the Los Angeles County Bloomberg Arts Internship Program must have their principal or physical offices located in Los Angeles County and be one of the following:
- Nonprofit Arts Organizations: Performing, presenting, film, media arts, arts service, visual arts, and literary arts organizations.
- Nonprofit Cultural Organizations: Organizations focused on preserving and promoting culture, history, and/or heritage.
- Fiscally Sponsored Organizations: Organizations with a comprehensive Model A sponsorship agreement from a verified California-based Fiscal Sponsor. The fiscal sponsor will be the applicant of record.
- Local Arts Agencies and Municipal Performing Arts Organizations: 501(c)(3) or municipal organizations in Los Angeles County that serve as an agency of city government officially designated to provide arts or cultural programs and services.
- Colleges or Universities: Arts and presenting organizations, departments, and programs that are part of a college or university.
Learn More
Information for high school students about LA County BAI.
Learn more about this Bloomberg Philanthropies program.
Learn more about Department of Arts and Culture programs that prepare youth for careers in the arts and creative industries.
Learn how to apply to be a host site for paid college internships at your performing, presenting, film, media, literary, municipal arts, social justice, or social service nonprofit organization.