The Mural Workforce Academy Intern will play an essential role in BHAC’s Summer Mobile Mural Project, a youth-driven public art initiative that brings large-scale, transportable murals to community events, schools, and partner sites throughout Los Angeles County. This internship combines hands-on creative production with project coordination, giving participants a full view of how public art moves from concept to completion. Interns will work directly with BHAC teaching artists and muralists to assist in mural design sessions, surface preparation, and painting. They will participate in brainstorming meetings to help develop mural themes that reflect youth voice, community pride, and cultural storytelling.
In addition to painting and assisting with the creative process, interns will help coordinate materials, manage supply inventories, and track production timelines to ensure the project stays on schedule. As part of the Mural Workforce Academy team, interns will also learn about the administrative and civic components of public art. They will assist in documenting the mural process through photography, video, and social media updates, and help with event coordination for public displays and community paint days. The intern will support portions of the program’s materials budget—learning to collect vendor quotes, monitor expenses, and reconcile purchases.
By the end of the internship, the Mural Workforce Academy Intern will understand how art, logistics, and community engagement intersect in public mural projects. They will gain transferable skills in teamwork, project management, arts administration, and creative collaboration—preparing them for future opportunities in public art, community development, or cultural programming.
In addition to their respective project work, interns will take part in weekly planning meetings to coordinate logistics, marketing, and programming across all teams. Interns will also meet regularly with the MWA and Por Vida Youth Media Collective leads to learn how to navigate professional meetings where multiple opinions and viewpoints are shared, building skills in communication, teamwork, and respectful dialogue. Day-to-day activities include assisting with correspondence, preparing materials for workshops or mural projects, and documenting progress through photos, videos, or notes. These experiences reinforce accountability, adaptability, and leadership while exposing interns to the full scope of arts administration and community-based event production.
Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory encourages applications from students who are curious, creative, and eager to learn—especially those from communities that have had limited access to formal arts or media education. We welcome students who are interested in exploring how art, storytelling, and community intersect. For the Mural Workforce Academy Internship, an interest in visual arts, design, or community-based projects is preferred.
A basic understanding of Chicano muralism, public art, or cultural arts movements is helpful but not required. Interns should be comfortable working collaboratively, assisting with hands-on creative tasks, and participating in outdoor activities such as mural painting and event setup. For the Por Vida Youth Media Internship, an interest in film, audio production, podcasting, music, or digital design is preferred. Basic computer literacy, a willingness to learn new software or equipment, and an interest in storytelling or media creation will be helpful.
Above all, both internships are ideal for students who want to work in a creative, multidisciplinary environment alongside teaching artists and administrators who share lived experiences and are dedicated to mentorship, representation, and community impact.
Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory (BHAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating equitable access to creative careers for youth ages 14–26 through arts, media, and cultural programming. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, BHAC provides hands-on training in music production, film, journalism, public art, and broadcasting at KQBH 101.5 FM. By connecting young people to paid internships, workforce development, and mentorship opportunities, BHAC empowers emerging artists to become leaders in Los Angeles’ creative economy.
To apply, please submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position to hello@bharts.org and copy pc1@bharts.org. Be sure to include the title of the internship you are applying for (either “Mural Workforce Academy Summer Intern” or “Por Vida Youth Media Summer Intern”) in the subject line of your email. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Candidates from Boyle Heights and surrounding communities, as well as those from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in the arts and media fields, are strongly encouraged to apply.