Academic Internships

Thank you for your interest in an internship at the Wexner Center for the Arts. We have a variety of internship positions, paid or for course credit, available in several programming areas for summer, fall, spring, or the full academic year. For common questions concerning our university student internship opportunities, please review the information below.

For any further questions, email education@wexarts.org. Please also consider volunteering or applying to the student docent program at the Wex.

Current Academic Internship Positions: Descriptions available here.

a group of young people seated at the Wex pazza at dusk

About Academic Internships

Q: What are internships like at the Wex?
A: Interns gain valuable experience working directly with a Wex staff member on various initiatives, programs, research, and day-to-day needs that help bring contemporary art to the public. A number of exciting positions are available in departments across the center, such as education, advancement, and marketing/communications. Outside of regular responsibilities, interns will have the opportunity not only to meet with members of the Wex staff in other programming areas, but also attend events and discussions with other interns, student docents, and volunteers.

Our 12 current interns have been working on projects that range from steering crowdfunding campaigns to documenting faculty gallery talks to assisting with our young professionals group, GenWex.

Q: How will I know if an internship at the Wex is right for me?
A: Our interns have a passion for the arts and seek to gain real-world experience and knowledge from arts professionals. We look for students who are curious, flexible, and dedicated to meeting short- and long-term goals. The Wex is committed to building an inclusive work environment that welcomes and values diversity.

Q: What is the average time commitment for an internship at the Wex?
A: Typically, interns work 5–10 hours per week, depending on the programming area and type of internship. Some departments have occasional evening and weekend needs. The duration of each internship varies from one semester to the entire academic year. Please carefully read internship position descriptions and confirm that there will not be conflicts with your academic schedule or planned study abroad trips.

Q: Where will I work?
A: The Wexner Center for the Arts is located at The Ohio State University in Columbus. The building was designed by architects Peter Eisenman and the late Richard Trott with landscape architect Laurie Olin. Some interns also work in local schools and other sites around Columbus.

Q: Are Wex interns compensated?
A: Departments offer interns hourly compensation or course credit, depending on the position. Students who have Federal Work-Study awards are welcome to apply.

Wex interns also enjoy perks such as free gallery admission, discounts on programs, and comp film tickets as available.

Selection Process

Q: Who can apply?
A: Undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates from Ohio State and area colleges of all majors are welcome to apply. We strive to ensure that our work environment is as stimulating, inspiring, and diverse as the many artists and programs we present. Students from all academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Q: How do I apply?
A: The application portal will be available on this page in January. You can apply online between January and March for up to three positions, which we ask you to rank in order of interest. In addition, you will need to submit a cover letter (only one needed) and resume. To be contacted about announcements, please email education@wexarts.org.

Q: How are interns chosen?
A: Candidates will be selected based on their applications, skills, and qualifications, along with an interview with the hiring supervisor. Candidates will be notified no later than the date outlined below.

Q: If I wasn’t chosen this time, can I reapply the following semester?
A: Of course! Academic internship positions are highly competitive, and we encourage you to apply next season. Please also consider volunteering or applying to the student docent program at the Wex.

Still have questions? Email us at education@wexarts.org

Important Dates

  • February: Postings for 2021–22 Academic Internships available
  • Monday, April 5: Application deadline
  • April: Interviews are conducted
  • Monday, May 17: Finalists offered positions