INTERNSHIP SUMMARY:
The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is seeking two college students for the 2025 Summer Community Engagement Internship Program. These roles focus on advocacy, community engagement, event planning, and partnerships. The internships strive to provide college students with hands-on experience and knowledge about the Arts & Culture sector while providing valuable support to RACC’s programs.
The Summer Community Engagement Interns will conduct content research and co-lead planned and future community engagements. They will have the opportunity to assist with follow up activities, completing work on tasks and projects that provide supportive services to local artists, and arts organizations. The Interns will learn about database and survey development, community event planning, and staying up to date on local political issues with impact to the arts, culture, heritage, and humanities. Through their work with RACC, Interns will gain confidence in advocating for the Arts and engaging with the community about the importance of Arts and Culture access in the region.
About Us: The Regional Arts & Cultural Council is an independent nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, the supporting the creative economy in greater Portland by equitably providing funding and services to artists and art organizations; managing and growing a diverse, nationally-acclaimed, public art program; and developing long-lasting public and private partnerships. We connect artists and creatives to opportunity and access.
| Compensation: | $2,000 stipend ($1,000 disbursed at the start of the internship and $1,000 upon completion). |
| Department: | Advocacy & Programs |
| Supervision: | Director of Advocacy & Engagement and Operations Coordinator |
| Internship Location: | RACC’s Office 411 NW Park Avenue, Suite 101 Portland, OR 97209 |
| Schedule: | Part-time, 8-10 hours per week, June 23rd through August 29th.
Two 4-hour shifts per week (either Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays) between 9am-5pm. Exact hours to be set upon onboarding. Ability to attend two Arts & Economy Committee meetings at Portland City Hall, Tuesdays 9:30-11:30am. In addition, after-hour shifts Thursday 6/5 and 7/3. And the weekend of 7/19-20. |
PROJECT FOCUSES:
- Community Engagement:
- Attend and assist at RACC’s July 3rd First Thursday event.
- Help plan and coordinate RACC’s August 7th First Thursday event.
- Event Planning:
- Help plan RACC’s involvement, and represent RACC at the La Strada dei Pastelli festival in Hillsboro, July 19th & 20th.
- Partnerships:
- Coordinate and update the Arts for All partnership database.
- Track Art For All program participation and assist with FAQs and response management.
- Advocacy:
- Stay informed on local arts, culture, heritage, and humanities issues by monitoring local news, attending public meetings (such as Portland City Council sessions, the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition, or Arts and Economy Council meetings), tracking relevant arts and culture policy developments, and reporting on key advocacy themes that align with RACC’s mission.
- Attend at least two Art and Economy Committee meetings (Tuesdays).
- Interns will prepare weekly updates and summaries to share observations and connections to RACC’s ongoing work and partnerships.
OPPORTUNITIES:
- Work closely with professional public art advocates, fundraisers, and service providers.
- Be involved with the development of innovative public art service programing.
- Help develop online resources for partners, community members, artists, teachers, and arts organizations.
- Gain direct experience in advocacy and community engagement for arts and culture.
- Build skills and experience in event planning.
- Receive mentorship and networking opportunities with arts leaders in Portland.
- Develop a stronger portfolio and resume focused on arts, culture, and community work.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
- Excellent research skills. Good organizational, multi-tasking, attention to detail, and follow-through skills
- Ability to learn and work independently or in a team environment; not afraid to ask questions
- Good technical skills with a proficiency in MS 365; Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, as well as familiar with Google Drive/Tools; Docs, Spreadsheet, Forms; Zoom
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in the Arts & Culture sector; public art, art education, funding, and city and county policy. Candidates proficient in research, writing, and public speaking preferred. Internships are supervised, but ideal candidates will be independent and will be self-starting. Experience interacting with adult audiences in formal or informal settings is preferred.
In addition to two 4 hour weekday shifts at RACC, Candidates must be able to attend the following after hours events:
- July and August First Thursday evening events – 7/3/25 and 8/7/25, 4-8pm.
- La Strada dei Pastelli festival in Hillsboro, weekend of July 19th & 20th
DUE DATE TO APPLY: 5pm May 16th, 2025
Submit a resume and a cover letter detailing why you were drawn to RACC’s Summer Community Engagement Internship, as well as what you hope to gain from the experience. Please put “Summer Internship Application” in the subject line and email to: jobs@racc.org
Or apply through the Handshake Website, Job #9898471