Paid internships in the arts and cultural sector and college preparation for rising high school seniors.
About the Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI)
The Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) is a paid summer internship program designed for rising public high school seniors. Launched in 2012 by Bloomberg Philanthropies, BAI is the largest program of its kind, connecting students with valuable work experience in the cultural sector while providing essential college preparation training.
The BAI program will expand to Los Angeles County in 2026, as a cornerstone of the Department of Arts and Culture's Creative Career Pathways for Youth initiative.
Our goal is to foster the next generation of diverse arts and cultural leaders by offering equitable access to opportunities that can transform lives and build pathways to creative careers.
Starting in 2026, the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, invites arts and cultural organizations to apply to host BAI interns.
Through this program, your organization will have a direct impact on the lives of talented high school seniors, equipping them with valuable real-world experience, mentorship, and support as they prepare for college and creative careers.
Benefits for Your Organization:
- Build Staff Capacity: Receive dedicated intern support for 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 2026 will open in late fall 2025. More information coming soon.
- Duration: 8 weeks of intensive learning and work experience.
- Paid Arts Internship: 3 days per week at a dynamic arts or cultural organization.
- Program Days: 2 days per week of engaging workshops, fun activities, and cultural experiences at sites across LA County. (Transportation support is available.)
- College & Career Readiness: Mentorship, college and career path exploration, resume building, and essential professional skills.
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.