Intern - the Word with
Heather René Dunaway
May 2025
Our current Spring turned Summer intern Brynna with the team at our monthly staff outing visiting our friends at Lucy Craft Laney Museum.
L to R: Brynna, Heather, Zoe and Bryce.
By the time this goes out in the newsletter, I will be kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, probably. Before I cross the pond, let me share my word.
Intern.
I understand, from first hand experience, how hard it can be to find an arts job in this city after graduating college. Networking is tough when you are new to the game and don’t know anyone. Which is why it’s so important that organizations work these arts students into their workforce in whatever capacity they can allow. If we don’t give these young people opportunities, there won’t be anyone left to take over when I retire in 30 years. Which is why internships are so important.
Not only are students able to gain real life experience working in the arts, but they get course credit and hopefully – get paid.
Interning with a non-profit, especially one rooted in the arts, is like getting a front-row seat to the show. You learn how events get off the ground, how artists connect with the community, and how creative projects go from idea to impact.
Plus, if you’re the kind of person who likes getting your hands dirty (metaphorically or literally), you’ll thrive. Our interns aren’t glued to their desk. Though we do give tasks, a good bit of what you do will require movement and energy. You’ll be part of the magic that is Arts in the Heart of Augusta, help hang gallery exhibitions, support public art programming like the Augusta Sculpture Trail, and even try your hand at some artsy blogging and fun content creation for social media (Denise is keen on getting someone to do these tiktok dances with her).
But really though, there’s an emphasis on Arts in the Heart. In this office, after the Annual Augusta Arts Awards, it’s AITH 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. I feel like when I get back from vacation the office will be in full festival swing. The fall intern plays a big role at the festival. This year, they will help reel in, organize and schedule volunteers for the festival with our resident Volunteer Coordinator, Bryce.
In all honestly, the arts don’t run themselves. Behind every festival stage, gallery wall, and public mural is a small but mighty team of arts workers who make it all happen. Interning with a non-profit like the Greater Augusta Arts Council means gaining skills, making connections, and getting a real sense of how the arts shape our community.
It’s not just about experience you’ll gain, it’s impact you’ll make by being present. Though, if you’re good, you will walk away a class credit, some cash in your pocket, a bigger network, some bullet points on your resume, and maybe even some paint on your jeans.
For those interested in applying, send me your resume and cover letter to my email: [email protected]