SIPA – How to Apply
Overview
The Stanford Internship Program in the Arts (SIPA) provides opportunities to explore career pathways in arts organizations. SIPA is part of Cardinal Quarter, a campus-wide experiential learning initiative.
Students can choose one of the following tracks:
- Pre-arranged internships (on-campus and off-campus)
- Self-designed internships (off-campus)
- Open to current Stanford undergraduate and co-term students from all academic disciplines.
- Priority will be given to students who have not previously participated in SIPA or the Lyric McHenry Community Arts Fellowship.
- Graduating seniors and co-terms: Are only eligible for the self-designed track and may be given lower priority for SIPA. Graduating seniors and co-terms may not be eligible for additional financial aid beyond the base stipend amount and cannot receive both SIPA and a postgraduate fellowship in the same year.
- Students are only eligible for one Stanford-funded summer experiential learning opportunity during the 2023-24 academic year (inclusive of summer).
- If students choose to participate in either track of SIPA, they will not be eligible for another Stanford-sponsored full-time funding opportunity (e.g., another Cardinal Quarter opportunity, Global Studies Internship Program, Undergraduate Research Major Grants, Chappell Lougee, VPA Senior Grant, full-time departmental and faculty research grants, Beagle II Award, etc.).
- Part-time opportunities (such as an Undergraduate Research Small Grant or another on-campus part-time internship) may be feasible for some SIPA pre-arranged, on campus internships. Contact program staff to discuss eligibility.
All students accepted into SIPA receive a stipend to help support basic living expenses during the internship.
- Pre-arranged part-time: Participants receive a base stipend of $3,750, plus additional need-based aid up to $1,500.
- Pre-arranged full-time: Participants receive a base stipend of $7,500, plus additional need-based aid up to $1,500.
- Self-designed: Participants receive a base stipend of $7,500, plus additional need-based aid up to $1,500.
Stipends are paid once students complete all pre-participation requirements including the orientation content in Canvas.
Participants in both pre-arranged and self-designed internships are expected to complete the following program steps:
- Complete the self-paced orientation in Canvas during Spring Quarter
- Follow all policies and practices relating to domestic travel for Cardinal Quarter programs.
- Develop learning goals that will be shared with your internship supervisor during the first week of your placement.
- Complete weekly reflection assignments in Canvas, as well as the midpoint self-evaluation/social media post, final self-evaluation, and donor thank you letter.
Key Dates
Info Sessions:
- November 10, 2023, 12-2pm: Cardinal Quarter Opportunity Fair
- January 17, 2024: Internships in the Arts Info Session (RSVP here)
Deadlines:
February 21, 2024 @ 11:59pm (Pacific): Deadline for pre-arranged summer internships- April 4, 2024 @ 11:59pm (Pacific): Deadline for self-designed summer internships
SIPA is only available for Summer 2024 internships. Students interested in internship stipends during the academic year may be eligible for funding through the Haas Center’s Cardinal Quarter or Community Service Work-Study programs.
Application Timeline:
- December 2023: Application opens
- February 21, 2024 @ 11:59pm (Pacific): Deadline for pre-arranged internships
- mid March 2024: Semi-finalist interviews take place for selected candidates.
- late March 2024: Pre-arranged internship finalists notified. Students will have up to 48 hours to accept/decline an offer.
- April 4, 2024 @ 11:59pm (Pacific): Deadline for self-designed internships
- Host Organization Questionnaire (self-designed) forms are due by this deadline!
- mid April: Semi-finalist interviews may take place for selected candidates.
- late April: Self-designed internship finalists notified. Students will have up to 48 hours to accept/decline an offer.
- May 2024: All Students complete online orientation via Canvas.
- late May 2024: Stipends paid via Student Financial Services.
- June/July 2024: Internships begin
- August/September 2024: Internships end
Disability Accomodations
If you need a disability-related accommodation and/or need to receive any internship information/application in alternate format, please contact the Diversity & Access Office at, at phone: (650) 725-0326 or email: disability.access@stanford.edu.
Internship Tracks
Option A: Apply for a pre-arranged internship
Students participate in a 10-week placement (part-time or full-time) with one of Stanford’s arts institutions, such as: Stanford Live/Frost Amphitheater, Cantor Arts Center, or with a faculty artist. All SIPA participants receive funding to support living costs during the 10-week internship. Summer interns are responsible for securing their own housing for the duration of the internship.
This option is an excellent entry point into the world of arts administration and college-level internships. You’ll also build relationships and connections with campus organizations that can enhance your experience during the academic year.
Summer 2024 Pre-Arranged Internships:
Type of Work Arrangement: In Person (On Campus)
Estimated Hours per Week: 16-24
What You'll Do:
- Work with the Director of Operations to coordinate vendor relations and proper staffing levels (security, medical, ticket scanners, ushers, etc) for each event during the season
- Observe and participate in Day of Show operations, including patron services, usher management, concert production, box office operations and promoter relations
- Help prepare and set the venue for all events while working with the house operations team in all aspects of the venue
- Work with the Director of Operations on post-event reporting and reconciling of events
- Organize, maintain and distribute venue supplies and uniforms on a weekly basis
- Assist with house management as needed on university and smaller events throughout the season
Key Skills/Competencies:
- Strong customer service experience and a proven ability to meet performance standards.
- Clear and effective oral and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to multitask.
- Ability to learn policies and procedures and correctly provide that information to customers.
Additional Skills/Competencies:
- Requires working extended evenings and weekends on a regular basis.
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues, patrons and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide
Internship Period: Mid-June through early September
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently stand/walk, sit, perform desk-based computer tasks, and use a telephone grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
- Occasionally kneel/crawl, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, and grasp forcefully, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 21-30 pounds.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a California Non-commercial Class license and drive day or night
- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Payment: Stipend ($3,750), with need-based aid up to $1,500
Type of Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On Campus & Remote)
Estimated Hours per Week: 16-24
What You'll Do: Learn about museum-based research and curatorial practice! The Photography and New Media Curatorial Intern will contribute to the scholarly, creative, and public-minded work of the Cantor’s curatorial department. The intern may contribute to the research and development of upcoming exhibitions and curatorial projects as well as administrative projects, with a focus on the Cantor’s collection of photography and new media. Helpful skills and experience include a strong research background, familiarity with curatorial practice, familiarity with 19th-21st century photography and/or new media, such as film, video, and digital art, and good writing skills. Interest in photography and/or new media work outside of Europe and North America a plus. Potential Projects Include:
- Researching and writing artwork labels for upcoming exhibitions
- Researching and drafting justifications for potential artwork acquisitions
- Researching histories of photography and new media, contextualizing the Cantor’s collections within those histories, and presenting suggestions for collection building
Key Skills/Competencies:
- Curiosity about curatorial work
- Ability to write clearly and concisely
- Strong research background
Additional Skills/Competencies:
- Familiarity with photography, film, video, and/or digital media
- Experience with collection databases
- Interest in Latin American photography or photography and/or new media otherwise from outside Europe and North America a plus.
Internship Period: Mid-June through early September
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged sitting or standing
Payment: Stipend ($3,750), with need-based aid up to $1,500
Type of Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On Campus & Remote)
Estimated Hours per Week: 16-24
What You'll Do: Learn about museum-based research and curatorial practice! The Asian American Art Initiative (AAAI) Curatorial Intern will contribute to the scholarly, creative, and public-minded work of the Cantor’s curatorial department and AAAI. Based at the Cantor Arts Center, the AAAI is an ongoing project that seeks to provide meaningful platforms for the display, research, and engagement of Asian American art and artists. The AAAI Curatorial Intern may contribute to the research and development of upcoming AAAI exhibitions and curatorial projects as well as administrative projects, with a focus on Cantor's growing collection of artwork by Asian American/diaspora artists. Specifically, the 2024 AAAI Curatorial Intern will help with the presentation of three AAAI-related shows that will open in fall 2024, all of which are focused on living artists and represent the next major suite of programming for the initiative. Helpful skills and experience include a strong research background, writing skills, and familiarity or interest in curatorial practice and Asian American/diaspora artists.
Key Skills/Competencies:
- Strong research background
- Ability to write clearly and concisely
- Curiosity about curatorial work
Additional Skills/Competencies:
- Experience with collection databases
- Familiarity with modern and contemporary Asian American artists
Internship Period: Mid-June through early September
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Working outdoors or in specialized environments
Payment: Stipend ($3,750), with need-based aid up to $1,500
Type of Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On Campus & Remote)
Estimated Hours per Week: 16-24
What You'll Do: Join us to produce community and academic programs for university and general audiences! The Academic Engagement intern will be part of the creative, collaborative, and inclusive process that is the foundation of Cantor Art Center's department of Academic and Public Programs (APP). The intern may contribute to the development of educational programs, student and community outreach, research, and administrative projects. Specifically, we are looking for an intern to collaborate with our Academic and Public Programs team to assist in building out curriculum for our Stanford Class Visit program. APP Team Interns:
- Collaborate on and contribute to community outreach and educational programs that explore new ideas for multiple audiences, including the university community and various diverse local, regional and global communities.
- Create dynamic programming, thoughtful content, and meaningful collaborations that teach, inspire and support visitor engagement (both online and in person) with the museum’s collection.
- Work behind the scenes on program preparation and administrative projects.
Past Project Examples:
- Create and present mini art lessons that provide museum visitors with easily digestible (bite-size) information.
- Connecting with Stanford student organizations to build relationships with Cantor.
- Creating meaningful content inspired by current programs and our collections (e.g. Coloring Book by Jessica Lee, Cantor Intern Summer ‘22)
Key Skills/Competencies:
- Collaboration
- Curiosity about academic engagement
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple aspects of project development
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive
Additional Skills/Competencies:
- Community outreach
- Teaching
- Research
- Writing
- Curriculum-building
Internship Period: Mid-June through early September
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged sitting or standing
Payment: Stipend ($3,750), with need-based aid up to $1,500
Type of Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On Campus & Remote)
Estimated Hours per Week: 16-24
What You'll Do: Use your digital media and interaction design skills to contribute to engagement for university and general audiences! The Digital Interpretation intern will be part of the creative, collaborative, and inclusive process that is the foundation of the Cantor’s programs department. The intern will propose, create, and produce digital content for online interpretation related to Cantor collections and exhibitions. Specifically, we will be looking for an intern to collaborate with our Academic and Public Programs team on new digital interpretation initiatives the Cantor is rolling out. This position will collaborate closely with other members of the Academic and Public Programs team, including the Digital Media Specialist. Helpful skills and experience include graphic design, video editing, animation, drawing, storytelling, teaching, and community engagement. APP Team Interns:
- Participate in the creative process that is the foundation of the Cantor’s art educational programs.
- Collaborate on and contribute to community outreach and educational programs that explore new ideas for multiple audiences, including the university community and various diverse local, regional and global communities.
- Create dynamic programming, thoughtful content, and meaningful collaborations that teach, inspire and support visitor engagement (both online and in person) with the museum’s collection.
- Work behind the scenes on program preparation and administrative projects.
Past Projects Include:
- Researching and prototyping interactive participatory elements for use in Cantor collection galleries, focusing on new digital interpretation initiatives.
- Researching interpretive strategies for “encyclopedic” museum display
Key Skills/Competencies:
- Collaboration
- Curiosity about public engagement
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple aspects of project development
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive
Additional Skills/Competencies:
- Video and audio editing/making
- Animation
- Design
- Content creation
- Research
- Writing and digital storytelling
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
Internship Period: Mid-June through early September
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged sitting or standing
Payment: Stipend ($3,750), with need-based aid up to $1,500
Faculty PI: Jamie Meltzer, Professor, Documentary Film Program
Type of Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On Campus & Remote)
- Possibility of some off-campus work in San Francisco and occasionally on location within 180 miles of campus for various film shoots.
Estimated Hours per Week: 35-40
What You'll Do: The production assistant will help both in production and in post-production, with a range of duties including: assisting in pre-production and research of climate crisis stories local to California (including arranging logistics for shoots), assisting on filming days within 180 miles of Stanford, and assistant editing (organizing and synching footage, and working with film editor on basic editing tasks.)
Key Skills/Competencies: A passion for filmmaking, strong research, writing and organizational skills.
Additional Skills/Competencies: Knowledge of camera, sound and editing systems (Premiere Pro).
Internship Period: Mid-June through early September
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Working outdoors or in specialized environments
Payment: Stipend ($7,500), with need-based aid up to $1,500
Faculty PI: Hideo Mabuchi, Denning Family Director, Stanford Arts Institute, Professor of Applied Physics
Type of Work Arrangement: In Person (On Campus)
Estimated Hours per Week: 35-40
What You'll Do: The undergraduate research assistant to perform two types of work: library research on early technology development and exchange in the Japanese archipelago and Korean peninsula, and laboratory electronics research on the development of indigo memristors on natural-fiber substrates. Possible additional opportunity to work at the O’Donohue Family Stanford Educational Farm growing indigo.
Key Skills/Competencies:
- Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, e.g., ability to position fine wires with tweezers while looking through a microscope
- Library/scholarly literature research, e.g., ability to find source materials addressing historical or cultural questions posed by supervisor
Additional Skills/Competencies:
- Some experience with basic electronics will be desirable but not essential.
- Language skills in Japanese and/or Korean are desirable but not essential.
Internship Period: Mid-June through early September
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
Payment: Stipend ($7,500), with need-based aid up to $1,500
Faculty PI: Terry Berlier, Professor of Art Practice, Sculpture
Type of Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On Campus & Remote)
- Possible research trips to Stanford Hopkins Research Station in Monterey, CA.
Estimated Hours per Week: 35-40
What You'll Do: Work as an artist assistant in a sculpture studio to support in research and production of sculpture projects. The ideal candidate will be skilled in 2-3 of the following areas including woodworking, mold making, possibly ceramics, Adobe Illustrator, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and have an interest in LGBTQ archives research. Example work: Research and preparation of files in Illustrator and CAD for CNC, wood working, and mold making.
Key Skills/Competencies:
- Demonstrated skills in 2-3 of the specified areas: woodworking, mold making, Adobe Illustrator, CAD, ceramics.
- Strong sensibility for hands on and digital fabrication techniques.
- Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with team members.
- Strong attention to detail and precision in craftsmanship.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to evolving project requirements.
- A passion for art, strong research, writing and organizational skills.
Additional Skills/Competencies:
- An interest in LGBTQ archives research or related historical themes is a plus.
- Prior experience in a similar role or in a studio environment is beneficial but not required.
Internship Period: Mid-June through early September
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Lifting or carrying 25-40 lbs
- Noisy environment
Payment: Stipend ($7,500), with need-based aid up to $1,500
Option B: Apply for a self-designed internship
Students secure an internship with an off-campus arts organization that aligns with your unique interests. If accepted into SIPA, students will receive a stipend to help support basic living costs during their 10 week, full-time internship. Students are responsible for securing their own housing for the duration of the internship.
This option is ideal for students who want to build a professional support network beyond Stanford--a major advantage if you’re considering pursuing future work or creative opportunities in the arts. While prior internship experience is helpful it’s definitely not required. (Many past SIPA interns completed their first college internship while in the program.)
- All internships must be full-time (32-35 hours/week) and last 8-10 weeks during the summer.
- Internship must take place at a qualifying host organization.
- Internship is in the field of arts administration
- Arts administration captures a variety of administrative and support roles that facilitate artistic and cultural expression. Typically arts administrators work in organizations of all sizes but they can also be found as freelancers, in collectives, consultancies, government, and more. Arts administrators come from a variety of backgrounds including (but not limited to) practicing artists, business, arts scholars, public policy, education, community organizing, and technology.
- Arts administration can also referred to as arts management, arts leadership, cultural management, cultural policy, and the creative industries.
- Students are still eligible for a SIPA stipend even if their host organization has already committed to provide a an hourly wage, stipend, or other form of compensation.
You must secure your internship prior to submitting your SIPA funding application.
All proposed host organizations for SIPA must meet all of the eligibility criteria. You can use this quiz to determine your organization's eligibility. For additional questions about organizational eligibility contact Sabrina Wilensky.
If your potential host organization has questions about the program please direct them to our Host Organization Guide. Your organization contact can also reach out to our program staff for additional information.
Host organization eligibility criteria:
- Arts focus: Host organizations are typically arts or cultural organizations. Placements will be considered at other types of organizations (e.g. health, legal, community development) as long as the proposed project is centered on the arts.
- Located in the United States: The organization must have a headquarters located in the United States. The internship workplace must also be located in the United States.
- Students interested in global internship opportunities should explore opportunities for self-designed placements through the Global Studies internship program.
- Political-related opportunities: SIPA funding cannot be used for work with political campaigns or partisan organizations (including any official party work).
- Research-related opportunities: Research-focused opportunities will not be considered. For grants supporting research, please explore the grants offered through Undergraduate Research.
- Stanford-based opportunities: A goal of Cardinal Quarter-affiliated is for students to get away from campus, and to engage in the community with an established community partner. Opportunities based at Stanford do not qualify for the SIPA self-designed track.
- For-profit organizations: SIPA host organizations are typically nonprofits or government agencies. For-profit entities may be allowed if the proposed work and organization meet the following conditions: (i) the work/activity is primarily intended to create or provide a public benefit, (ii) the entity has explicitly and publicly articulated the intention to benefit the public and has integrated this intention in both internal- and external-facing documents, and (iii) the entity has agreed to, and has expressed a willingness to support, student exploration of the public value of the enterprise and/or the development of a civic identity as part of their engagement.
- Fees for placement/sending organizations: SIPA funds cannot be used to pay fees to third-party placement organizations or volunteer sending organizations.
- Faith-based organizations: Working with a faith-based organization can be supported by SIPA, but the organization must be inclusive in who they serve, non-proselytizing and nonpartisan.
- Supervisor/Mentor Requirement: All interns must have a supervisor/mentor at their host organization. The mentor/supervisor must be a staff member of the organization (i.e., not a volunteer) who works on-site full time. The mentor/supervisor may not be the fellow’s family member, and the host organization cannot be owned or run by the fellow’s family member.
- Safety: Although Stanford is providing funding for a project or has recommended a student for a project, Stanford’s evaluation of the project has been limited to the merits of the student’s fellowship application. VPA staff do not necessarily have direct experience with, nor do we professionally endorse, partner organizations. Among other things, Stanford is not in the position to evaluate, and therefore has not evaluated, whether the project will take place in a safe and secure environment. Stanford is not responsible for matters that are beyond its control, and cannot warrant the safety or convenience of the circumstances under which the student will be traveling, living or working. Students are solely responsible for evaluating the safety of the environment in which they will be traveling and/or working and for taking appropriate precautions to safeguard their health and personal belongings.
- Start your search process early! Every organization has a different timeline for their summer recruitment--some applications are due in December, while others may be due in March or April.
- Our Application Resources page has tips and guides for finding an internship and preparing your SIPA application.
- If your potential host organization has questions about SIPA you can point them to our Host Organization Guide.
Application
Pre-Arranged Summer Internships
Students can either apply for the pre-arranged or self-designed track for summer internships, not both.
Applications are only accepted through SOLO and include the following:
- Basic applicant info (Name, SUID#, Stanford email, major/program)
- Ranking of available internship placements
- You may select up to two "top choice" positions. (There is no limit for "maybe" and "not interested" choices)
- Personal statement (as a PDF)
- What are your learning goals for participating in SIPA?
- What are your top two preferences for a placement? Why did you select these choices? What elements of these opportunities particularly resonate with you?
- What skills/experiences can you offer the organization? This can include your own creative practice, campus involvement, etc.—we want to get to know you as a whole person.
- Resume (as a PDF)
- Unofficial transcript (as a PDF)
- Name and contact information of one (1) professional reference. Your reference provider can be a Stanford faculty, academic staff, professional staff member, or a work/internship supervisor (current or former). Your reference does not need to submit anything as part of your application. Program staff will let you know if there is a need to contact your reference.
Visit the Application Resources page for additional tips!
- Students can apply for multiple pre-arranged positions through the centralized application form.
- Individual supervisors will review materials and invite selected applicants to interview. We will do our best (although cannot guaranteed) that you will interview with at least one of your top choices.
- Once an offer is made, students will have 48 hours to accept or decline.
Self-Designed Summer Internships
Students can either apply for the pre-arranged or self-designed track for summer internships, not both.
Applications are only accepted through SOLO and include the following:
- Basic applicant info (Name, SUID#, Stanford email, major/program)
- Personal statement (as a PDF)
- What are your learning goals for participating in SIPA?
- Why do you want to intern at this specific organization? What elements of the organization's mission/activities particularly resonate with you?
- What skills/experiences can you offer the organization?
- Resume (as a PDF)
- Unofficial transcript (as PDF)
- One (1) Host Organization Questionnaire, to be completed individual representing your proposed host organization who can answer questions pertaining to the organization and your proposed internship experience. The questionnaire is submitted online via SOLO.
- Name and contact information of one (1) professional reference. Your reference provider can be a Stanford faculty, academic staff, professional staff member, or a work/internship supervisor (current or former). Your reference does not need to submit anything as part of your application. Program staff will let you know if there is a need to contact your reference.
Applications will not be considered complete until all materials have been received. Please make sure to communicate deadlines with your host organization.
View the help guide for the Host Organization Questionnaire and Reference Contact Info fields.
Visit the Application Resources page for additional tips!
All applicants should exhibit a demonstrated interest in the arts that relates to a particular field of study. Applicants vary in academic interests, community service involvement and experience. Application materials should reflect a students interest in this specific organization and internship opportunity.
Students can apply either for the pre-arranged or self-designed track, not both.
Contact:
Sabrina Wilensky (she/her)
Director of Program Operations and Project Management
Office of the Vice President for the Arts
swilensk@stanford.edu
