ArtSpeak Internship

The ArtSpeak Internship is a paid, year-round program at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco for high school students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. Interns study Asian art and cultural traditions, work alongside local artists and arts organizations, and interview museum staff to learn about careers in the arts. They also build leadership skills by designing art activities and teaching them to visitors during the museum's Sunday programs. Juniors and seniors can join optional college access sessions. The internship is renewable, so students can return for more than one term. The 2026 summer session ran June 15 to August 16, 2026, and the 2026-27 academic year session runs September 7, 2026 to May 31, 2027. Interns meet Thursday afternoons and for a four-hour block on Sundays. Interns receive a $300 stipend, paid out by semester and for the summer, and must miss no more than three scheduled meetings to earn it.

Open to high school students in grades 10 to 12. No prior museum experience is needed, and first-generation, low-income, and Asian-language bilingual students are especially encouraged to apply. Students submit an application form, an essay of up to 250 words on why they want to join and what they hope to gain, and one recommendation letter from a teacher or community leader. Finalists are interviewed.