Twelve Students to Participate in Arts and Business Internship in New York City

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The Arts & Business Council of New York (ABC/NY), a non-profit division of Americans for the Arts that fosters creative partnerships between the arts and business communities in New York, today announced the commencement—and new name—of the Diversity in Arts Leadership internship program. The distinguished summer program places 12 students at host arts organizations throughout New York City. 
 
Formerly called the Multicultural Arts Management Internship, Diversity in Arts Leadership was created in 1988 to promote diversity in the arts management field. ABC/NY matches students with host arts organizations and business mentors, who guide the students’ personal and professional growth throughout the summer. Students participate in cultural activities, professional development, and site visits, and stay connected through the program’s alumni network. Arts organizations serving as intern hosts represent a range of disciplines, including music, dance, theater, visual arts, museums, and arts services.
 
“I am pleased to welcome this diverse group of bright students from across the country to our 27th summer-long gathering of the Diversity in Arts Leadership Internship Program,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “This program creates a pipeline of diverse arts leaders across a variety of arts disciplines and businesses, ensuring that participants gain invaluable exposure to the various fields of future employment. Though almost three decades old, it’s also quite timely—with other diversity in the arts initiatives taking place in the city through the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Ford Foundation, our ABC/NY Diversity in Arts Leadership Intern program will be a key partner in helping cultivate a more representative arts field.”   
The program begins on Monday, June 1, with a ceremony at Con Edison. Attendees will include the 2015 interns, representatives from host arts organizations, business mentors, program funders, alumni, ABC/NY and Americans for the Arts staff, and representatives from Con Edison. Alton Murray, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Con Edison, will deliver opening remarks. Each student will be introduced and their mentor and organization placement will be announced. 
 
Elena Chang, program director with the Asian American Arts Alliance, served as an intern direct supervisor for the 2014 host arts organization. “This is yet another year where the successful matching and coordination of ABC/NY’s program has enriched both the experience of our organization and also the intern who was placed into our programming,” said Chang after the 2014 program ended. “It has been a pleasure watching [my intern] grow and challenge herself in a fast-paced, non-profit arts environment.” 
 
Esther Jeong, a former intern, went on to serve as a business mentor in her role at Moody’s. “Diversity is reality. Everyone has a different viewpoint,” said Jeong. “This program is about engaging students while attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. The program’s value lies in its ability to develop students into successful, bright leaders…it molds arts enthusiasts into successful business leaders, ensuring that diverse thought leaders take charge over the next generation.” 
 
Janice Lee, a student at Williams College and a 2014 intern placed at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, spoke to the merits of the program’s professional growth opportunities, saying that “My hope is that we have a get-together in ten years and find out that many of us have become leaders of a new generation of arts administrators that is more diverse and inclusive.” 
 
The Diversity in Arts Leadership program is made possible through the generous support of Con Edison, which has acted as lead sponsor since 2000. Additional support is provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation.  
 
The 2015 interns and host organizations can be found here. More information about the internship can be found on the program’s FAQs page
 
Arts & Business Council of New York (ABC/NY) fosters creative partnerships between the arts and business communities in New York, enhancing the business skills of the arts sector, and promoting creative engagement within the business sector. ABC/NY accomplishes this mission through programming in volunteer, leadership, and professional development, while promoting the arts' role in economic revitalization. ABC/NY is a division of Americans for the Arts.
 
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 50 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.