Katherine Dunham Internship
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR THE 2013 KATHERINE DUNHAM INTERNSHIP
The Katherine Dunham paid internship program was created and is funded by Sara and Jack Burke to give African Americans an opportunity to explore, gain experience in, and be mentored in the field of arts administration to help them find employment and achieve success working at cultural institutions.
The purpose of the internship is 1) to provide opportunities for individuals who currently are under-represented in the field of arts administration to gain experience in a number of different arts adminsitration areas; and 2) to develop the pool of outstanding minority arts administration professionals.
Katherine Dunham (1909-2006)
Katherine Dunham was a legendary dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, author, and social activist who dedicated her life to addressing issues of social justice through the arts. After a successful career in New York and Europe, Miss Dunham lived in East Saint Louis, Illinois and Port Au Prince, Haiti where she established arts and humanitarian centers in underserved communities. She went on to receive the Kennedy Center Medal of Honor and numerous other awards for her contributions to the artistic and cultural fabric of the United States.
Antionette Carroll, Katherine Dunham Intern 2011
“Being named a Katherine Dunham Intern is more than just a job. It is a network. It is an affirmation in the encouragement and promotion of cultural diversity within the arts. It is a lifelong honor. As a former Katherine Dunham intern, I have received ongoing support from not only the Regional Arts Commission and Sara and Jack Burke, but from the St. Louis arts community as a whole. This opportunity has instilled confidence in me and my future within the arts.”
Rachel Ligon, Katherine Dunham Intern 2012
"This Katherine Dunham Internship has greatly contributed towards my maturity personally as well as professionally. Thanks to Jack and Sara Burke and the entire Regional Arts Commission staff. My time here was incomparable and I will treasure this experience forever."
Aeren Jhae Bates, Katherine Dunham Intern, 2013
"The Katherine Dunham internship has provided me with unbelievable opportunities and given me indispensable tools to take with me on my journey through the business of the arts. I am immensely grateful to Jack and Sara Burke and the Regional Arts Commission for creating this opportunity. As a dancer and choreographer, it is through this internship that I am connected to the name of one of my childhood icons, Katherine Dunham, and am able to share her legacy."
Program Structure
The duration of an internship is a semester or 12 weeks (minimum commitment of 300 hours). While interns will work closely with their direct supervisor, they will have the opportunity to become integrally involved in all aspects of RAC operations.
Compensation
The compensation for the internship is $2,500.
Who can Apply?
- African American college students or college graduates. (High school students will not be considered)
- Applicants may come from any academic discipline, not just the arts
- Those with a genuine interest to work for a cultural institution (dance organizations, museums, theaters, symphonies, performing arts centers, etc.)
- Must be able to work 300 hours between January and May during normal Regional Arts Commission business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, read the Katherine Dunham Fact Sheet.
How to Apply
Information about the 2014 selection will be available in Fall 2013.
Send your resume, a letter of reference from a professor or a recent employer, and a 250-300 word essay answering the question: "Why are you interested in arts administration and how will this internship help you achieve your goals?" All materials should be emailed to internmgr@stlrac.org
