GRoWing the Arts
The GRoWing the Arts Internship Program, made possible by GRoW @ Annenberg, provides funding and supportive programming for Barnard students who are completing summer internships in arts organizations in New York City. This important program connects students across arts disciplines to one another, and faculty at Barnard, to create a distinctive community that is committed to advancing the arts. The faculty Co-Directors of GRoWing the Arts are Joan Snitzer, Senior Lecturer in Art History and Co-Chair & Director of Visual Arts and Paul A. Scolieri, Chair and Professor of Dance.
About Growing the Arts
Note that applications to the 2025 cohort will open in January 2025. Current Barnard students who are interested in the program should fill out the Summer Programs Interest Form here.
GRoWing the Arts recognizes the need to ensure the existence of pipelines of talented students from all backgrounds into arts work. It challenges students to connect their academic coursework with experience in internship and research settings, providing opportunities for productive cross-disciplinary conversations about the lived experience of contemporary arts work.
Selected students have access to an internship stipend and funding for housing. Students can express interest in any field of artistic expression (dance, visual arts, performance arts, writing, etc.). The program requires that students work in arts organizations for 30-35 hours per week from the last week of May until the first week of August (10 weeks). They attend regular all-cohort workshops and programs led by the faculty co-directors and/or staff of Beyond Barnard. These programs include workshops on career skills, alumnae panel discussions, and cross-cohort conversations about ongoing work.
At the conclusion of the program, students present a project of their own design at a conference for all participants, attended by faculty, supervisors, alumnae, and other guests. Questions about participation in GRoWing the Arts can be directed to beyondbarnard@barnard.edu.
Application Process
Applications will open in February 2025. Current Barnard students interested in receiving updates about the program should fill out the 2025 Summer Programs form.
GRoWing the Arts is open to current first years, sophomores, and juniors. All majors (and undecided students) are eligible to apply. GRoWing the Arts internships can be at for- or non-profit organizations. International students are eligible, though it is highly recommended to consult with the Office of International Student Services to discuss necessary steps regarding Curricular Practical Training.
Applicants submit a resume and essays that help the selection committee understand why they are a strong fit for the program. Especially strong essays speak specifically to the reasons why a candidate is interested—not just in arts work generally—but in the cross-disciplinary setting of the GRoWing the Arts program in particular. Applications are typically due on the Friday before Spring Break at 5PM Eastern.
Please note: while students are asked to indicate whether they have already been selected for an internship at the time of application, they are not required to have finalized the details by the application deadline. The application will ask applicants to indicate how far along they are in either (a) defining in partnership with faculty and an organization or (b) applying for an internship for which they will use GRoWing the Arts funding.
Students who apply but are not chosen for a GRoWing the Arts Internship Grant will automatically be considered for a Beyond Barnard Internship Grant.
Previous Participants
Barnard Graduates
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Lauren Belcher, Social Media Assistant, Dr. Martha Eddy
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Taylor Bluestine, Communications and Programs Associate, A.I.R. Gallery
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Kendall Bottjer, Co-Outreach Coordinator, Columbia Ballet Collaborative
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Naomi Coke
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Estee Dechtman, Guest Services & Operations Assistant, Disney Theatrical Group
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Anna Garrity
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Uma Halsted, Artist Studio and Gallery Assistant, Damien Ding at D. D. D. D.
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Campbell Ives, Program & Event Intern, Movement Research
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Elm McKissick
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Isabella Pechaty, Post-Baccalaureate Fellow, Athena Film Festival
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Isabella Rafky, Gallery Associate, J. Lohmann Gallery
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Amanda Samimi
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Yifan Zhong
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Rose Elliott
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Abigail Everett
- Grace Meinzer
- Annie Poole
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Isabel Stern
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Anna Olivia Sommer, Arts On Site
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Tobi Lee. A.I.R. Gallery
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Thaleia Dasberg, Kids Access Press Team
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Sabrina Bohn, The Leshne Agency
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Sophia Sowinski, The Museum of Modern Art, New York
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Vanessa Tasé Sueiro, Arts On Site
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Idea Reid, Climate Museum
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Christine Wong, Groove With Me, Inc.
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Jubilee Park, Yetunde The Artist/ SLACHOUZ
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Lauren Belcher, The Center for Fiction
Current Barnard Students
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Layla Faraj '25
- Tess Inderbitzin '25
- Zibia Bardin '25, New Perspectives Theatre Company
- Idea Reid '25
- Camila Grunberg '25, Climate Museum
- Jazze Wingard '26, Killer Films
- Tomisin Fasosin '25, Women Make Movies