Artslife

Artslife is a paid summer internship for 10 rising sophomores and juniors in New York City public and charter high schools. The program integrates art with leadership development, museum studies, and community engagement.

Interns explore careers across the museum and collaborate on projects with staff and arts professionals. The six-week program begins with team building, followed by hands-on experience, and behind-the-scenes exposure to museum work.

Artslife Interns will:

• Explore careers in the arts 
• Build career readiness skills
• Create artwork with local and visiting artists 
• Design and lead peer-to-peer tours 
• Strengthen presentation, communication, and public speaking skills 
• Visit cultural institutions across New York City 
• Earn $17/hour

Schedule:

Jul 7–Aug 14, 2026
Tue–Fri
10 am–2 pm

How to Apply:

• Complete the Artslife 2026 Summer Program application form
• Submit contact information for one reference (teacher, counselor, supervisor, or another adult who can speak to your interest in the program)
• Applications due Sunday, May 17, 11:59 PM

Have questions? Email us at education@madmuseum.org

RECESS Intensive Program

RECESS is a paid intensive internship program teens 13 to 18 to learn about art and art history with other NYC teens, develop and lead peer-to-peer tours, and learn how museums work. The internship takes place during NYC public schools’ winter and spring breaks.

Interns Will:

• Go behind the scenes to develop a tour of a MAD exhibition.
• Develop a youth-friendly tour of a MAD exhibition..
• Conduct peer-to-peer tours at MAD.

Artslab

Created by MAD’s Teen Council members, Artslab connects participants in MAD’s Artist Studios residency program with a group of New York City teens. Admission is free and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Have questions? Email us at education@madmuseum.org.

On May 22, from 4 to 6 pm, Artslab participants will engage with MAD's Teen Council and Artist Studios Fellow Nima Jeizan. Preregistration is required.

Teen Council

MAD's Teen Council is comprised of Artslife and Recess Intensive alumni who share a common interest in art, design, and community engagement. The Teen Council plans events for teens, including Artslab workshops.