Applications for the 2026 Fellowship are open!
Are you looking for a valuable blend of education and real-world professional experience in the arts?
Are you currently enrolled in one of the following schools: CSU Fresno, UC Merced or SCCCD (Reedley College, Fresno City College, Clovis Community College, Madera Community College/Oakhurst)?
Apply for Arte Américas Cultural Arts Fellowship! This paid program allows you to get hands-on experience in various departments within our organization.
Time commitment: Part-Time 18 hours a week (February – August 2026)
Reports to: Lorena Marrón, Director of Education and Public Programs
About Arte Américas
Arte Américas is the Central Valley’s largest Latinx cultural arts center, dedicated to celebrating, nurturing, and preserving Latinx arts and cultures. Our exhibitions and programs are educational, family-friendly, and culturally specific, showcasing local and international artists whose works represent the diversity of the Américas.
About the AACAF Fellowship
The Arte Américas Cultural Arts Fellowship (AACAF) is a professional development opportunity designed for undergraduate students passionate about arts and culture. This paid fellowship provides a chance to gain hands-on experience in one of the largest arts institutions in the Central Valley, while working under the mentorship of dedicated, experienced professionals.
2026 Fellowship cohort will span for 6 months (From February to Agust) with the chance to extend to 9 months (until December, 2026).
Each cohort is composed of 5 students.
Who should apply
This program is designed for undergraduate students interested in history, art, arts education, art history, anthropology, museum studies, curatorial studies, American-Latino arts & culture or Chicano/Chicana studies.
Fellowship Responsibilities
As an AACAF Fellow, you will:
- Participate in gallery education training sessions that will enhance communication and presentation skills.
- Focus on one area of our permanent collection and contribute to the digitization and production of online educational resources.
- Conduct research on artists and Arte Américas history, developing skills in art writing by producing descriptive and educational content.
- Learn from our team of educators to develop a culturally responsive arts curriculum.
- Learn to digitize and archive items from our permanent collection
- Learn how to develop art programs and workshops
- Assist with the planning and implementation of community outreach activities, including Día del Niño y Día del Maestro.
Fellowship Benefits
- Competitive stipend.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Networking opportunities within the Central Valley’s arts and cultural sector.
- Hands-on mentorship by dedicated arts professionals.
- Field trips to museums and cultural institutions in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and/or San Jose.
Qualifications
- Must be currently enrolled at one of the following institutions:
CSU Fresno, UC Merced and SCCCD (Reedley College, Fresno City College, Clovis Community College, Madera Community College/Oakhurst).
- Must have completed at least one semester of coursework.
- Spring 2026 graduates are ineligible; Fall 2026 graduates are eligible.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Commitment to Arte Américas’ mission and vision.
- Interest in arts education, museum work, cultural institutions, or community-based nonprofits.
- Detail-oriented, adaptable, and self-directed.
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Fellowship Compensation
This Fellowship offers participants a competitive stipend to help with their living expenses as students. To receive compensation, students must complete:
- 18 hours/week, in person (Tuesday–Saturday)
- Students must also complete writing samples and attend the professional development workshop sessions.
- Stipends will be paid quarterly and are dependent upon the successful completion of key benchmarks. Additionally, travel expenses to and from Arte Américas could be covered by this program.
Application Process
To apply, complete the form linked here and upload your resume and two letters of recommendation.
ADA/FEHA: Arte Américas provides reasonable accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
EEO: Arte Américas is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and values diversity.
Note: This is a fellowship program, not an employment position. Fellows are not considered employees of Arte Américas.
Fellowship FAQ
What is AACAF?
The Arte Américas Cultural Arts Fellowship (AACAF) is a professional development opportunity designed for undergraduate students passionate about arts and culture. This paid fellowship provides a chance to gain hands-on experience in a cultural arts setting while working under the mentorship of experienced professionals, gaining insights into the professional world, and collaborating effectively within a team.
- Where would this fellowship take place?
This fellowship will take place at Arte Américas, in downtown Fresno at 1630 Van Ness Ave, Fresno, CA 93721.
- Can I complete this fellowship remotely?
No, this fellowship will require students to be on site at Arte Américas.
- Which students are eligible to apply?
Any students who have completed at least one semester and are currently enrolled in any of the following institutions: UC Merced, CSU Fresno, SCCCD (Reedley College, Fresno City College, Madera Community/Oakhurst College, Clovis Community College).
- How long is the Fellowship program?
February through August, 2026, with the option of extending until December 2026.
- How many students will be selected?
5 students across the Central Valley will be selected from UC Merced, CSU Fresno, & SCCCD.
- I am a senior, can I still apply?
- Students graduating in the Fall semester (ex: December) are eligible to apply.
- Students graduating in the Spring semester (ex: May) are not eligible to apply.
- What is the deadline to apply?
December 10, 2026.
- When will I be notified?
Selected candidates will be notified in January, 2026.
- What must I provide after being accepted into this fellowship?
Students must bring proof of student status, such as their class schedule, as well as proof of good academic standing, such as transcripts.
- What do you mean by “good academic standing”?
Students must not have failed classes or have a GPA below 2.5
- When does the fellowship start?
Fellowship starts February, 2026
- What will be my schedule as an AACAF?
Students will be able to accommodate their fellowship schedule with the Fellowship coordinator. Nonetheless, all students should complete 18 hours a week.
- Who do I contact if I want more information or have a question about this Fellowship program?
Students are more than welcome to contact our Director of Education and Public Programs for any important questions or concerns at: lorena@arteamericas.org