Arte Américas Cultural Arts Fellowship

Applications are open!

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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 (March – November 2025) 

Duration: March 3, 2025, through November 29, 2025 (8 months total). 

Hours and Schedule: 

  • Spring & Fall Semester: 18 hours/week, in person (Tuesday–Saturday). 
  • Summer (July 2025): 40 hours/week, in person (Monday–Friday). 

Reports to: Ashley Gutiérrez, Internship & Fellowship Coordinator 

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. 

Our fellowship is a time-limited opportunity, as each cohort spans for 8 months. Each cohort is composed of 5 students.  

Who should apply 

This program is designed for undergraduate students interested in history, art, art history, anthropology, museum 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 art and culture-based curricula. 
  • 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. 
  • Mileage reimbursement for fellowship-related travel. 
  • 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 2025 graduates are ineligible; Fall 2025 graduates are eligible. 
  • Must be in good academic standing. 
  • Commitment to Arte Américas’ mission and vision. 
  • Interest in 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 qualify for the stipend amount of up to $19,200, students must complete:  

  • Spring & Fall Semester: 18 hours/week, in person (Tuesday–Saturday) 
  • Summer (July 2025): 40 hours/week, in person (Monday–Friday) 

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 will be covered by this program.  

Application Process 

To apply, complete the form linked here and upload your resume, cover letter, 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. 

  • Will we get mileage reimbursement for commuting to Arte Américas? 

Yes, students will receive mileage reimbursement for fellowship-related travel. 

  • 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?  

March 3, 2025, through November 29, 2025 (8 months total). 

  • 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? 

All applications are due January 10th, 2025.  

  • When will I be notified? 

Selected candidates will be notified in February 2025.  

  • 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 March 3rd, 2025 

  • 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 the following hours: 

  • Fall/Spring semester = 18 hours/week 
  • Summer = 40 hours/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 Internship and Fellowship Coordinator for any important questions or concerns at: ashley@arteamericas.org