Internship Program Spotlight: Future Arts Leaders of Tomorrow

This summer, our interns are once again helping to deliver the energy, creativity, and community spirit of DC JazzFest. Set along Washington, DC’s vibrant Southwest waterfront, the festival offers interns a front-row look at what it takes to work in an arts organization and produce a major cultural event—from artist and audience support to communications, hospitality, logistics, and community engagement.

Why It Matters

One of the most exciting parts of the internship experience is watching students and early-career professionals step into real responsibilities during one of the city’s signature jazz celebrations. Whether helping with guest services, assisting artists, supporting festival teams, or contributing to outreach and planning, interns develop transferable skills while participating in an unforgettable cultural event that reflects DC’s creativity, history, and global jazz community. 

Meet Our 2026 Interns

This year, we are pleased to welcome Enica Allen and Kerri Bea Ward from Howard University, Erik Bright from Drexel University, Seth Johnson from the University of Maryland, College Park, and Margot Stott from Barnard College, Columbia University. In partnership with Sitar Arts Center’s Bloomberg Arts Internship program, we are also happy to welcome Maliaka Hyera from BASIS Washington, DC Public Charter School and Se’Sean Wilson from IDEA Public Charter School.

Program Highlights

During their time with DC Jazz Festival, interns gain hands-on experience in nonprofit arts management, live event production, and community-centered programming.

• Research and Development: Interns research and identify potential DC Jazz Festival supporters with connections to jazz, the arts, and music education. They work closely with the Development Manager on sponsorships, donor relations, VIP attendee needs, and development administrative work.

• Education and Programming: Interns help maintain and update the DC resident artist database, assist with Meet the Artist programs, provide education administration support, and help the DC JazzFest education stages at The Wharf run smoothly.

• Events Management: Interns help coordinate logistics, assist in volunteer recruitment and deployment, help organize festival merchandise and inventory, and serve as boots-on-the- ground coordinators for festival events.

• Executive Administration: Interns assist with administrative needs on the executive level, drafting emails and speeches, organizing staff schedules and timelines, and compiling artist and festival information for institutional knowledge.

• Social Media and Marketing: Interns create social media content, develop media content calendars, organize merchandise for sale and advertising, and create physical and digital collateral.