Nashville Arts Commission Approves Spring 2026 Internships for Community Arts Leaders Program

The Metro Arts Commission of Nashville has taken significant steps to support local arts education through its internship program, which aims to connect students with arts organizations in Davidson County. During a recent meeting, the commission discussed the upcoming spring 2026 cohort of the Community Arts Leaders of Nashville program, which will provide 6 to 8 internships for students from Nashville-based colleges and universities.

This 14-week internship program allows students to work 8 to 10 hours a week with local arts organizations, gaining valuable experience while receiving a stipend. The program also includes mentorship from established Nashville artists, enhancing the educational experience for the interns. Applications for host sites will open on September 3, 2025, with a matching process for students and mentors planned for late fall.

The commission emphasized the importance of this program in fostering the next generation of arts leaders and ensuring that local organizations have the support they need. While the program currently runs only in the spring, there is hope for future expansions to include fall internships as well.

In addition to the internship program, the meeting also touched on the ongoing work of the grants and funding committee, which is focused on securing resources for local arts initiatives. The committee chair expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have led to the approval of guidelines and criteria for funding applications.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the commission's commitment to enhancing arts education and support within the Nashville community, paving the way for a vibrant cultural landscape that benefits both students and local organizations. As the commission moves forward, it aims to strengthen these programs and continue fostering connections between emerging artists and established professionals in the field.