Internships

BFF is now accepting applications for 2025 Summer Internships!​

We are seeking 2025 Summer Interns who are attending college,
recent college graduates, and/or pursuing careers within the arts sector.​ We are also seeking Event Photography interns (more information below).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, March 10th

BFF Intern Program Overview

The BFF Omaha Summer Internship Program provides students with valuable professional experience and career knowledge in the fields of arts administration, creative industries, and community engagement. Our program offers hands-on roles in professional and technical positions that contribute to short-term organizational objectives while supporting long-term career pathways for Nebraska’s creative workforce.

Internships are designed for students currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an institution of higher education or certified training program. Each internship offers a minimum of 240 hours, paid above Nebraska’s state minimum wage, with opportunities to develop skills in graphic design, photography, event coordination, arts education, nonprofit management, and more.  All Summer Internships are compensated $500/month for working an average of 27 hours/month

Interns will:

  • Gain valuable work experience through immersive, project-based learning.

  • Increase their career knowledge through mentorship and trainings.

  • Contribute directly to organizational goals, including expanding arts accessibility, enhancing community programs, and supporting Nebraska’s creative economy.

Summer Internships

General Information

  • All Summer Internships are compensated $500/month for working an average of 27 hours/month.

  • Internships run the last week of April - first week of September

  • All interns will work in the following areas:  Community Event Work, Gallery Work, and Individualized Projects and Development Plans (TBD)

Interns are required to accommodate the following:

Must be available Thursdays & Fridays

Must be available every First Friday of the month

Must be available every Thursday night before First Fridays

Must be available the following dates:​

  • April 4th

  • May 1st

  • May 2nd

  • June 6th

  • July 31st​​

  • August 1st

  • August 15th

  • August 16th

  • August 24th

  • September 4th

  • September 5th

Tasks & Hourly Breakdown (27 hours/mo avg)

Community Event Work (11 hours/mo avg)

  • First Fridays (7 hours/mo)

  • FF Prep Nights (2 hours/mo)

  • PETFEST Music Festival (2 hour/mo avg)

Remote: Individual Focus Area Work + Special Projects (8 hours/mo avg)

Office and Co-Working Hours (8 hours/mo avg)

​Other expectations:

  • Attend monthly board meetings & other programming meetings - either in person or via email

  • Active communication via phone & email, and in-office face-time with team leaders & BFF staff weekly

Additional perks for interns:

  • Optional college credit through UNO (and other universities)

  • *Note:  Most universities will require additional hours depending on credits and courses being applied.  (ie, UNO requires 10 hours/week).  

  • *The potential for college credit should be discussed between applicants and their college counselors or professors to confirm approval.

  • Potential artist exhibition at the end of the intern period

  • Artist opportunities & “first dibs”  through BFF’s programming

  • Promotional opportunities through BFF’s media platforms

  • BFF Merchandise - including staff t-shirts, buttons, stickers, etc.

  • A free Friend of BFF Membership - including tickets to the annual BFF Ball (TBA Fall)

  • Access to studio, meeting, and workspace

  • A positive professional reference & resume builder

  • And other exciting career opportunities.

BFF INTERN FOCUS AREAS

All selected interns will be assigned a specific focus area based on their individual interests, work history/experience, and discussions during the application/interview process.

1. Artist Market Intern

  • Objective: Develop skills in event coordination and vendor management by supporting BFF Omaha’s monthly artist markets.

  • Key Projects: Assist with market logistics, including vendor coordination, setup, and community partner outreach, to ensure a seamless experience for artists, partners, and attendees.

    • Project: Vendor Coordination and Market Expansion Interns will assist with expanding BFF Omaha's monthly artist markets by reaching out to new vendors and ensuring the events run smoothly. A special project will involve conducting a survey of past vendors and patrons to assess satisfaction, gather feedback, and identify opportunities for improving the market. This will help refine event operations and enhance future market offerings.

  • Skills Gained: Event logistics, data collection, community engagement, and small business support.

  • **Applicants must have a strong work ethic and stamina for long (and often times hot) event days.


2. Gallery Intern

  • Objective: Assist with gallery operations, including curating and installing exhibitions, wall prep, gallery hours, and opening receptions.

  • Key Projects: Prepare exhibitions for BFF Omaha’s galleries, focusing on art handling and creating visitor-friendly experiences.

    • Project: Exhibition Revitalization and Visitor Engagement
      Interns will support the curation and setup of a special exhibition/event(s) focused on the local creative community or underrepresented groups. A key project will be creating a visitor engagement strategy, including interactive elements or educational materials, to increase community involvement and attendance. This project will directly contribute to increasing gallery visitorship and enhancing BFF Omaha’s role as a hub for creative expression.

  • Skills Gained: Exhibition planning, visitor relations, and curation techniques.

  • **Applicants must have flexible schedules to accommodate gallery installations and gallery hours.


3. Education Intern

  • Objective: Assist with development and delivery of art-based educational programming.

  • Key Projects: Help plan and facilitate workshops for all ages, emphasizing creative skill-building and access to education.

    • Project: Community Art Workshop Series
      Interns will play a key role in developing and executing a new series of community-based art workshops aimed at underserved populations. This project will involve researching community needs, designing age-appropriate workshops, and promoting them through BFF Omaha’s channels. This will assist BFF in expanding its reach and deepening its commitment to inclusive arts education.

  • Skills Gained: Workshop facilitation, curriculum development, and community education.

  • **Applicants must be willing to work with all-ages and undergo a criminal background check.


4. Administrative Intern

  • Objective: Provide operational support to BFF Omaha’s nonprofit functions.

  • Key Project: Support grant writing, financial management, data management, and organizational planning for events and meetings.

    • Project: Streamlining Operations and Data Management
      A special project will involve working with BFF Omaha’s staff to review and improve current administrative workflows. The intern will assist in organizing digital files, creating new processes for tracking program data, and preparing reports for funders. This will help increase efficiency and support BFF Omaha's long-term growth through improved organizational systems.

  • Skills Gained: Nonprofit administration, project management, and operational systems.

  • **Applicants must have strong communication skills and interest/experience in spreadsheets and back-end administrative work.

5. Photography Intern

  • Objective: Document events and programs, supporting BFF Omaha’s marketing and archival needs.

  • Key Project: Create a visual archive and promotional materials for use in digital campaigns.

    • Project: Visual Documentation and Promotion of Key Events
      Interns will be tasked with photographing major events, including First Fridays, PETFEST, and community arts projects, and curating a visual archive for future marketing campaigns. A special project will involve creating a digital portfolio that showcases BFF Omaha’s community-driven initiatives, which will be used to strengthen future grant applications and marketing efforts.

  • Skills Gained: Event photography, digital editing, and storytelling.

  • **Applicants should have experience with photography.  Access to a digital camera is preferred.

6. Communications Intern

  • Objective: Manage social media and digital marketing efforts to promote BFF Omaha’s programs.

  • Key Project: Design and execute online content, develop a social media calendar, develop marketing campaigns, and analyze audience engagement.

    • Project: Social Media Campaign and Content Creation
      A key special project for the Communications Intern will involve developing and executing a targeted social media campaign promoting BFF Omaha’s upcoming events and artist opportunities. The intern will collaborate with the team to create compelling content, including interviews with artists, event previews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, to boost engagement and attendance.

  • Skills Gained: Social media strategy, digital marketing, and audience analytics.

  • **Applicants must have strong communication skills, and the ability to approach strangers when conducting surveys, interviews, data collection, or promotions.


7. Stage and Sound Intern

  • Objective: Assist with the coordination of live performances, including stage and sound operations, to enhance the quality of First Friday events and special programs.

  • Key Project: Support the curation and technical management of performances for First Fridays (May–September), including special events like First Friday PRIDE (June), the New American Arts Festival (August), and various other community events within the Benson Creative District.

  • Skills Gained: Event coordination, live sound management, artist relations, and audience engagement.

  • **Applicants should have experience with sound equipment, live performances, and stage events.