Graduate Internship Program 2026

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The 421 Graduate Internship Program offers early career development support and professional preparation opportunities for emerging creatives and those interested in arts and culture. The program supports young practitioners through hands-on experience and training that paves the way for future career opportunities.
The internship runs for six months, and four applicants will be accepted for this cycle of the program. This is a paid opportunity. 


The 421 Graduate Internship Program offers early career development support and professional development opportunities for emerging creative professionals from diverse backgrounds. The program takes place on-site, and offers selected participants the opportunity to be immersed in a cultural center's operations across various departments with a targeted focus on a specific field.

Interns can choose to apply for the following departments: Communications and Marketing, Learning Initiatives and Programs, Exhibition Design and Special Projects, and Public Programs and Community Engagement.
Depending on the selected area of focus as well as 421’s needs, interns will work with the Public Programs and Community Engagement Manager, Learning Initiatives and Programs Manager, Exhibitions Design Manager, or Communications and Marketing Manager. The Internship Program also features talks and lectures with industry leaders and cultural experts. 


Selected participants will also be expected to pitch a personal project in line with the department they are interning in to the larger 421 team. This proposal is then realized and supported by the 421 team. 2020 internship cohort members Sreerag Jyothish and Aya Afaneh proposed a Teen Studios pilot that is currently being realized and implemented at 421 as the Teens Program.

Internship structure: 

  • The internship runs for six months, from January to June, 2026. 4 applicants are accepted every six months. 
  • Applicants will be expected to work full-time.  
  • This is a paid opportunity that adheres to the UAE’s labor law and policies. 
  • To be eligible for the program, applicants must have recently graduated from a higher education program. Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates are welcome to apply.  

Interns will leave the program having gained: 

An in-depth understanding of the logistics, operations and budget management of 421’s exhibitions, public programs, communications, or educational programs. 

First hand experience of how cultural institutions operate on a day-to-day basis, specifically administration, communication, project coordination, exhibition, and program design. 

Networking opportunities in the contemporary art scene within the region; hands-on involvement in exhibition planning and execution; assistance in research; and curation; working directly with creative practitioners; educational and community outreach; and more.  An opportunity to engage with the 421 team through a structured mentorship model, and a learning-focused approach to the exhibition operations through workshops, crits, and seminars.

 Eligibility     

Applicants must be over 21 years old Applicants must be based in the UAE. Applicants should be recent graduates from a bachelor's or master's degree course; or recent graduates (within 12 months of graduation) or art professionals with equivalent work experience.  

Below are the internship opportunities for 2026:    

Learning Outcomes 

  • An understanding of project management on an institutional level.
  • Ability to work with different stakeholders within the cultural landscape of an institution.
  • Developing a succinct and strong foundation for multi-disciplinary organizational structures.
  • Liaising with every department at 421, allowing for a cross-functional and multi-dimensional skill set.
  • The opportunity to work with upper and higher management at an institutional level.

Role

     The candidate will work closely with the 421 Director on all projects. The tasks within this role include but are not limited to:  

  • Planning approaches for upcoming projects, exhibitions, and programs.
  • Coordinating with the 421 team to streamline relevant information that aids in the developmental and organizational aspects of project management.
  • Put together project plans and timelines.
  • Supporting the director of 421 within a relevant capacity, which includes but is not limited to implementing an organizational structure for project planning and mapping, research, and human resources.

 Communications and Marketing

 The internship will offer you the opportunity to be immersed in the development of the story of 421 by using different channels and platforms through creating a holistic end-to-end communication plan for 421 programs and exhibitions. This includes strategy and planning, managing and reviewing content, coordinating with stakeholders and partners, assisting in the implementation and execution of communication strategies. The internship will cover various marketing and communication channels,  from traditional media, PR, marketing, social media and other digital platforms. The intern will be working directly with the 421 Communications Manager and other members of the management team.

 Desired Qualifications 

     Demonstrable interest in public relations and communications, as well as in the fields of Fine Arts, Architecture, Design, Art History or Museum Studies (graphic design is a plus)  

  • A deep understanding of the arts, culture and design ecosystem of the UAE, and the region
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint), G-Suite, and Remote programs such as MS Teams and Zoom are a plus
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, must be organized, flexible, and detail-oriented
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively on various projects simultaneously
  • Strong research skills
  • High language proficiency in both English Arabic
  • Demonstrated familiarity with contemporary art desired

 

Learning Outcomes 

  • An understanding of the multidisciplinary role of communications within 421. An understanding of how to plan and execute an end-to-end communications plan.
  • An understanding of how to develop a holistic campaign – from setting objectives, developing key messages, selecting the right tactics and platforms, tracking progress, and reporting.
  • Ability to work with different stakeholders within the communications and arts, design, and culture fields.
  • Manage timelines and deliverables from a communications perspective.

 

Role

    The candidate will work closely with the 421 Communications Manager on all projects and exhibitions programs. The tasks within this role include but are not limited to:  

  • Ideate innovative narratives
  • Plan approaches for upcoming projects, exhibitions, and programs
  • Support in managing stakeholders (PR, social media, and website agencies + graphic designers) at all stages of a project, from briefing and strategizing to execution.
  • Coordinate with the 421 team to gather and streamline information/relevant content that aids in the development of the communications deliverables.
  • Review communications-related content to ensure it is appropriate and in line with 421's narrative and language.
  • Keep track of the communications plan and ensure milestones are met.
  • Put together project plans and timelines.

 

Learning Initiatives and Programs

     This internship is for emerging-creative professionals interested in working on educational programs. The job roles include but are not limited to, planning, implementing and administering a wide variety of educational programs that enhance accessibility and inclusivity. This entails audience building and development. The intern will assist in different areas of the exhibitions, workshops, publications at 421 focused on catering it to families and developing creative skills and knowledge within a wider community. The internship projects will cover: School & Educator Programs, Teen Programs, Interpretation & Research, and Access and inclusivity Programs. The interns will be working directly with the Education Manager of 421 and other members of the management team.

 Desired Qualifications 

  • Demonstrable interest in Museum & Gallery Education in the fields of Fine Arts, Architecture, Design, or Museum Studies
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint), G-Suite, and Remote programs such as Zoom is a plus
  • Demonstrable interest in accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities in galleries.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, must be organized, flexible, detail-oriented
  • Demonstrable interest in developing education pedagogy and working with different audiences
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively on various projects simultaneously
  • Strong Research skills
  • High language proficiency in either English or Arabic
  • Demonstrated familiarity with contemporary art desired
  • Experience in the planning and implementation of arts-related events and programming

 

Learning Outcomes 

  • A multi-disciplinary understanding of educational aspects relevant to an institution’s public programming and exhibitions.
  • An understanding of a variety of educational programs that enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of an institution.
  • An ability to develop a foundation for audience building and development.
  • Ability to outreach and cater to different types of audiences such as families and children, People of Determination, and more.

Role

     The candidate will work closely with the 421 Education Manager on all projects. The tasks within this role include but are not limited to:  

  • Planning and implementing a variety of educational programs to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
  • Audience building and development.
  • Catering to families and developing creative skills to reach a wider community.
  • Hands-on experience with a variety of projects and outreach that include but are not limited to school programs. Teen programs, interpretation and research, access and inclusivity programs.

 

Exhibition Design

     This internship is for emerging creative professionals interested in pursuing a career in Exhibition Design. The intern will work closely with Exhibition Designer and curator to translate an exhibition’s checklist and narrative; from concept design through construction and installation, and work with different departments of 421 to deliver exhibitions. The interns will be working directly with the Exhibition Design Manager of 421 and other members of the management team.

 Desired Qualifications  

  • Demonstrable interest in the fields of Fine Arts, Architecture, Design, Art History or Museum Studies
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint), G-Suite, and Remote programs such as Zoom is a plus
  • Proficiency in CAD programs and Adobe Suite for Exhibition Design
  • Proficiency in 3D program and  modeling
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, must be organized, flexible, detail-oriented
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively on various projects simultaneously
  • Strong Research skills
  • High language proficiency in either English or Arabic
  • Demonstrated familiarity with contemporary art desired
  • Experience in the planning and implementation of arts-related events and programming
  • Experience in working on Architecture, Interior, or Exhibition Design projects

 

Learning Outcomes 

  • An understanding of a variety of aspects related to exhibition design in an institution, this includes but is not limited to conception and ideation through the construction and installation of an exhibition.
  • Developing a coherent narrative and story surrounding an exhibition.
  • An ability to foster cross-functional and multi-disciplinary skills by liaising with other 421 management for the execution of an exhibition.
  • A better understanding of curatorial and structural approaches to exhibition construction and conception.

Role 

  • Working with the Exhibition Design Manager at 421 to conceptualize and realize an exhibition.
  • Working on the planning and rendering of an exhibition proposal and design.
  • Liaising with 421 Management to conceptualize an exhibition.
  • Working with the relevant curators and artists of a given exhibition.

 Public Programs and Community Engagement 

     This internship is for emerging creative professionals interested in working on Public Programs and Community Engagement. The internship will offer an opportunity to be immersed in the development of content for upcoming exhibitions, engaging with curators, artists and scholars, as well as the coordination and administration of long term programs focusing on the development of artists and creative practitioners.The interns will be working directly with the Public Programs and Community Engagement  Manager of 421 and other members of the management team.

 Desired Qualifications 

  • Demonstrable interest in the fields of Fine Arts, Architecture, Design, Art History or Museum Studies
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint), G-Suite, and Remote programs such as Zoom is a plus
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, must be organized, flexible, detail-oriented
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively on various projects simultaneously
  • Strong Research skills
  • High language proficiency in either English or Arabic
  • Demonstrated familiarity with contemporary art desired
  • Experience in the planning and implementation of arts-related events and programming

 

Learning Outcomes 

  • An understanding of the curatorial approach to the public programming of a cultural center.
  • Hands-on experience with outreach to curate and implement a seasonal and thematic public program and community engagement.
  • Working with the Public Programs and Community Engagement team to reach out to relevant curators, artists, and creative practitioners.
  • Developing a broader understanding of the logistical, infrastructural, and curatorial support in the conception, ideation, implementation, and dissemination of public programming.

Role 

  • Developing content for 421’s seasonal public programming.
  • Working directly with the Public Programs and Community Engagement Manager and team to curate, conceptualize, and realize 421’s public programming.
  • Liaising with 421 Management to conceptualize a public program.
  • Outreach and community engagement support both logistically and curatorially.
  • Liaising with relevant curators and artists to implement a thematic and coherent public program that responds to a given exhibition at a time.
  • Liaising with the Director of 421 on Dukkan421-related initiatives and projects.

 

Application Criteria

    Prospective applicants are advised to review the application requirements early in their preparation process. Applications are only accepted through our online application form.  Applications submitted via regular mail or email will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

 The application material include: 

  • CV / Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Portfolio
  • Relevant Coursework
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