Graduate Internship Program 2026 (August to December)

Ends on

   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, Exhibition Design and Special Projects, Public Programs and Community Engagement and Capability Building Programs. Depending on the selected area of focus as well as 421’s needs, interns will work with the Public Programs and Community Engagement Manager, Exhibitions Design Manager, or the Head of Strategic Communications. 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 five months, from August to December, 2026. Four applicants will be accepted.
  • 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:    

 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.

 

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.

 

Capability Building Programs

The Capability Building Programs (CBP) Intern will work closely with the Programs and Community Initiatives team to support the planning and implementation of 421 Arts Campus’s capability building programs, such as the Artist Residency Program, Artistic Development Program, Curatorial Development Program, and Artistic Research Grant.

Role

  • The tasks within this role include but are not limited to:
  • Coordinating open calls, application processes, and selection workflows.
  • Assisting in managing cohort-based programs, including scheduling, communications, and logistics.
  • Liaising with artists, mentors, and external partners to support program delivery.
  • Coordinating with internal teams to ensure alignment across communications, exhibitions, and public programming.
  • Supporting the development of program timelines, reports, and internal documentation.
  • Conducting research to support the development and refinement of capability building initiatives.

Learning Outcomes

  • An understanding of how long-term artist development programs are structured, implemented, and evaluated within an institutional context.
  • An understanding of how capability building initiatives contribute to the broader cultural ecosystem, particularly within the UAE and the wider region.
  • Ability to work across multidisciplinary programs, including residencies, grants, and development programs.
  • Developing a strong foundation in program design, cohort management, and artist support frameworks.
  • An understanding of how to manage program timelines, application cycles, and selection processes.
  • Ability to liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders, including artists, mentors, and partners.

Desired Qualifications

  • Demonstrable interest in contemporary art and artist development programs.
  • Demonstrable interest in the fields of Fine Arts, Architecture, Design, Art History, or Museum Studies.
  • A degree in the visual arts or related field is preferred but not required.
  • Understanding of the arts and cultural landscape in the UAE and the wider region.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), G-Suite, and remote collaboration tools.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; organized, flexible, and detail-oriented.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple projects.
  • Strong research and organizational skills.
  • High language proficiency in English and/or Arabic.

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
We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.
Continue