Emerging Arts Leaders High School Internship

Since its launch in 2021, the program has welcomed ten cohorts of students from the Salem Public School system and beyond, offering participants hands-on opportunities to engage with museum staff, collaborate with contemporary artists and explore the many facets of a dynamic cultural institution.

But the EAL program is about more than arts education — it’s about connection. Through facilitated circle conversations, interns build social and emotional skills, share their perspectives and reflect on the role of museums in their communities. These conversations, combined with workshops, mentorship and culminating presentations where interns propose objects for PEM’s collection, create a holistic and transformative experience.

The impact is clear: 100% of interns have reported feeling more connected to PEM by the end of the program. For many participants, including students who have faced significant personal challenges, the program has been a space of inspiration, growth and belonging. The Emerging Arts Leaders program embodies PEM’s belief that creativity is a nourishing force in people’s lives, offering young people a chance to imagine, explore and thrive within the arts. 

This internship offers participants the opportunity to engage with art, culture and history, share critical feedback with PEM and learn about a range of career paths. Interns will work with staff members, peers and professional artists to evaluate the museum's outreach and make recommendations on how to engage teen audiences through events, exhibitions and special projects. Internships run in the fall and spring.