Arts and culture are a critical and powerful component of a healthy and vibrant community. Explore the many ways you can make a living in the arts in this career community.

Lawrence University is a creative and vibrant community that is passionate about various forms of expression regardless of one’s major. Combined with the Conservatory, Lawrence offers a wide variety of majors and experiential learning opportunities to pursue your passion for the arts.

Get Career Advising

Meet with Ty Collins, the interim advisor for the visual and performing arts community.

Make an appointment

Join the VPA community

Become part of the VPA community via Voyager to receive the most current resources and news.

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Enter the VPA Resource Portal

Already joined the VPA career community? Go to the VPA Resource Portal. You'll also find career-specific resources related to the visual and performing arts, such as performance, art and design, theatre, arts administration, and more!

VPA Resource Portal

Career Development Resources 

Don't know how to start looking for an internship or job? Need help writing a resume or cover letter? Check out these useful guides.

Wriston exhibition on display

Workshops and Programs

If there are relevant upcoming events posted in Handshake by the Career Center or external employers, the first 3 will appear below.

    Internship Spotlight 

    Lawrence has existing partnerships with local and national arts organizations, such as: 

    New York Jazz Academy logo and intern, Jando Valdez ‘24

    Jando Valdez '24 at New York Jazz Academy

    "When it came to becoming an educator and facilitator of basic and advanced concepts of jazz music theory, I felt empowered due to the wealth of resources I had on hand. Knowledgeable educators, a supervisor who was easy to contact, and lots of time to do my own research allowed me to grow on my own alongside the students I helped to teach."
    ~Jando Valdez '24 (sophomore during internship)

    New York Jazz Academy has evolved into one of the most diverse musical communities in the world, comprising over 1,000 musicians of all kinds, from over 35 states, and over 70 countries. Lawrence interns have served as educators and performers during the Summer Jazz Intensives for the past 5 years. 

    Explore more internship opportunities with existing partners.

    Get funding for internships

    As a Lawrence student, you're eligible to apply for funding to support summer internships. Funding can help defray transportation costs, living expenses, and more so you can pursue opportunities that will expand your classroom learning and help you acquire important transferrable skills for future success.

    Get funding

    Relevant Student Organizations 

    Joining a student organization can connect you with peers with similar interests and goals. Get involved, learn, experience, and give back. 

    • Deep Listeners of Lawrence University
    • Diversity in Fine Arts (DIFA)

    Alumni Connections

    Alumni can offer invaluable insights into your fields of interest and provide career advice to help you reach your goals.  

    These Lawrence alumni are currently working in the visual or performing arts:

    Prepare for an information interview

    Not sure where or how to start with an informational interview? We've got your back!

    Professional Associations

    Professional associations are a great source of field-specific information, career path ideas, and networking contacts. Examples of associations for visual and performing artists: