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.

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

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

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!

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.

  • Sotheby's (arts/business/technology, internships & F/T jobs) - NESCAC+LACN (Monday, October 27th 2025, 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm EDT)

    Sat, 08/02/2025 - 10:30pm
    When: Monday, October 27th 2025, 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm EDT Location: Unknown Join Sotheby’s for a virtual info session designed to introduce students to our Early Talent Programs and offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to build a career at an auction house.We’ll share insights into two programs: The Summer Internship Program (NY) is a paid, 10-week opportunity for rising college seniors to gain hands-on experience across departments such as Fine Art, Luxury, Operations, and Marketing. Interns are embedded in the business, contributing meaningfully to their teams while also participating in curated programming, mentorship, and networking events. The Associates Program (NY) is a full-time, 18-month rotational program designed for recent graduates, offering two six-month and two three-month rotations across the business. Associates take on impactful work while exploring various departments and developing a strong foundation for long-term career growth at Sotheby’s. You’ll hear directly from current Associates and program alumni as they share their career journeys, answer your questions, and highlight how Sotheby’s blends tradition with innovation.Whether you're passionate about art, business, or technology, there’s a place for you at Sotheby’s.NOTE: We're willing to consider international students eligible for CPT/OPT. For full-time roles, we're willing to consider 2026 and recent graduates. For internship roles, we're willing to consider 2027 graduates ONLY.Contact Details: Katie Robinson-Duff: Katie.Robinson-Duff@sothebys.com Madeline Kennedy: Madeline.Kennedy@sothebys.com NOTE: The company/institution associated with this event will receive registrant and attendee contact details for potential pre-session and/or post-session communications. Please reach out to the event organizer if you have any questions or concerns.

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.

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:

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: