CLEVELAND — Following a successful pilot last season, The Cleveland Orchestra is proud to announce the continuation of its Arts Administration BIPOC Internship Program, aimed at increasing diversity within the
field and providing valuable opportunities for young professionals of color.
Now in its second year, the program offers interns firsthand experience in the inner workings of The Cleveland Orchestra. It is designed to empower and mentor the next generation of arts leaders while enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the industry.
“At The Cleveland Orchestra, we believe that a diverse and inclusive arts community and workforce is essential to our continued growth and success,” said Jejuana Brown, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at The Cleveland Orchestra.
Interns will rotate through key departments within the organization, including marketing & communications, artistic & orchestra operations, philanthropy & advancement, and education & community engagement. They will also work on key projects related to diversity & inclusion and the Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival. Other professional development opportunities include attending SphinxConnect in Detroit, Michigan, and the League of American Orchestras annual conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
This paid internship runs from January 21 to May 25, 2025, with the option to extend through August 1. A relocation stipend is available.
Interested candidates for the 2025 Arts Administration BIPOC Internship Program should submit their applications by Wednesday, December 11. College seniors, graduate students, and recent graduates who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color can apply via our website.
The program’s early success is reflected in the experiences of its inaugural participants, who have embraced the opportunity to grow as arts leaders. Two alumni from last year’s class shared their reflections:
“Interning with The Cleveland Orchestra was a transformative experience that allowed me to contribute to the behind-the-scenes magic of a leading arts organization. Through a range of impactful projects, I was able to enhance my skills while observing the profound influence of outstanding music on the community. This experience strengthened my commitment to advancing the arts and prepared me for a future in arts administration,” said Dylan Masariego, graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and current graduate student at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
“Working with The Cleveland Orchestra was an inspiring experience that showcased the vital role arts administration plays in bringing world-class performances to life. From managing logistics, supporting key projects, collaborating with dedicated professionals, and engaging with patrons, I learned how every detail contributes to a seamless concert experience. This internship not only enhanced my organizational and communication skills but also reinforced my dedication to supporting the arts behind the scenes,” said Kiana Lilly, current graduate student at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
About The Cleveland Orchestra
Now firmly in its second century, The Cleveland Orchestra, under the leadership of Franz Welser-Möst since 2002, is one of the most sought-after performing ensembles in the world. Year after year the ensemble exemplifies extraordinary artistic excellence, creative programming, and community engagement. In recent years, The New York Times has called Cleveland “the best in America” for its virtuosity, elegance of sound, variety of color, and chamber-like musical cohesion.
Founded by Adella Prentiss Hughes, the Orchestra performed its inaugural concert in December 1918. By the middle of the century, decades of growth and sustained support had turned the ensemble into one of the most admired around the world.
The past decade has seen an increasing number of young people attending concerts, bringing fresh attention to The Cleveland Orchestra’s legendary sound and committed programming. More recently, the Orchestra launched several bold digital projects, including the streaming platform Adella.live and its own recording label. Together, they have captured the Orchestra's unique artistry and the musical achievements of the Welser-Möst and Cleveland Orchestra partnership.
The 2024–25 season marks Franz Welser-Möst’s 23rd year as Music Director, a period in which The Cleveland Orchestra has earned unprecedented acclaim around the world, including a series of residencies at the Musikverein in Vienna, the first of its kind by an American orchestra, and a number of acclaimed opera presentations.
Since 1918, seven music directors — Nikolai Sokoloff, Artur Rodziński, Erich Leinsdorf, George Szell, Lorin Maazel, Christoph von Dohnányi, and Franz Welser-Möst — have guided and shaped the ensemble’s growth and sound. Through concerts at home and on tour, broadcasts, and a catalog of acclaimed recordings, The Cleveland Orchestra is heard today by a growing group of fans around the world. Find out more.
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Media Contacts:
Jen Steer, The Cleveland Orchestra, jsteer@clevelandorchestra.com, 216-231-7637
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