ART WORKS Projects for Human Rights (AWP), an international nonprofit organization based in Chicago, offers competitive internships year-round for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in the role of the arts in human rights advocacy. Internships are now available the spring 2017 semester.
AWP’s mission is to use design and the arts to raise awareness of and educate the public about significant human rights issues. The organization uses photography and documentary filmmaking to expose social justice issues, holding exhibitions worldwide to advocate for deeper understanding and awareness of human rights globally. Since its founding in 2006, AWP has exhibited in more than 60 cities across nearly 30 countries. The organization’s agenda includes projects on genocide, extreme sexual violence, women’s rights, famine and food safety, access to clean water, gun violence, child labor and human trafficking, ethnic cleansing and other acts of tyranny.
AWP selects topics which are the most intractable, the least covered in the mainstream media, and often the most abusive for victims. We strive to bring into the public eye human rights abuses that are often widespread, but lesser understood by, or known to the global community.
JOB DESCRIPTION
AWP internships provide students a unique opportunity to gain experience in international human rights advocacy through the visual arts. Work schedules, including start and end dates, are negotiable but require a minimum of eight hours per week at the studio located at 625 N. Kingsbury, Chicago.
AWP interns will be involved in a range of exciting projects, such as exhibitions, marketing and communications, event planning, and outreach and education efforts domestically and internationally. Considering that the needs of a small nonprofit organization vary greatly, the project work will be diverse and the breadth of suggested experience of applicants is wide. Those with interests in international relations, journalism, marketing and communication, design, programming, public policy, language studies, and art and art history – are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
- Graduate or undergraduate student
- Exceptional English writing skills; advanced French, Spanish and/or Arabic speaking and writing ability especially a plus
- Organized, self-starter with excellent attention to detail
- Experience researching and reaching out to possible partners for programs and events
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Passionate about social justice and peace
- Ability to utilize Microsoft Office (e.g. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
Desirable
- Past volunteer experience in social justice, humanitarian issues or human rights work
- Social media savvy and demonstrated work in using social media as an advocacy tool to mobilize action
- Intellectually curious and committed to storytelling through the arts
- Experience or interest in photography, photojournalism, citizen journalism, documentary filmmaking or other creative medium
This is an unpaid internship with the opportunity to gain extensive experience in nonprofit organizations and human rights advocacy. AWP consists of a small team working cooperatively and collaboratively. We believe that the relationship between AWP and our intern staff is reciprocal, and we strive to ensure an open relationship where questions and learning opportunities are encouraged and regularly facilitated.
APPLICATION
Please send all application materials to Annalise Taylor, communications + exhibitions coordinator, at ataylor@artworksprojects.org.
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Writing sample (no more than four pages)
- Two letters of recommendation
DEADLINE & START DATE
Fall 2017 internships: August 25, 2017; September 12 start date