SPRINGBOARD FELLOWSHIP

The Springboard Fellowship is a unique opportunity for emerging arts and culture professionals in Western New York to develop their skills through individualized guidance from a partner organization.

Springboard Fellows collaborate with a local nonprofit arts organization to gain real-world experience, build professional skills, and receive one-on-one mentorship. By providing paid opportunities, the program breaks down financial and structural barriers that often accompany unpaid internships—working toward a more equitable and welcoming arts community in Western New York.

The goal of ASI’s Springboard Fellowship is twofold:

  1. Create pathways for underrepresented individuals in the arts to gain valuable, paid experience in the arts and culture sector.
  2. Provide small and micro arts organizations with the support they need to guide and mentor the next generation of creative professionals.

KEY DATES 2026

Organization Applications Due May 29, 2026
at 5:00pm
Fellow Applications Open June 29, 2026
Fellow Applications Due August 3, 2026 at 11:59pm
Fellowship September – November 2026

TESTIMONIALS

Because we tailored the projects to our fellow’s specific interests, there was a much deeper level of involvement between our staff and the fellow than we typically see with an intern or volunteer. The stipend was essential—it freed up our team’s time to brainstorm, innovate, and provide truly individualized guidance.

2025 Springboard Mentor

The technical skills, energy, and ideas the fellow brought were outstanding. They brought a younger perspective on social media and marketing that influenced how we reach our audience. It was a very positive experience that pushed our organization to innovate and plan new projects around the fellow’s unique skills.

2025 Springboard Mentor

The provided stipend allowed our principal grant writer to take time away from proposal writing to spend time with the fellow, mentoring on grant writing and arts administration in general.

2024 Springboard Mentor

Our Springboard Fellow came with skills, motivation, and great self-direction and was easily integrated into our operations. (They were) able to propose new projects they could take on to add to our programming. 

2024 Springboard Mentor

What resonated with me most was the opportunity to work with local organizations in Buffalo for networking. I saw this as a valuable chance for both personal and professional growth. This… felt like a significant opportunity, and I was excited about the chance to contribute to the Buffalo community.

2024 Springboard Fellow

This fellowship has helped me make valuable new connections and opened up opportunities in my field of interest. I’ve been able to network with professionals and learn from their experiences, which has broadened my perspective and created potential pathways for future growth.

2024 Springboard Fellow

The fellowship exceeded my expectations in terms of the insight I gained into the inner workings of an arts organization. It provided me with opportunities to engage with artists, develop programs, and contribute to meaningful projects that align with my passion for community building and cultural representation.

2024 Springboard Fellow

APPLY NOW TO BE A SPRINGBOARD FELLOW

Applications for the 2026 Springboard Fellowship are now open!

  • To be eligible, applicants must:
  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Reside in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, or Niagara County.
  • Not be enrolled in a college or other higher education program.

Priority will be given to individuals from underrepresented communities, those who would be unable to participate without paid compensation, and those entering or re-entering the arts and culture workforce.

Host Organizations will review applications, conduct interviews, and select Fellows in coordination with ASI staff.

The Fellowship runs from September through November 2026 and includes 120 hours of paid work experience. Work schedules will be determined collaboratively between each Host Organization and their selected Fellow.

The deadline to apply is Monday, August 3, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Questions? Contact our Programs & Outreach Coordinator Gaitrie Subryan at [email protected].

JOIN US FOR AN INFO SESSION

Interested in learning more? Join us for a free virtual information session to hear about the program, meet ASI staff, and ask questions before applying.

Upcoming Springboard Fellowship Info Sessions

  • Monday, July 13th 12pm – 1pm
  • Tuesday, July 21st 12pm – 1pm
  • Thursday, July 30th 12pm – 1pm

Email our Programs & Outreach Coordinator, Gaitrie Subryan at [email protected] for the virtual meeting link.

Niagara Arts & Cultural Center

The Niagara Arts & Cultural Center, Inc. is a nonprofit (501c3), community-focused cultural center that houses more than 100 artists – including painters, sculptors, ceramicists, educators, woodworkers, photographers, theater companies, dance companies and more – in studios and programmable spaces. We support artists with collaborative practices, professional careers, and those interested in contributing to WNY’s creative ecosystem including 3 theatres, 2 public and numerous private galleries, a radio station, public classroom space, the Starry Night Café, and more! Learn more here.

Opportunity: Marketing & Community Engagement Fellow

Position Overview: The Fellow will support the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center’s marketing, communications, and community engagement efforts by contributing to storytelling, digital outreach, and the preservation of the organization’s visual arts history. This hands-on role offers experience in arts administration, audience development, cultural preservation, and creative communications within a multidisciplinary arts organization. Read the full position description here.

Shakespeare in Delaware Park

Shakespeare in Delaware Park is a not-for-profit professional theatre company that provides free, high-quality public theatre to enrich, educate, and entertain diverse audiences through the works of William Shakespeare. SDP’s vision is to engage people of all walks of life in a deeply meaningful, communal experience, as they witness the truths of the human experience through the highest quality productions, featuring the timeless plays of William Shakespeare. Learn more here.

Opportunity: Administrative Fellow

Position Overview: The Fellow will support the organization’s development, artistic programming, and education initiatives by assisting with donor engagement, coordinating auditions and artistic planning, and helping execute the Fall Touring Production. This hands-on role offers experience in fundraising, arts administration, event coordination, and community-based arts programming. Read the full position description here.

Southern Tier Symphony

The Southern Tier Symphony is a regional professional orchestra dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric of Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania by delivering exceptional, accessible orchestral experiences that inspire our musicians, captivate our audiences, and unite our community through the power of live music. Featuring a talented roster of professional and semi-professional musicians—drawing skilled players from the local region and as far away as Toronto and Florida—the symphony is deeply rooted in community accessibility. Learn more here.

Opportunity: Arts Administration & Community Engagement Fellow

Position Overview: The Fellow will support the Southern Tier Symphony’s community engagement by leading the Toys for Tots program, managing the “Sponsor a Musician” initiative, and developing an Educational Outreach Concert framework. This hands-on role offers experience in donor stewardship, community partnerships, and arts administration within a lean nonprofit environment. Read the full position description here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes! Both the selected fellow and host organization receive payment.

  • Fellows receive $2,400 for 120 hours of work. Fellows are independent contractors and will receive a 1099-MISC for tax purposes.

  • Host organizations receive a $1,000 stipend to support their mentorship efforts

For Organizations

This opportunity is open to any nonprofit organization that meets the following criteria:

  • Has arts or cultural activity as their core mission or purpose;
  • Is located in one of the five (5) WNY counties – Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, or Niagara;
  • Has an annual operating budget of less than $500,000;
  • Can demonstrate a quality training or mentorship opportunity;
  • Can demonstrate a desire to develop paid opportunities in the future.

Applicant organizations cannot use this program or funding to replace or fill a traditionally paid and/or contracted position. This includes: directors, performers, curators, designers, consultants, admissions/customer service, etc. This funding also cannot be used to begin paying a volunteer who has already been doing unpaid work for the organization.

For Fellows

Interested fellows must meet the following criteria to be considered:

  • Be at least 18 years or older.
  • Currently live or reside in one of the five (5) counties of WNY – Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, or Niagara.
  • Cannot be enrolled in a collegiate or other higher education program.
  • Cannot be receiving any other compensation for their work related to this position.

Priority will be given to individuals who:

  • Self-identify as someone from an under-represented community, including lower economic status, BIPOC/ALAANA, LGBTQ+, individual with disability, neurodiverse, rural, etc.
  • Would be unable to take advantage of this experience without compensation.
  • Are entering the arts/culture workforce for the first time, including recently graduated, veterans, stay-at-home parents entering/re-entering the workforce, immigrants/refugees, and more.

Organizations may only be selected for one (1) opportunity per year for no more than three (3) consecutive years. Individuals can only be selected for one (1) opportunity in a three (3) year period.

  • PHASE 1: Interested organizations in the five (5) counties of Western New York will apply to be considered for the program. In addition to the brief application, organizations should submit a work plan or job description of what a fellow will be working on. They must also demonstrate a capacity to provide appropriate mentorship to the fellow through a work plan. The total number of work hours should be 120. The distribution of hours will be determined between the selected organizations and the Fellows.
  • PHASE 2: ASI will select THREE organizations to participate in the 2026 program.
  • PHASE 3: Once the participating organizations have been selected, applications for individuals living in the five (5) counties of Western New York will open. Potential fellows will complete a brief application, attach a resume or CV, and indicate which organization(s) they would be interested in working with.
  • PHASE 4: Participating organizations will review the applications from potential fellows, conduct interviews, and select the fellow they will be working with in coordination with ASI staff.
  • PHASE 5: Once the fellows have been matched with the participating organizations, the organizations and fellows will develop a work schedule that allows the program to be complete no later than December 31, 2026.
  • PHASE 6: Throughout the process, ASI will host networking opportunities for the selected Fellows and participating organizations.

The fellows will be provided a $2,400 stipend for 120 hours of work (pay rate is $20/hour). This will be a contracted position and the fellow will receive a 1099 Misc. Revenue IRS form for their taxes. Selected organizations will be provided a $1,000 stipend to help offset the staff time and resources required to provide a quality training and mentorship program for their selected fellow.

Organizations and fellows will develop a mutually agreed upon schedule and work timeline that ensures the fellow works the full 120 hours but is not required to do more. Fellows must complete timesheets that are approved by the organization prior to compensation. All payments will be managed by ASI, including issuing 1099’s at the end of the year for tax purposes.

Yes, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your fellowship responsibilities.

No. This program is open to individuals not currently enrolled in a collegiate institution.

Fellows should expect to dedicate 120 hours to the program between September and November. The final hours per week will be determined by the organization.

Fellows will be paired with a partner organization where they will gain hands-on experience in arts administration, event planning, community engagement, and/or other relevant areas. Each fellow’s project will align with the organization’s goals and the fellows interest and career goals.

We hope the experience leads to continued growth and lasting connections between the fellow and the host organization.

Fellows will receive mentorship from experienced arts professionals, networking opportunities with arts organizations and funders, and hands on experience working with partner organizations.

Applications are reviewed by the host organization and a selection panel, based on:

  • Interest in arts administration
  • Potential career impact
  • Alignment with program goals
  • Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.

TIMELINE 2026

  • Organization Applications Due: May 29, 2026 at 5:00pm
  • Fellow Applications Open: June 29, 2026
  • Fellow Applications Due: August 5, 2026 at 5:00 pm
  • Fellowship Dates: September – November 2026

MEET OUR 2025 SPRINGBOARD FELLOWS

Special thanks to the Rich Family Community Committee for supporting the 2025 Springboard Fellowship program.

Reese Holahan

Queline Meadows

Katie Hatch

Nehal Veyas

Caroline North

MEET OUR 2024 FELLOWSHIP ORGANIZATIONS

Special thanks to the Rich Family Community Committee for supporting the 2024 Springboard Fellowship program.

Buffalo Society of Artists Logo

MEET OUR 2023 FELLOWS

Thank you to the Max & Victoria Dreyfus Foundation for their support of the 2023 Springboard Fellowship.

Fellow Audrey Parker working with JJAM Sessions.

Kameron King, working with the African American Veterans Arts and Culture Corporation and Positive Nation Productions.

Elizabeth Dunning, working with the Buffalo International Film Festival (BIFF).

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Supporting ASI’s Springboard Fellowship is an investment in Western New York’s creative community. As a workforce development program, Springboard was designed to support emerging arts and culture professionals as they take their next steps in the field.

Explore how you can help ASI create more equitable pathways into the art ecosystem of Western New York.