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. In 2023, we launched our pilot program, and we are thrilled to announce that the 2024 program is underway.
The success of unpaid internships rely on a number of assumptions. Assumptions like the individual has the financial stability to forgo paid work during that time; that they have the flexibility to adapt to a new workplace’s schedule; that the organization has a staff member who has the capacity to provide individualized guidance; and, that the internship will be a stepping stone to a fulfilling career.
We’re ready to kick those assumptions to the curb. That’s why we created the Springboard Fellowship.
The goal of ASI’s Springboard Fellowship is twofold:
- To support underrepresented WNY individuals who lack access to arts employment experiences and provide them with paid opportunities in the hopes that they will be able to continue a career in the arts and culture industry.
- To support micro and small nonprofit arts organizations that could benefit from the assistance and exposure by offering a small stipend to help offset their general operating costs directly tied to providing mentorship.
Additional details can be found below. Questions can be directed to Holly Grant at [email protected].
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Organization Applications Due | April 4, 2024 |
Fellow Applications Open | May 20, 2024 |
Fellow Applications Due | June 12, 2024 |
Fellowship work takes place | July-December 2024 |
FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!
Six regional partner organizations have been selected to participate in the program. Below you will find detailed information about each organization along with a unique fellowship position description for which eligible individuals can apply.
The application process will include;
- Three questions regarding eligibility for the program.
- Three questions designed to showcase your interest, qualifications, and goals associated with this opportunity.
- A place to upload a resume/CV, although this is NOT a requirement.
This is a paid fellowship;
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.
1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center
Mission:
The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region, while preserving one of our region’s historically significant landmarks.
We believe that providing access to artistic diversity enriches the quality of life in our community and region. We offer high quality programming at an affordable price, and work to ensure the long-term financial strength of the theatre through a responsible balance of earned income and contributed support.
Position Overview:
1891 Fredonia Opera House is in search of a Marketing Fellow to help innovate our event promotions and expand our audience reach. We need fresh strategies, particularly for engaging underrepresented communities and enhancing our live and satellite events like Live at the Met and National Theatre Live.
The ideal candidate will bring creative solutions and gain practical marketing knowledge, budgeting skills, contract insights, and experience with tight deadlines.
Buffalo Girlchoir
Mission:
The mission of Buffalo Girlchoir is to provide exceptional music instruction to young women from all social strata, culminating in transcendent performances at the highest level of artistic excellence, facilitating their development into self-assured young women.
Position Overview:
Buffalo Girlchoir is seeking a Marketing and Operations Fellow to play a pivotal role in the growth and outreach of the organization. The selected Fellow’s journey will be shaped by their unique skills and interests, ensuring a tailored experience that fosters personal and professional development. The Fellow will collaborate closely with our team to engage in a variety of tasks, from singer registration and concert production to managing our expanding music library and crafting compelling marketing materials. Your contributions will not only support our mission but also enhance your expertise in event coordination, digital marketing, and fundraising initiatives.
This fellowship offers a hands-on learning opportunity in a supportive, team-oriented environment. You will assist in streamlining singer registration processes, setting up for concerts, and maintaining an organized music library. In the marketing realm, you’ll create engaging content for social media, assist with promotional designs using Canva, and help maintain our website. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to contribute to fundraising efforts, including event planning and grant research. Embrace this chance to grow with us and make a lasting impact.
Buffalo Opera Unlimited
Mission:
Buffalo Opera Unlimited (BOU) is dedicated to producing professional opera and a variety of other musical forms with an emphasis on regional artists. BOU is also committed to making opera more accessible to a broader audience and to providing education to develop future audiences.
Position Overview:
Buffalo Opera Unlimited is seeking a Media/Marketing Fellowship to enhance the organization’s digital presence. The Fellow will be instrumental in boosting social media engagement through creative video content, website improvements, and community event planning. This role includes hands-on experience in video production for social media, learning website management on the Wix platform, and organizing community outreach for our productions.
The Fellow will benefit from mentorship from an experienced Marketing and Development Director, who brings over two decades of expertise from working with major sports teams. Additionally, collaboration with our Artistic Director and Board President will provide valuable insights into digital media and arts administration. This fellowship is an opportunity to refine marketing skills and contribute to the success of our performing arts productions.
Buffalo Society of Artists
Mission:
The mission of the Buffalo Society of Artists (BSA) is, “Building on a legacy since 1891, we embrace visual exploration as critical to the voice of our time.”
Position Overview:
Buffalo Society of Artists is seeking a Content Management Fellow to play a key role in the outreach and inclusivity initiatives. The Fellow will manage content for a newly developed website, a central hub for member engagement and mentoring. This role offers a chance to enhance website functionality, communicate our mission, and connect with diverse audiences. The Fellow will leave with skills in website administration, content strategy, and community engagement—essential for any future career in digital marketing or nonprofit management.
Tri County Arts Council
Mission:
The Tri-County Arts Council (TCAC) advocates the creation and appreciation of arts in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties and Southern Tier Region. TCAC is committed to offering support and services that improve the quality of life of all residents, enhance cultural awareness and understanding, and encourage creativity and artistic expression.
Position Overview:
The TCAC Office is seeking a Fellow to support the organization’s social media platforms and to use WordPress for our inventory system. Working with the Executive Director, the Fellow will play a crucial role in driving the TCAC consumer engagement strategy through social media.
Western New York Book Arts
Mission:
Book Arts promotes a greater understanding of printing making and book-related arts through education, creation, and exhibition for a broad and diverse community. We support the professional development of artists and provide equitable access to arts education for youths and community members. Featuring an extensive print studio, two exhibition spaces, artist-in-residency opportunities, youth and adult education programs, an artisan market and more, Book Arts serves approximately 10,000 individuals yearly.
Position Overview:
BSA invites you to apply for an Arts Fellowship, where you’ll engage in a diverse range of activities from studio work to gallery management and retail operations, based on your qualifications and goals. Possible job duties include;
- Master printmaking techniques and contribute to Book Arts creations.
- Maintain the studio, collaborate with artists, and support educational outreach program.
- Develop marketing materials, assist in curating exhibitions, and help with event setups.
- Manage online retail operations, from order fulfillment to inventory management and customer service.
This fellowship is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Book Arts, gain hands-on experience in arts administration, and contribute to the vibrant culture of our organization.
FELLOWSHIP DETAILS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
We would like to extend our gratitude to the Rich Family Community Committee for their generous support of ASI’s Springboard Fellowship program. Their commitment to fostering paid fellowships with regional arts partners is instrumental in empowering our community and enhancing our work. We are deeply appreciative of their belief in our mission.
MEET OUR 2023 FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENTS
We are excited to introduce our very first Springboard Fellow, Audrey Parker, who is working with JJAM Sessions this year.
JJAM Sessions is a nonprofit organization that operates in East Aurora “dedicated to providing an inclusive, joyful environment for individuals of all abilities to blossom creatively.” You can learn more about their work at this link.
Click to learn more about this partnership!
We are excited to introduce our second Springboard Fellow, Kameron King, who is working with the African American Veterans Arts and Culture Corporation and Positive Nation Productions this year.
The African American Veterans Arts and Culture Corporation is a nonprofit based on the East Side of Buffalo that honors African American veterans through exhibitions, tours, and celebrations.
Click to learn more about this partnership!
We are excited to introduce our third Springboard Fellow, Elizabeth Dunning, who worked with the Buffalo International Film Festival (BIFF) this year.
BIFF champions regional, national, and international films that push the limits of independent cinema – presenting quality films from around the world to WNY residents and visitors and is committed to amplifying diverse voices and exhibiting cutting-edge programming in narrative, documentary and experimental film.