Internships

Schedule

1 – 3 days per week during the following gallery hours:

Tuesday – Friday (11am – 5pm) and Saturday (12pm – 4pm)

*Exhibition interns may need to work extended hours on Mondays

Compensation

Unpaid/College Credit

Benefits

A free CPAC Individual Level Membership, applicable for one year

Invitation to attend various lectures and events

Internship Duration

Spring: February – April

Summer: May – August

Fall: September – December

Application Deadline

Spring: January 11, 2027

Summer: April 19, 2027

Fall: August 16, 2027

Must be at least 18 years or older & have graduated from high school to apply. We also consider those recently graduated from college.

Please review internship descriptions below before filling out an application.

Questions can be directed to info@cpacphoto.org or feel free to call the gallery at (303) 837-1341.

Exhibitions Internship

CPAC hosts 10 high-quality exhibitions each year that showcase the finest examples of contemporary photography from local, national, and international artists. All of our exhibitions are free and open to the public. This position assists with the planning and execution of several exhibitions and events. Schedule of internship is based around exhibition calendar, meaning interns may need to work extended hours on Mondays. It is ideal for someone embarking on a career in Art History, Studio Art, or Curatorial Studies. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Help de-install exhibitions within the space and prepare for installation

  • Assist with processing work received and shipped

  • Assist with exhibition materials (artist statements, wall labels, caption sheets, informational binder)

  • Run errands in preparation for exhibitions

  • Enter information related to exhibitions and artists into database

  • Share the responsibility with other interns and staff of monitoring the gallery during open hours

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

Applicants who apply should be organized, detail-oriented, able to work diligently with minimal supervision, passionate about the industry, energetic, and creative. Commitment to providing superior customer service and computer skills are required. Knowledge of photography and Adobe Photoshop skills are preferred. Flexible schedule to include Monday for preparing gallery for exhibits.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Gain hands-on experience assisting with the preparation of exhibitions, including organizing materials, coordinating logistics, and supporting staff to ensure each show is ready for public display.

2. Develop skills in processing, cataloging, and tracking artwork, including entering artist and exhibition information into databases and managing shipment and storage details.

3. Learn to prepare exhibition materials such as wall labels, artist statements, caption sheets, and informational binders, supporting the interpretation and public presentation of contemporary photography.

4. Build experience monitoring the gallery during open hours, providing excellent visitor service, and assisting with event preparation, gaining insight into day-to-day operations of a contemporary art space.

Education Internship

CPAC offers photography classes, workshops, and public programs designed to foster the understanding and appreciation of photography. Programs serve participants with a range of experience levels and provide opportunities to learn from practicing photographers, artists, and educators. The Education Intern assists with the planning, administration, documentation, and delivery of CPAC’s educational programs. This position supports instructors and participants during workshops and darkroom classes while gaining experience in arts education, program coordination, analog photography, and nonprofit administration. The internship schedule is based on CPAC’s class and workshop calendar and may include occasional evening or weekend hours. This internship is ideal for someone interested in photography, analog processes, arts education, nonprofit programming, community engagement, marketing, or arts administration. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • You will assist with the administrative and marketing efforts of the organization related to audience development, social media, and information distribution

  • Assist with administrative tasks related to classes, workshops, and educational programs

  • Help prepare classrooms, the darkroom, equipment, materials, and participant resources before workshops and classes

  • Welcome participants and assist with class and workshop check-in

  • Support instructors during workshops and darkroom classes by helping with materials, technology, classroom organization, demonstrations, and participant needs

  • Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, safe, and functional community darkroom

  • Help monitor and organize darkroom equipment, tools, supplies, and materials

  • Assist with routine darkroom setup and cleanup, including preparing workstations and returning equipment and supplies to their proper locations

  • Communicate relevant logistical information to instructors and CPAC staff

  • Help maintain organized education program records, files, calendars, and participant information

  • Assist with post-workshop cleanup and the return and organization of supplies

  • Photograph and document workshops for use on CPAC’s social media, website, and future marketing materials

  • Create engaging photo, video, and written content that communicates the participant experience and highlights CPAC’s educational programs

  • Organize and archive approved workshop photographs and other digital content

  • Assist with evaluating programs by collecting participant feedback and documenting program outcomes

  • Share responsibility with other interns and staff for supporting CPAC programs, events, and day-to-day operations as needed

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

Applicants should be organized, dependable, detail-oriented, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. Strong communication and customer service skills are required, along with an interest in photography, arts education, and community-centered programming.

Applicants should be comfortable interacting with instructors and participants of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and levels of photography experience. Basic computer skills and experience with social media platforms are required. Experience with analog photography, darkroom processes, photography, video, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or content creation is preferred but not required.

Applicants must be willing to learn and follow CPAC’s darkroom procedures, equipment-care practices, and safety guidelines. A flexible schedule that can accommodate some evening or weekend workshops and darkroom classes is preferred.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Gain hands-on experience coordinating photography classes and workshops, including preparing materials, organizing learning spaces, managing participant check-in, and supporting program logistics.

2. Develop skills in instructor and participant support by assisting with classroom and darkroom needs, communicating logistical information, and helping create an organized, welcoming, and accessible learning environment.

3. Build practical experience supporting analog photography education, maintaining a community darkroom, organizing equipment and supplies, and following appropriate darkroom procedures and safety practices.

4. Build experience creating and organizing photography, video, and written content for social media, program promotion, and future marketing while learning about consent, appropriate documentation, and nonprofit communications.

5. Learn administrative practices related to arts education, including maintaining program records, organizing schedules and digital files, collecting participant feedback, and documenting program outcomes.

6. Gain insight into the planning and delivery of inclusive, community-centered photography education within a contemporary nonprofit arts organization.

Social Media and Marketing Internship

Available Again Summer 2027

The Social Media and Marketing Intern partners with CPAC’s Administrative & Communications Coordinator to help bring our vibrant online presence to life across multiple social media accounts, including our Month of Photography Denver Festival initiatives. This hands-on role includes creating and scheduling posts using Later, designing eye-catching graphics in Canva, and crafting content for Mailchimp campaigns, including our monthly e-newsletter. You’ll also get to select and showcase photographs from artists, instructors, CPAC members, and others, helping to highlight the creativity and community that make Denver’s art landscape so unique. This internship is perfect for someone passionate about Arts Administration, Social Media, Marketing, or Public Relations who wants real-world experience creating, managing, and amplifying arts-focused content. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • You will assist with the administrative and marketing efforts of the organization related to audience development, social media, and information distribution

  • Assist with the creation and posting of content; research and post relevant links

  • Assist with the maintenance of the CPAC website

  • Practice generating ideas to include in a weekly social media schedule that coordinates with email newsletters and upcoming events

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

An advanced understanding of various social media platforms; strong verbal and written skills; highly organized and detail oriented; self directed and creative. Knowledge of photography, Adobe Creative Cloud, and graphic design skills are a plus!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Gain hands-on experience designing original graphics for social media using Canva and creating engaging written and visual content for posts and bulk emails, including monthly e-newsletters in Mailchimp.

2. Strengthen professional verbal and written communication skills while supporting CPAC’s audience development, information distribution, and marketing initiatives, preparing for a career in Arts Administration, Public Relations, or Social Media Marketing.

3. Develop skills in maintaining and updating CPAC’s website, ensuring accurate information, current content, and a cohesive digital presence across platforms.

4. Build proficiency in managing multiple social media accounts, including scheduling posts in Later, researching relevant content, and maintaining a consistent brand voice.

Collections Management Internship (Graduate Level)

Available Again Summer 2027

Through the Collections Management Internship, CPAC offers individuals the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of managing a permanent collection. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with our collection, which contains a wide range of photography. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Projects involving copy-cataloguing and creating records for non-book items, as well as beginning to catalog books

  • Excellent communication and time management skills

  • Ability to work independently and take direction from supervisor

  • Willingness to ask questions

  • Adding newly acquired books to library catalog and add call numbers

  • Archiving publications and periodicals in the library

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

This internship is ideal for a detail-oriented individual who is passionate about the arts and collections management; and is a graduate student pursuing a professional career in library science, archives, art history, or museum registrar.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Intern will become familiar with digital tools and resources CPAC uses to house its Permanent Collection (Artwork Archive, collection guide on website, internal spreadsheets)

2. Broaden the intern’s understanding of general principles and concepts related to archival description, preservation, and protection

3. Understand the role of the Collection in research, education, and the Center’s mission

4. Assist the intern’s development of employer-valued skills such as teamwork, communication, and attention to detail