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
Many nonprofit arts organizations rely on unpaid interns to assist with their workload. These interns use these valuable training and networking experiences to launch their careers in the arts. However, by not paying the individuals taking these positions, only people with the financial means to accept unpaid work have the opportunity to take advantage of these vital skills and resume building opportunities. This not only limits who can afford to work in the arts but limits the future workforce of the industry.
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.
While we hope all organizations strive to pay their interns, we understand that the smallest organizations often lack the financial means to do so. The Springboard Fellowship provides a small stipend to both the individual providing work assistance to a nonprofit arts or culture organization and the organization itself for providing quality training and mentorship. These stipends are designed to add value to the work being done and help offset the costs associated with taking temporary work, including parking and transportation, meals, childcare, and lost revenue from not working other jobs.
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.
ASI will select up to 10 organizations to participate in the 2024 program.
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.
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.
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, 2024.
Throughout the process, ASI will host networking opportunities for the selected Fellows and participating organizations.
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.
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.
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.
ORGANIZATIONS
By 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 4, 2024
Interested eligible organizations will apply for consideration. Applicant organizations must be prepared to talk about the project, program, or activity the Fellow would be engaged in, including submitting a work plan or job description. Approximately 10 organizations will be selected for 2024.
Organizations can access a copy of the application here or at the link at the top of the page. Interested applicants should complete the form and submit their answers before the deadline. Applications can be submitted in any format via email to [email protected] or hard mail to Arts Services Inc. 2495 Main Street, Suite 401, Buffalo, NY 14214.
INDIVIDUALS
By 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 16, 2024
Once organizations have been selected, interested fellows will be invited to apply for the program and indicate which organization(s) they would like to work with. Applications for interested fellows will open in mid-April 2024.
Anyone who is interested in applying to the program is invited to share their name and email here to be added to the mailing list and receive notice once the applications become available.
The deadline for interested organizations to apply will be Thursday, April 4, 2024 by 5:00 pm.
The deadline for interested fellows to apply will be Thursday, May 16, 2024 by 5:00 pm.
Program work will take place throughout 2024 starting once the decisions have been made through December 31, 2024.
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.