Indigenous Arts Grants


The Mellon Museum Internship Program seeks to encourage and support the study of Indigenous arts, histories, and cultures by providing $3500 grants to UVA undergraduate students who are pursuing full-time summer internships or research projects in Indigenous Arts and/or Studies. These funds are intended to offset the cost of living or travel associated with unpaid and underpaid museum internships.

ELIGIBILITY Applications are open to rising 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year UVA students from all fields of study with a demonstrated interest in Indigenous Arts/Studies, such as previous coursework, research, involvement with cultural organizations, or personal interest (spring 2021 graduates are ineligible).

INTERNSHIPS The grant program supports Indigenous arts-related internships, including but not limited to: art, history, or science museums/collections; historic or archaeological sites; libraries or archives; cultural institutions and more. Internships should be full-time (approximately 300 hours over the summer).

HOW TO APPLY Download the application form here. Send completed forms and supporting documentation (statement of interest, a current résumé, and your unofficial transcript) to Catherine Walden, cew9f@virginia.edu. Deadline is extended to May 7, 2021.


Past grant recipients have completed internships at:

Need help finding internships? Check out the Museum Career Resource page!