Public Programs Intern - Spring 2027 (Part-Time)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Why Cheekwood?

Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you'll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests. Whether you're passionate about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You'll find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque setting.

Internship Description

The Public Programs internship is for university undergraduate students seeking experience developing and overseeing educational events for the public at a nonprofit museum and botanical garden. The intern works closely with education and public programs staff to implement a variety of activations for all audiences, such as workshops, performances, and seasonal and multi-cultural festivals. In collaboration with the Public Programs team, the intern will conceptualize and execute a final project that merges their learning goals with the needs of the Public Programs department. The Public Programs intern is enthusiastic about educational program development, event planning and enjoys working with audiences of all ages. They can adapt quickly, are responsible, collaborative, proactive, detail oriented, and can follow directions without supervision.

About Cheekwood’s Public Programs

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is the 3rd highest-attended destination in Nashville, welcoming 400,000 visitors annually. Cheekwood hosts an exciting portfolio of programming throughout the year that includes an array of live musical performances, community outreach and local partnerships, field trips for students and families, and four multicultural festivals, the Holi Celebration, Black Arts Bash, Japanese Moon Viewing, and El Dia de los Muertos. Additionally, Cheekwood hosts the signature seasonal festivals, Cheekwood in Bloom, Summertime at Cheekwood, Cheekwood Harvest, and Holiday LIGHTS.

Responsibilities 

• Conduct a semester-long project focused on personal interests, learning goals and departmental needs.
• Assist in the preparation and implementation of Cheekwood in Bloom programming.
• Assist in the preparation and implementation of additional public programs, such as Holi and the Great Spring Art Hop.
• Attend departmental planning meetings as they align with intern’s schedule.
• Opportunity to meaningfully interact and Cheekwood staff from different museum departments, such as Marketing, Visitor Services, Curatorial and Development.

Experience or demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas is preferred: 

• Event planning and production
• Visitor experience
• Art education
• Event promotion and marketing
• Music business
• Non-profit Management
• Museum studies

Education

• Junior or Senior at the undergraduate level

  Area of Study

• Arts or Humanities
• Communication
• Education
• Marketing

Hours/Time Commitment 

• 15 hours per week/12 weeks; 
• Internships will run from January 25, 2027 – April 30, 2027
  
  

  Part-time Benefits 

• Membership & Discounts: As an employee, you receive a Cheekwood membership, which entitles you to unlimited admission during regular Garden hours and a limited number of free tickets to special events. Members also receive discounts, classes, ticketed events, and purchases at the Gift Shop. Your Cheekwood membership also include reciprocal admission for named members to more than 300 gardens though the American Horticultural Society. 
• Reciprocal Admission: As an employee of Cheekwood you have free general admission access to various local cultural, historical, and art institutions as part of the employee admission program.  

Application Requirements  

• Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, a CV or a resume, and a list of 2 references, with at least one academic.