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CALIFORNIA LAWYERS 

FOR THE ARTS

Serving the Creative Arts Community Since 1974


Designing Creative Futures 

An arts-focused internship program for formerly incarcerated individuals

“All this time I’ve had all this passion, but I didn’t know how or where to start. This program has really helped me pursue my dream.” 

- Felicita, Designing Creative Futures Participant, San Diego


Designing Creative Futures is a paid job training internship program for formerly incarcerated individuals who wish to pursue careers in the arts.


This four month program offers the unique opportunity for returning residents to work closely with arts organizations through paid, part-time internships. Participants will learn a variety of skills associated with careers in the arts and gain mentorship from people who are leaders in their respective fields.


Participants are placed with collaborating organizations based on the participants’ interests and the organizations’ needs. Throughout the internship period, participants will receive consultations with an education and career counselor as well as social services support. Additionally, participants will have access to monthly job readiness, personal and professional development, communication and conflict resolution training provided by California Lawyers for the Arts.

DCF provides internships twice a year starting in February and August.

Applications are accepted on a rolling ongoing basis and will be reviewed in January and July.

Printable applications can be returned via email to: DCF@calawyersforthearts.org

Interns Receive
  • $20/ hour for 20 hrs / week
  • Monthly transportation stipends and personal technology reimbursements
  • Guidance, mentoring, and continued on-the-job training from experienced artists and arts administrators
  • Consultations with an education and career counselor

Basic Eligibility

  • Ages 18+ 

  • Reside in or near the Counties of San Diego, Los Angeles or the Bay Area (based on specified program region)

  • Formerly incarcerated, released within the past seven years

  • Interest in the arts* 

  • Ability to commit to four month internship period

  • Documented proof of COVID-19 vaccination

* Participation in Arts in Corrections program preferred


Alma Robinson, CLA's Executive Director, presented a report about this unique program earlier this month at a meeting of the California Rehabilitation Oversight Board (C-ROB).  You can read the full report here. 

Questions?


Please contact:

DCF Los Angeles: Toyin Moses, Program Manager, toyin.moses@calawyersforthearts.org

DCF San Diego: Morgan Mandalay, Program Manager, morgan.mandalay@calawyersforthearts.org

DCF Bay Area: Karter Louis, Program Manager, karter.louis@calawyersforthearts.org

Program Documentation

This program is made possible through grants from the Our Town and Locals programs of the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, the County of San Diego, the Conrad Prebys Foundation and the Art For Justice Fund, a sponsored project of the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

  

 

California Lawyers for the Arts is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit and your donation is tax deductible as a charitable contribution to the fullest extent of the law.  State Bar LRS Certificate #0021.

MCLE Provider # 1248.

The information provided on this website is not legal advice. You should consult with an attorney for individual advice regarding your legal matters.

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