Bloomberg Arts Internship for High School Seniors!

We're excited to announce that the Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program has come to New Orleans for the first time! This incredible program is designed for rising high school seniors in Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Boston, Detroit, and now New Orleans!

This summer, our BAI interns are working with local arts and culture organizations, gaining real-world experience and getting paid for it! But that's not all—this program also includes professional development sessions, cultural immersion activities, and workshops to help them prepare for college and their future careers.

This is a rare paid opportunity for high school students in New Orleans to gain valuable work experience and get a head start on their professional journey. We are thrilled to support the vibrant creative industries in our city and look forward to seeing the incredible impact these talented students will make.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories!

Meet Our Interns

Nevaeha ‘Vae’ Smothers

High School: Eleanor McMain

Favorite Art Form: Fashion Design

Favorite Artist: Pharrell & Nigo

About: Nevaeha is from New Orleans, specifically the 9th Ward. They enjoy basketball, violin, and photography.

If they made a toy version of you what accessories would it come with? A fitted cap or a beanie and a fashionable jacket.

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? Meeting new people, exploring the city more artistically & learning new skills

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? I would hope to be a successful business owner of any sort, but in the fashion industry is what I am shooting for at the moment

Katalina ‘Kat’ Leia Swanson

High School: The Willow School

Favorite Art Form: Mixed Media (painting, drawing, collage)

Favorite Artist: @gretlusky

About: Katalina’s background is somewhat complex. She has lived all over the United States, making it hard to pinpoint a single place she calls home, though each location has felt a bit like "home." Throughout her moves, she has accumulated many fond experiences that have shaped her interests and activities. Living in New Orleans has greatly enhanced her creative spirit, while her time in California sparked her passion for volleyball.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? A fantasy book and a paintbrush.

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? I can't wait to put my hands and creativity to work every day.

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? If I could have any job I could dream up, it would be a Disney animator.

JaMar ‘Jay’ Hayes

High School: International Highschool of New Orleans

Favorite Art Form: Pencil and paper

Favorite Artist: Kaws

About: JaMar is an only child raised by a single mother. He participated in various clubs, including robotics, gaming, art, and even a Dungeons & Dragons group, which fueled his imaginative spirit. As a young boy, JaMar was captivated by cartoons far more than live-action shows, a passion that inspired his love for drawing. He often imagines himself in the shoes of his favorite cartoon protagonists.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? A sword and some kind of superpower-esk accessory

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? The new experiences

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? To become an electrician so I can afford the stuff I want

Justice Horne

High School: Walter L. Cohen

Favorite Art Form: Photography

Favorite Artist: Donald Glover

About: Justice has lived in New Orleans all their life, frequently switching hobbies, all of which are art-based. They have explored crochet, jazz, ballet, majorette, parade performances, and painting. Currently, Justice is focused on nail art.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? Headphones and a cinnamon roll.

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? I’m most excited about being around people who share my interests.

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? To become a nail tech.

Keshara Amanda Powell

High School: International High School of New Orleans

Favorite Art Form: Sculpture, digital art, jewelry making, and photography

Favorite Artist: Shonda Rhimes. As a young black girl she made me believe I could do anything and whatever you imagine can be a reality.

About: Keshara Amanda Powell was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and lived there until she was 13 or 14 years old. She now resides in Gentilly, New Orleans, and attends the International High School of New Orleans. During her 10th-grade year, she joined the cheerleading team and volunteered for Link Krewe, assisting incoming freshmen in finding their place and someone to talk to in high school. In the summer, she babysits neighborhood kids. In her 11th grade year, she continued with the Link Krewe while also participating in volleyball and cheerleading for a second year. In October, Keshara was elected Vice President of IHSNO with 100% of the vote. Throughout the school year, she volunteered at three open houses, baking cookies to sell. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games and learning new skills, such as doing her hair or learning to code online.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? A painting just like the Mona Lisa but with me in it. I like to think of myself as a treasure that is very fragile.

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? Meeting new people and hopefully making close bonds

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? Web design, coding

Leah Lewis

High School: The Willow School

Favorite Art Form: Painting with water-based paints like watercolor and gouache

Favorite Artist: Summer Walker

About: Leah Lewis, 17 years old, was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Leah has always been intrigued by art in all its forms and has participated in many art-related activities, including dance, choir, and visual arts.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? Ipad and jewelry

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? What I’m most excited about for this internship is to broaden my understanding and experience of art and meet new people.

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? My hopes after high school is to go to college and major in visual arts or dentistry.

Brionne ‘Bri’ Cunningham

High School: Eleanor McMain

Favorite Art Form: Drawing, sketching, painting, and sculpture

Favorite Artist: Lil’ Baby

About: Brionne was born and raised in New Orleans. They love to draw, paint, and play softball.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? Softball and a dog.

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? I am most excited about exploring more different types of art.

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? My dream job is to be a Medical Social Worker

Greta P Alvarado

High School: The Willow School

Favorite Art Form: Painting with water-based paints like watercolor and gouache

Favorite Artist: I'm not sure I have just one favorite artist, but one who is definitely in my top five is Greta Gerwig. Her creative and unique movies inspire me to think outside of the box when filming my own projects. The mother-daughter themes in her movie, "Barbie," especially speak to me.

About: Greta was born in Oregon and lived in Michigan before moving to New Orleans, where she has lived for over 10 years. She joined The Willow School in sixth grade and enrolled in the four-year Media Arts program when she started ninth grade. Greta has studied film, photography, and graphic design for the past three years. She has also participated in clubs such as the metal club and the baking club. Every Halloween from elementary school through sixth grade, Greta dressed up as a classic black cat, once collecting six pounds of candy in a single year. Directing and recording films is her favorite activity, as it allows her to take charge of creative projects and execute her vision. However, producing a short film this year has provided her with a new perspective, highlighting the importance of stepping back and working behind the scenes.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? A camera and nail polish.

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? I’m most excited to meet everyone and see the cultural sites where we will be working.

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? After high school, I'd like to go to a university out of state and study psychology, nursing, or anesthesiology. I'm not exactly sure which career path I'll take, but I'm confident I'll do alright wherever life takes me.

Ava Claire Hebert

High School: International Highschool of New Orleans

Favorite Art Form: Digital art

Favorite Artist: St.Marlowe Lune, hayao miyazaki, Leyendecker

About: Ava was born and raised in New Orleans. She is autistic and has a keen interest in psychology, writing, and art, as well as internet culture and debates. Ava is an avid writer and artist and associates herself with the color pink.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? A tablet and funky earrings.

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? The field trips, I love going places and doing things.

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? The show runner of my own animated series. or an art historian.

Ja’ryn Willis

High School: International High School of New Orleans

Favorite Art Form: Writing but I also am getting more into fashion design

Favorite Artist: frank ocean or Mac DeMarco

About: Ja'ryn is from Georgia but now lives in New Orleans East. At 16 years old, she is entering hes senior year of high school. Ja'ryn is the captain of the basketball team and leads the athletic clubs at her school. Although she is a fun person, she tends to be a bit shy at first. She hopes to meet some fun people and have a great time over the summer. Ja'ryn is also a talented musician, playing the clarinet, saxophone, flute, and piccolo.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? Cool sunglasses and a tote bag

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? I'm most excited about getting to know other people. I'm very shy and closed off, but I think this internship will change that.

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? I want to be a pharmacist, I plan to attend Georgia State University

Ciannah Stampley

High School: New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School

Favorite Art Form: Drawing and Sculpture

Favorite Artist: Kendrick Lamar

About: Ciannah was born and raised in New Orleans and has always had a passion for creating things with her hands, whether it be drawing, arts and crafts, or painting. Every birthday and Christmas, her parents would gift her with paint, colored pencils, canvases, and wooden easels. Cinnah also enjoys outdoor activities and has countless pictures of her family and herself on adventures around the world. While she did not participate in any school clubs or sports teams, she joined her local park's volleyball team and was part of the wonderful organization known as YAYA. Although her time playing volleyball was short-lived, she still loves playing with friends whenever she can. Being a part of YAYA was truly amazing for Cinnah, as it exposed her to various opportunities such as art shows and the chance to learn and master the skills of glass blowing and sculpting. In addition to her love for creating, Cinnah has a deep appreciation for food and enjoys trying new dishes. She also likes to unwind by playing video games in her free time.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? Flowers and in some way be involved with the color pink or food

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? All of the different options and opportunities it provides. I very exited to explore and learn from everything!

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? Upon graduation from high school, my definite plan is to attend college. Currently, I am in the process of researching and exploring various options to determine my future career path. While I am still in high school and at a young age, my goal is to consume as much experience and knowledge as possible.

Mikiah Williams

High School: Walter L Cohen High School

Favorite Art Form: Dance , theater, fashion design, and interior design

Favorite Artist: My favorite artist in fashion design is Richard Saturnino Owens my favorite author is F. Scott Fitzgerald

About: Mikiah is from New Orleans and lives in the 7th Ward. She plays basketball and serves as the 11th-grade president at her school. Additionally, she is a member of the dance team. Mikiah enjoys watching people smile and is known for being very outgoing.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? A basketball, ice cream, and a sewing machine kit

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? I’m excited about the whole experience.

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? I hope to become a fashion designer

Sanilyah Wilson

High School: Walter L Cohen

Favorite Art Form: Photography and writing

Favorite Artist: Brent Faiyaz and Lois Lowry.

About: Sanilyah is from Uptown, New Orleans, where she currently resides. She loves butterflies and the color purple. Although she may not seem like it at first glance, she enjoys talking. Sanilyah is in the band and plays the snare drum, trumpet, and mellophone. In her free time, she enjoys long walks and talking on the phone.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? A platter of food and my dog Milo

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? i'm most excited about all of the new skills I will learn and the people I will meet.

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? I wish to become a Psychologist and a Lawyer. If that doesn't work out, I'll be a photographer.

Kumari Chriss

High School: Abramson Sci Academy

Favorite Art Form: Drawing, dance, painting, singing, music , pottery

Favorite Artist: Nicki Minaj

About: Kumari, who goes by the nickname Mari, is 17 years old. Although she was born in Gretna due to Hurricane Katrina, she has lived in New Orleans all her life. She loves to cook and bake, and she enjoys hanging out with her boyfriend and best friends outdoors. Kumari also likes anime and drama shows.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? Cat and headphones

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? Exploring different ways of art that I probably haven’t done before.

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? Become a birth and delivery nurse

Eric Lewis

High School: Abramson Sci Academy

Favorite Art Form: Music and writing

Favorite Artist: Akira toriyama

About: Eric is 17 years old and from New Orleans. He enjoys writing and has a love for anime.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? Headphones and a phone

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? Learning different art forms

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? Becoming a wealthy human

De’Jah Shelby

High School: International High School of New Orleans

Favorite Art Form: Writing and drawing

Favorite Artist: Lauryn Hill

About: De'Jah is from New Orleans and grew up on the Westbank in Algiers. She is the captain of her school's varsity cheer team. During the summer, she typically runs AAU track. De'Jah enjoys visiting museums and looking at art, and she draws and paints when she's not feeling well. Though she is generally quiet and keeps to herself, she comes out of her shell when she feels comfortable.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? Sunglasses and a Marc Jacobs bag

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? to get the feel of a job and be surrounded by something I like to do

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? Become an athletic trainer

Kiley Williams

High School: THE NET:Central City

Favorite Art Form: Poetry, interior design, fashion design.

Favorite Artist: Frank Ocean and Lauryn Hill

About: Kiley is from New Orleans, Louisiana, and enjoys making clothes and writing poetry inspired by the culture of her city. She is very tall, which led her to play volleyball and basketball, but her true interest lies in tennis. Kiley is actively involved in internships both inside and outside of school. She also works with kids at a year-long camp called Art Camp 504.

If they made a toy version of you, what accessories would it come with? A guitar and a crossbody bag.

What about the BAI Internship are you most excited about? I'm most excited about meeting new people and learning new skills I can use now and in the future.

What do you hope to accomplish after high school? Honestly just trying to figure it out, hopefully this internship can help me with that!