Gibbes Museum of Art - Case Study

Gibbes Museum of Art

AC Creative Collective partnered with the Gibbes Museum of Art to design and launch a paid summer internship program for students of unique backgrounds, handling strategic planning, outreach, marketing, and bi-weekly collaboration to successfully debut it in Summer 2023 with positive student feedback. The project drove staff professional growth, equity awareness, and sustainable programming poised for alumni networks and broader community engagement. The internship continues each summer.

- Launch a 360-degree internship introducing students of color to museum careers.
- Provide a leadership development opportunity for both interns and museum staff.
- Create an inclusive, accessible application process.
- Promote equity and increase representation in the field of museum leadership.
- Build sustainable programming with long-term impact.
Strategic Design & Planning
We worked alongside the Gibbes team to shape the vision of the internship. Through brainstorming sessions and feedback loops, we transformed a basic concept into a thoughtful, equity-centered program.
Outreach & Marketing
We led outreach efforts to student organizations and academic institutions across the region—expanding access to applicants who may not have previously seen a place for themselves in museums.
Ongoing Collaboration
With bi-weekly check-ins, we kept the project on track and helped the Gibbes team carve out time to prioritize this work amidst day-to-day operations.
Adaptability in Action
When roadblocks arose, we helped the Gibbes troubleshoot and adapt. Their flexibility, problem-solving, and creativity helped turn constraints into new possibilities.
- Internship launched successfully in Summer 2024.
- 2025 intern already selected through an improved application process.
- Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, even from those not selected.
- Staff reported unexpected professional growth—developing new skills in project management, leadership, and mentorship.
- Greater organizational awareness of the barriers many students face in accessing cultural careers.
- Start early and break down the work. Tackling a large initiative became manageable once it was organized into clear steps.
- Lean into collaboration. Working with a partner helped staff members think beyond our usual limits.
- Center feedback. Year 1 insights are already shaping an even stronger Year 2.
This internship is just the beginning. We're exploring how to build an alumni network, engage students beyond the internship, and reach more diverse communities who’ve historically been excluded from museum spaces.
We’re imagining more inclusive ways to connect with the next generation of cultural leaders.

Vibrant Leaders Staff Training

The Vibrant Leaders Staff Training brought Gibbes Museum staff together to get ready for a powerful summer with the next generation of arts professionals. Designed to equip mentors and supervisors with practical tools, the session walked through the program’s mission, the nine‑week internship structure, and concrete strategies for inclusive communication, feedback, and career development support. From clarifying roles and expectations to practicing real-world scenarios and exploring how to “open doors” for emerging museum leaders, the training focused on helping staff connect daily tasks to bigger-picture growth.

This highlight video captures some of those moments as the team builds a shared approach to welcoming, challenging, and championing Vibrant Leaders interns.