ArtBound Initiative
Why choose ArtBound Initiative ?
ArtBound Initiative (ABI) is a New York City-based agency that caters to individuals aspiring to achieve professional growth in the creative fields on a global scale. With a strong emphasis on fostering global dialogues and connections, ABI serves as a bridge between students and creative professionals, facilitating valuable opportunities for collaboration and learning. ABI was established to improve cross-cultural work experiences and promote access to major creative hotspots worldwide. It aims to break down geographic barriers by providing comprehensive support for international students, such as housing and visa assistance. ABI assists participants in overcoming geographical barriers and seizing international possibilities that would otherwise be out of reach. Going beyond mere internships, ABI is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant network of creative professionals who will play pivotal roles in their respective industries and regions. Through ongoing support and guidance, the agency ensures that participants receive continued assistance in launching their careers even after completing the program.
ArtBound Initiative (ABI) is a New York City-based agency that caters to individuals aspiring to achieve professional growth in the creative fields on a global scale. With a strong emphasis on fostering global dialogues and connections, ABI serves as a bridge between students and creative professionals, facilitating valuable opportunities for collaboration and learning. ABI was established to improve cross-cultural work experiences and promote access to major creative hotspots worldwide. It aims to break down geographic barriers by providing comprehensive support for international students, such as housing and visa assistance. ABI assists participants in overcoming geographical barriers and seizing international possibilities that would otherwise be out of reach. Going beyond mere internships, ABI is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant network of creative professionals who will play pivotal roles in their respective industries and regions. Through ongoing support and guidance, the agency ensures that participants receive continued assistance in launching their careers even after completing the program.
ArtBound Initiative Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Enriching experience through Artbound Initiative
August 20, 2026by: Zafyra Hafiz - SingaporeUnder the Artbound Initiative Programme, I was assigned as a remote Communications/Writing intern for Vilpa Films, a production company. Before my internship, I was provided with some courses on how to prepare my resume, interview tips, as well as actual meetings with industry experts in fields I was interested in (eg the film industry). During my actual internship, I was given a variety of article types to write about concerning various projects that Vilpa Films was embarking on, such as their original animated series. I managed to learn many skills such as communication with my supervisor who was overseas, while being supported by the ABI team through regular check-ins and informational posts.

Good professional launchpad into the creative world
August 19, 2026by: Grace - United StatesProgram: ArtBound Initiative - Creative Internships in New York
Overall, I had a great experience. ABI was super on top of everything throughout the whole process - from the modules, to recruitment, through my actual internship; everyone was very communicative and responsive, which I appreciated. I got my first-choice internship type and location, working as a design intern at a boutique creative marketing agency in NYC. I enjoyed getting a look behind the curtain at all the different aspects of agency life. From a design standpoint, I learned a lot about the intersection between client management and conceptual creative thinking, but I also got to learn a bit about the account management and production side of the agency world too. Overall, the experience gave me a much stronger understanding of agency workflow and the competencies needed to excel in similar settings in the future.
I feel more prepared
August 19, 2026by: Tanasia LaBrew - United StatesProgram: ArtBound Initiative - Creative Internships in New York
After doing a six-month internship earned through ArtBound, I feel more prepared for the type of work in my industry. Before my start date, I did the ABI Academy, which helped build my interview skills, improve my resume, and helped me understand how the choices I made for my portfolio could affect the quality of opportunities I am offered. During the duration of my internship, I was in constant contact with the program coordinators, who were able to guide me during a period of time when I was having communication issues with my boss at Asia Contemporary Art Forum. My role was web/media designer and curatorial fellow; however, I wore many hats while doing my internship. I feel that I was able to truly learn how to work in a small team, how to take charge and make decisions, and improve my institutional style writing. Though I didn't get to participate in most of the intern gatherings during my internship program, I like that I will always have a community to engage with thanks to ArtBound, now that I am an ABI Alumni.

Learned a Lot
June 07, 2026by: Mia Elie - United StatesProgram: ArtBound Initiative - Creative Internships in New York
Over not a bad experience. I learned a lot and had a great time. I enjoy the help and prep course before the internship placements but I do wish there was more for after your internship ends. Highly recommendall
Multifaceted and Eye-Opening Experience at ArtBound Initiative
February 12, 2026by: May Alzaben - Saudi ArabiaAs a current member of the ABI alumni community, I had such a blast as an ABI participant in 2025. In the span of 1 year, I respectively did two internships: a Magazine Editorial Internship and a Creative Writer Internship. Both taught me so much and allowed me to gain more confidence as an aspiring writer. Additionally, I gained a variety of important lessons and skills through the ABI Academy. These experiences combined have allowed me to grow, evolve, and become a better intern! Thank you, ABI!
A Great Introduction to the Design Industry
January 31, 2026by: Ruth Burrows - AustraliaProgram: Creative Internships in Melbourne
I completed the Artbound internship program and honestly loved it. The program helped me develop practical design skills, build confidence, and gain a clearer understanding of the type of work I want to pursue moving forward. Overall, it was a really beneficial experience and has set me up well for interviews and job applications. I feel much more prepared going into the industry.
No regrets
January 15, 2026by: Leah McCabe - AustraliaProgram: ArtBound Initiative - Creative Internships in Berlin
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to intern with Art Bound Initiative and gain hands-on experience in a real office environment. I was welcomed warmly by everyone at the firm and given meaningful time, tasks, and guidance that allowed me to learn, grow, and actively contribute. I appreciated being trusted to share ideas, support senior designers, and take part in real projects, which made the experience both valuable and rewarding. Coming from Australia, this internship was also a life-changing opportunity to live and work in another country for the first time. Beyond developing my graphic design skills, I learned a great deal about myself, professional responsibility, and the art and design culture of another country. This experience has greatly enriched my knowledge, confidence, and perspective.
I had a very enriching experience, ArtBound open my way into a new world in the industry.
January 13, 2026by: dilcia alvarado - HondurasI worked in projects different from my area but that led me into new passions and abilities. I can say I had grown so much in my internship, developing a bigger mindset and responsibility in my work. The experience with ABI is something that every student should go through before stepping into the big industry world
One of A Kind Experience
January 11, 2026by: Dalton Mosley - United StatesProgram: ArtBound Initiative - Creative Internships in New York
When I first joined the Artbound Initiative Program, I thought it was too good to be true. Frankly, I thought it was a scam designed to take advantage of young creative professionals who've been discouraged by a job market and political climate that's gradually erasing the value of their passions. I couldn't have been more wrong. The program had everything a young creative needs to get a jumpstart on their career---career guidance, resume & portfolio assistance, frequent communication with advisors and mentors, and most importantly, connections with other interns. They even went the extra mile of helping me find housing and learning the area when I eventually moved to New York for my internship, and the experience I gained there help me take advantage of other opportunities that have come my way. So many doors have opened and I'm glad to have been part of this experience. I hope others can be helped by the Initiative, so long as it remains affordable for them.
I finished my internship with more skills than I ever imagined.
November 12, 2025by: Alesa Ruanova - United StatesIt was the best work experience I’ve ever had. I couldn’t have ended up in a better internship; it was a perfect match with the company I joined. By the end of my internship, they even hired me as a freelancer. My manager was incredibly patient with me and taught me so much.
Amazing Internship experience in New York, a dream come true for me!
August 21, 2025by: Olivia Cooper - United KingdomProgram: ArtBound Initiative - Creative Internships in New York
I had the opportunity to intern with a Magazine in NYC through the ABI programme. It has always been a dream of mine to live and work in New York, however I didn't think I would make it a reality until I discovered ABI. They really helped guide me through the process and produce a portfolio and CV that would be desirable for getting hired and specific for the creative industry. It was really nice to have the support and help, especially as someone relocating and having to do the necessary documentation for this. Finding somewhere to live was also very easy and stress free which I appreciated.
Internship in New York was a Great Experience!
April 17, 2025by: Nashaly Rodriguez - United StatesProgram: ArtBound Initiative - Creative Internships in New York
I was placed in New York, in the city of my choice, within my field of film production. Although my first choice was Script Development, I was placed in a Film Production position. At first, I was a bit disappointed because it wasn't what I wanted at first, but after going through the internship, I realized that it gave me ample experience in production for clients in video making, editing, and client scheduling. The videos we filmed were for promotion for the clients, advertising their products or business, and making a story come to life. Not only was this experience valuable for my career, but the people I met during this experience were absolutely amazing, and I know we will become lifelong friends and partners. Truly a great place to be to start your career in your designated field.
Great company!
April 10, 2025by: Christian Morabito - AustraliaProgram: Creative Internships in Melbourne
I had a super positive experience with Artbound Initiative as they were able to find me an internship in a swift manner! Their communication was great and I was really happy with all the help they offered me. My internship was amazing and I loved the team so I would recommend this program if you are looking to make a start in the creative industry!
Internship for one of the biggest production companies!
April 02, 2025by: Alejandro Ivan Vilchis Palacios - MexicoThis program really changed my life, I was looking for opportunities to boost my career and this program was just what I needed. I'm so thankful with this and happy to have taken the decision of applying in the first place.
ABI Internship
April 01, 2025by: Taurphan Gamonsugosol - ThailandProgram: Creative Internships in Melbourne
ABI was a helpful and worthwhile experience that I would recommend to others. My main concern that I was worried about when entering the workforce was being able to find an internship at all, so I'm glad that ABI was able to bridge the gap there so I could focus more on my actual work experience as opposed to stressing out applying to a million different places in the hopes that one of them will interview me.
I got an amazing internship!
March 21, 2025by: Salvador Logchies - NetherlandsProgram: ArtBound Initiative - Creative Internships in Los Angeles
Artbound Initiative provided an excellent pathway for securing my internship, offering valuable support throughout the process. They helped match me with a role that aligned with my interests at Untitled Entertainment. I gained hands-on experience in script coverage, film production, and industry research. Their guidance in networking and professional development was helpful, making it easier to connect with industry professionals and build confidence in reaching out to managers and assistants. Beyond securing the internship, Artbound was also supportive in practical matters, such as helping me transition smoothly when I needed to change apartments. The first housing that they arranged was far from good but they made sure I got my money back. Their responsiveness and willingness to assist made a significant difference in my overall experience. Thanks to this program, I gained both professional skills and industry connections that will benefit me in my career. I highly recommend Artbound Initiative to anyone looking for structured, well-supported industry experience in entertainment and media.
ABI Sydney Internship
September 11, 2024by: William Higo - AustraliaProgram: Creative Internships in Sydney
My internship in Sydney has been an amazing adventure. After graduating, I wanted to dive make a start in my career but hit a few bumps along the way. That’s when I signed up for the ABI program, which really came through for me. They helped me connect with companies and agencies in Sydney and got me ready for the internship by refining my resume, updating my portfolio, and keeping in touch with potential employers. When I first arrived in Sydney, I was a bit unsure of myself, but the company I interned with was very supportive and helped me adjust to the new environment. Over the months, I started with smaller tasks but gradually took on more important work. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I’m really grateful to ABI for helping me get started as a designer.
Coming away with a better picture of what I want to do for work
July 17, 2024by: Marie Briana Noelle Nieva - PhilippinesProgram: Creative Internships in Melbourne
As a multimedia creative, or jack-of-all-trades, I was always worried about having to box myself in and settle on a definite path in my career. This dynamic and engaging internship allowed me to explore various avenues of creative work, and surrounded me with professionals I came to really admire.
An amazing internship experience overall
July 09, 2024by: MaJo - HondurasProgram: ArtBound Initiative - Creative Internships in Berlin
The program helped me to get an internship in an animation studio, the environment was fantastic and I didn't feel overwhelmed or overloaded with work; the tasks assigned to me where appropiated for my skills and helped me to improve further. It also helped me to improve my insights to get into the creative industry by the coaching sessions regarding portfolio and resume, as well as understanding how could we integrate into different working cultures. Although, I think the program should consider other housing partners that are more "open" into international bank accounts or could have better contact with bank institutions among the world given that I had problems with one of the housing partners regarding payments. Except from the last paragraph, it was an amazing experience!
ABI Internship Experience
June 05, 2024by: Cooper Jarrold - AustraliaMy Artbound Initiative internship course was an amazing way to develop my connections and real-world experience. The design industry is a difficult environment to get your foot into, but with ABI I have been able to develop my resume, portfolio, and experience in a way to really benefit my odds. Everyone at ABI that I interacted with were great people, all putting effort into supporting me, teaching, and making me feel comfortable with my internship and future endeavours.
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Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Samantha Haase
Participated in 2021
Samantha holds a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and is passionate about all kinds of production, including music, commercials, and film. She loves ...

Samantha Haase
Participated in 2021
I stayed local for my internship, but I still feel that traveling abroad is important. I think going abroad is important culturally, as immersing yourself in other people's way of life is crucial to expanding your perspective on the world.

Mariana Davila
Participated in 2025
Mariana Dávila is a Communication and Advertising student from Honduras with a passion for marketing, visual storytelling, and media. She has experien...

Mariana Davila
Participated in 2025
Studying abroad had always been something I wanted to experience because I believe the best way to grow creatively and personally is to step outside your comfort zone.

Stefano Langiu
Participated in 2022
Stefano Langiu is an Italian filmmaker and director. In the summer of 2025, he completed a five-month internship in New York with Public Record, where...

Stefano Langiu
Participated in 2022
I wanted to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone.

Jocelynn Leigh-Cabrera
Participated in 2025
Jocelynn, 25, grew up in Maryland before starting her social media marketing career. Through the ArtBound Initiative, she moved to NYC for a summer in...

Jocelynn Leigh-Cabrera
Participated in 2025
I was inspired to go abroad in pursuit of opportunities that would advance my career. As everyone knows, landing even an entry-level role often requires internship experience.

Sobia Khan
Participated in 2025
Sobia Khan is a small-town German girl turned editor, chasing stories and creativity.

Sobia Khan
Participated in 2025
I was always very drawn to American media production. I grew up watching American TV shows and movies, and I was fascinated by how they were created. As a child, I often researched behind-the-scenes processes, which exposed me to American culture and values. Over time, I developed a deep appreciation for their creativity, diversity, and innovation. I love the culture, I admire the people, and I wanted to experience life in a completely different environment. Going abroad was my way of stepping out of my comfort zone, facing new challenges, and growing as a person. I wanted to meet people from different backgrounds, improve my communication skills, and gain experiences that would shape me both personally and professionally.

Maria Maldonado
Participated in 2024
Maria is from Honduras and recently graduated from Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana. She has a degree in Advertising and Audiovisual Communicat...

Maria Maldonado
Participated in 2024
Firstly, I have always been passionate about exploring new cultures, meeting different people, and experiencing diverse perspectives. The opportunity to immerse myself in a different environment, such as New York, which is renowned for its vibrant arts and media scene, was incredibly enticing.

Carolyn Rose-Grayson
Participated in 2023
Carolyn is an emerging artist based in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Lyn has been honored to work with organizations such as ArtBound Initiative, the ...

Carolyn Rose-Grayson
Participated in 2023
Towards the later-half of 2022, I found myself longing for additional experience within the creative industries. I had just completed a six-month fellowship with Southern Equality Studios, and during the bulk of that fellowship I was able to spearhead multiple creative projects that were not only arts-based, but also people-centered.

Corey Battersby
Participated in 2023
Corey is a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in graphic design from Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. He interned with the Milkman...

Corey Battersby
Participated in 2023
As an aspiring designer, I am always in search of new experiences that inspire my creativity. I wanted to immerse myself in more arts and culture over my summer break and get out of my comfort zone. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, experience something different and see yourself in new ways that you never thought were possible. I wanted to begin the journey of creating a gateway between my home city and Melbourne.

Jahaira Rodriguez
Jahaira is a recent master's graduate from The New School where she studied Media Studies with a concentration in Digital Production. She has always y...

Jahaira Rodriguez
Participated in 0
Traveling is so important. I’ve always wanted to travel and live abroad. It seems like a challenge that I was willing to take because you learn so much about yourself when you change your environment.

Kel Langson
Participated in 2021
Kel is South African and moved to New Zealand at age 8. Though she’s a uni drop out, she graduated art school when she was 24, and then solo immigrate...

Kel Langson
Participated in 2021
I wanted to go abroad to open myself up to more job opportunities. The jewelry industry where I'm from is a bit small and I thought interning in Melbourne would be a brilliant way to experience an industry that is very well established.

Georgia Steele
Participated in 2017
Georgia Steele is from Melbourne, Australia. She recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art at RMIT. Georgia is currently interning at th...

Georgia Steele
Participated in 2017
As a visual artist it is always good to expand beyond where I’m from. The history of art and how artists today work interests me most. So interning abroad was a great option for me to explore these avenues. Also, travelling alone is a great way to grow as a person and live a different lifestyle. Berlin was amazing for me on so many levels.

Emma Reinhardt
Participated in 2017
Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Emma Reinhardt graduated from King's College NYC in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Media, Culture, and the Arts. Sh...

Emma Reinhardt
Participated in 2017
It is becoming increasingly difficult to get your foot in the door of the professional art world. Any leg up you can get, you take. When I heard that there was an internship opportunity which would not only give me experience but international experience, I knew that I had to try my best to get it. My resume would flourish with that kind of experience on it.

Ena Lefeber
Interviewed in 2018
After Studying Graphic Design and Communication Design at Suffolk Community College and Glasgow School of Art, Ena began her Berlin internship through...

Ena Lefeber
Interviewed in 2018
What inspired you to travel abroad?
You recently joined the team at ArtBound Initiative. What drew you to working with the organization?

Jana Nowack
Interviewed in 2018
Currently working and living in Berlin, Jana Nowack studied Communication Design and Fine Art in Germany. She has lived and worked in many different p...

Jana Nowack
Interviewed in 2018
What inspired you to travel abroad?
What inspired you to join the ArtBound Initiative team?

Laura Bennegadi
Interviewed in 2018
Laura Bennegadi grew up in Paris and went to university there where she completed an MS in International Strategic Management at the Sorbonne Universi...

Laura Bennegadi
Interviewed in 2018
What inspired you to travel abroad?
What led your path to the launch of ArtBound Initiative?
Articles


Awards
Check out awards and recognitions ArtBound Initiative has received


