Are you a young graduate passionate about graphic design, marketing, social media, and the creative arts? The Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) in South Africa is inviting applications for its Graphic Design Intern and Marketing Intern positions, offering an exciting opportunity to gain practical experience in the arts and culture sector.
These internships are ideal for creative, motivated graduates who want to strengthen their professional skills, contribute to meaningful cultural programmes, and gain hands-on experience in design, digital marketing, event coordination, and programme administration.
The internship programme is scheduled to run from November 2026 to April 2027, with opportunities based in Central Gauteng, particularly for applicants living in Johannesburg or central Ekurhuleni who can travel to the relevant ACT offices.
If you are aged between 18 and 35, have a relevant qualification, and are ready to begin building your career in the creative industry, this could be an opportunity worth exploring.
Application deadline: Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at 23:59.
About the Arts and Culture Trust (ACT)
The Arts and Culture Trust is an organisation supporting the arts and culture sector in South Africa. Through its programmes and initiatives, ACT contributes to the development of creative talent and opportunities within the cultural and artistic community.
These internships offer graduates an opportunity to gain practical exposure to the daily activities of an arts organisation while developing skills that can support future careers in graphic design, marketing, communications, events, and programme coordination.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to ACT’s design, marketing, and programme activities while learning through practical assignments and professional collaboration.
Are you a creative graduate with a passion for visual communication, digital content, and graphic design? The ACT Graphic Design Internship could help you develop your portfolio while gaining experience in the creative sector.
What Will the Graphic Design Intern Do?
The selected intern will support ACT’s design and promotional activities by creating engaging visual content for digital platforms and other communication materials.
Responsibilities include:
- Creating eye-catching social media graphics.
- Designing GIFs and video content.
- Producing marketing materials and promotional posters.
- Developing presentations and reports.
- Supporting visual communication and promotional activities across ACT programmes.
This internship may suit graduates interested in graphic design, digital media, visual communication, multimedia production, and creative marketing.
Who Should Apply?
Applicants should be creative, motivated, and interested in developing their graphic design skills in a professional environment.
Candidates must have their own laptop and internet connection. Applicants should also prepare a portfolio demonstrating their creative abilities and previous design work.
Required Application Documents
Applicants for the Graphic Design Internship must submit:
- An updated curriculum vitae (CV).
- A portfolio showcasing relevant design work.
- A copy of their qualification.
- A brief motivation explaining their interest in the internship.
The general internship announcement specifies a certified copy of an NQF Level 6 or higher qualification, preferably in the visual arts or a related arts field. Applicants should check the official vacancy form for the precise document requirements.
2. ACT Marketing Internship 2026
Are you interested in social media, communications, event planning, fundraising, and the business side of the arts? The ACT Marketing Internship offers an opportunity to develop practical marketing and programme support skills.
The successful candidate will assist with marketing activities, event coordination, administration, and programme-related tasks.
What Will the Marketing Intern Do?
The intern’s responsibilities will include:
- Creating engaging social media copy and supporting online audience engagement.
- Assisting with event coordination, including reception, ushering, branding, catering enquiries, and on-site support.
- Preparing social media reports and assisting with other marketing tasks.
- Supporting programme managers and coordinators with administration and logistics.
- Collecting information, digitising forms, and processing project data for reporting and archiving.
- Conducting fundraising research and collecting information for proposals.
- Assisting with proposal preparation and outline drafts.
This position may be particularly suitable for graduates interested in marketing, public relations, communications, events management, arts administration, and project coordination.
Required Application Documents
Applicants for the Marketing Internship must submit:
- An updated CV.
- A copy of their qualification.
- A brief motivation explaining why they are interested in the position.
Candidates should highlight relevant academic projects, volunteering, social media experience, event support, research skills, and administrative experience where applicable.
General Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure that you meet the stated requirements.
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Qualification: Applicants must submit a certified copy of an NQF Level 6 or higher qualification, preferably in the visual arts or a related arts field, according to the general announcement. Check the specific vacancy requirements for clarification.
- Location: Applicants should be based in Johannesburg or central Ekurhuleni and able to travel to ACT offices in Braamfontein or around the City of Ekurhuleni, as applicable.
- Equipment: Applicants must have their own laptop and internet connection.
- Motivation: Applicants must submit a brief motivation explaining their interest in the opportunity.
Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Internship Duration and Location
- Programme period: November 2026 to April 2027.
- Location: Central Gauteng, South Africa.
- Potential work locations: ACT offices in Braamfontein or around the City of Ekurhuleni, depending on the role and arrangements.
The supplied announcement does not specify whether the internships are paid or provide a stipend. Applicants should contact ACT directly to confirm remuneration, working arrangements, and any additional conditions.
How to Apply for ACT Internships 2026
Interested applicants should apply through the official application forms provided by the Arts and Culture Trust.
Step 1: Visit the application page:
Step 2: Select the internship that matches your interests and qualifications: Graphic Design Intern or Marketing Intern.
Step 3: Prepare the required documents.
For graphic design applicants, ensure that your portfolio is ready alongside your CV, qualification documents, and motivation. Marketing applicants should prepare their CV, qualification documents, and motivation.
Step 4: Complete the relevant application form and submit the required documents according to the instructions.
Step 5: Submit your application before the deadline.
Applications close on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at 23:59. Applicants should check the official ACT website or application form for any updates or additional instructions.
For enquiries, ACT lists the following contact details:
- Telephone: 010 023 0899
- Alternative telephone: 066 556 4351
Why You Should Consider These Internships
Starting a career in the creative sector can be challenging without practical experience. These internships offer an opportunity to apply academic knowledge, develop workplace skills, and gain exposure to the activities of an arts and culture organisation.
Graphic design applicants can build experience in digital content and promotional design, while marketing applicants can gain exposure to communications, events, fundraising research, and programme coordination.
Both roles could help graduates strengthen their CVs, develop professional networks, and identify future career opportunities in the creative industries.
Final Thoughts
The Arts and Culture Trust internships provide an opportunity for eligible young graduates to gain practical experience while contributing to South Africa’s arts and culture sector.
Whether your strengths lie in graphic design or marketing, consider applying if you meet the requirements and can commit to the internship period.
Do not miss the deadline: Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at 23:59.
