UNRESERVED: American Indian Fashion and Art Alliance, are pleased to announce the launch of the UNRESERVED Alliance Fashion and Art Internship Program, created by American Indians for American Indians. The first initiative of its kind, this program will offer and develop rare opportunities for American Indians seeking experience and guidance in the fashion and art industries.

The UNRESERVED Alliance Fashion Internship Program will provide entry into the exciting, career oriented fashion industry by providing invaluable experience with leading designers and firms based in New York City. Prized internships will be available in a range of disciplines including design, fashion buying, merchandising, production and more. Accepted applicants will be matched with companies and talent that meet their skill sets and will start as early as New York Fashion Week (February 12th – 19th). Current participants include Eileene Fisher, Daryl Kerrigan, Pamela Love, Nanette Lepore, Nicole Miller, Urban Zen by Donna Karan and Diane von Furstenberg.

Similarly, the UNRESERVED Alliance Art Internship Program will offer internships in the art industry for aspiring painters, sculptors and illustrators. These opportunities will allow artists to hone their artistic skills, receive valuable expertise and gain entrée to the exclusive worlds of museums, galleries and arts organizations. Accepted applicants will be paired with renowned artists who work in the same mediums for a minimum of six weeks to 3 months, working in their studios, participating in appropriate meetings, projects and events, submitting work for critique and gaining counsel on future career paths and opportunities. Artists in the program include renowned painters and sculptors Kehinde Wiley, Ross Bleckner and Keith Sonnier, as well as leading museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

A panel of industry leaders will review resumes, portfolio highlights and a letter of intent to award internships based on talent and career interests. Applications will be accepted at the following address: UNRESERVED Internship Program, 55 Bethune Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10014 or internship@unreservedalliance.org.

The first initiative of its kind, UNRESERVED encourages and supports American Indian creative expression through art exhibitions, fashion shows and events. The organization fosters emerging American Indian artists exploring and pursuing careers in the worlds of fashion and art through internships, mentoring programs and career opportunities, while raising awareness about American Indians and their thriving creative communities.

This initiative was made possible by the generosity W. K. Kellog Foundation. Established in 1930, the organization supports children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society. Grants are concentrated in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the southern African countries of Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

For further information, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.wkkf.org.