Graphic Design Intern

The Opportunity 

Are you passionate about the arts, higher education, and impactful storytelling? ELIA offers an  exceptional internship opportunity right in the heart of Amsterdam’s creative hub. Gain hands-on experience crafting communications for a vibrant international network of arts universities, helping shape campaigns, manage content, and connect with a global audience. This is a perfect role for a creative, motivated individual ready to build their skills in marketing, writing, social media and digital design—while supporting the future of arts education across Europe.  

Organisation Profile 

ELIA is Europe’s leading multidisciplinary network in higher arts education and research. Powered by our members, we are a globally connected knowledge community for peer-learning, international collaboration and advocacy. With over 285 members in 54 countries, this vibrant and dynamic community represents over 300,000 students working across all arts disciplines. Advocating for higher arts education, ELIA empowers and creates new opportunities for its members while also collaborating with partner networks and organisations around the world. 

Candidate Profile 

This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and visually driven individual passionate about the arts and design. You will be part of a dynamic team that delivers ground-breaking events, advocates for arts education at European level, and facilitates meaningful exchange within the higher arts education community. 

ELIA is looking for a highly motivated Graphic Design Intern to join the Communications Team. The ideal candidate has a strong visual sensibility, an interest in arts and culture, and the ability to translate ideas and content into engaging visual communication across digital and print platforms. 

The Graphic Design Intern must be able to work independently, think creatively, manage multiple tasks, and meet tight deadlines in an international working environment. 

Tasks and Responsibilities 

The Graphic Design Intern will assist the ELIA Team with:  

• Designing visual assets for ELIA’s communication channels, including social media (posts and reels), website, newsletters, and email campaigns 

• Creating graphic materials for ELIA’s events, projects, and publications   

• Supporting the visual identity and brand consistency of ELIA across all outputs 

• Producing a comprehensive set of branded asset templates on CANVA 

• Supporting the ELIA team with CANVA and ensuring assets produced are on brand  

• Assisting with layout and design of reports, toolkits, and presentations 

• Selecting, editing, and managing images and visual content 

• Collaborating closely with the Communications Team to translate written content into compelling visual formats  

• Assisting the ELIA team in delivering high-quality projects, events, and resources that benefit ELIA members  

Skills and Competencies 

• Higher education qualification or current enrolment in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Media Design, or a related field 

• Working user/creator knowledge of CANVA Pro 

• Strong visual and creative skills, with an eye for layout, typography, and composition 

• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) or equivalent tools 

• Ability to work in English in an international environment 

• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with people from different cultures and backgrounds 

• Well-organised, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple deadlines 

• Interest in arts, culture, and education is highly desirable 

• Basic motion design, illustration, or video skills are an advantage but not essential 

What ELIA offers 

• A valuable professional opportunity with creative responsibility and real-world impact 

• Access to a vibrant international network of arts, culture and education sectors 

• The opportunity to further develop your graphic design and visual communication skills 

• A monthly internship compensation, based on the weekly hours agreed 

• Travel compensation to and from the ELIA office (on in-office days) 

• The chance to be part of a dynamic team working in the renowned creative hub A-Lab in Amsterdam  

Practical Details

• Position: Graphic Design Intern 

• FTE: 0.6 FTE, 24 H/week  

• Compensation: €300 monthly 

• Location: Amsterdam (office + remote)   

• Start Date: February / March 2026   

• Duration: 3 – 4 months  

• Application Deadline: 30 January 2026  

• Interview Dates: Week beginning 2 February 2026

Please apply in English with: 

• A CV 

• A motivation letter 

• A portfolio or selection of relevant design work (PDF or link) 

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Please note: Candidates must have a valid work permit for the Netherlands (according to Dutch Labour Law) already in place, which pertains to the time they will be working with ELIA. 

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Any questions can be addressed to Joana Alves, HR and Operations Manager, at joana.alves@elia-artschools.org.

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 ELIA strives to be an equal opportunities employer and to see that the make-up of its staff is diverse and representative of society. ELIA welcomes applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.