IDEAL: Internship for Diverse and Emerging Arts Leaders

2026 IDEAL Summer Interns:

Name: Jennifer Cruz Cipran
Arts Host: Holly Springs Cultural Center
Arts Host Supervisor: Kitty Gayner
Mentor: Diana Pena, Nasher Museum

Jennifer Cruz Ciprian is a multidisciplinary artist from Peru, currently based in North Carolina. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art at Meredith College and expects to graduate in December 2026. Her artistic practice spans printmaking, textiles, ceramics, and drawing, often reflecting on themes of identity, migration, and memory shaped by her own journey. Jennifer is passionate about creating meaningful and inclusive art experiences and hopes to build a career as a community outreach manager, connecting diverse communities with the arts.

Name: Perla Gerez
Arts Host: Arts Together
Arts Host Supervisors: Olivia Sullivan and Lauren Youngman
Mentor: Sara Segerlin, Gregg Museum

Perla Gerez Hernandez was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and currently resides in Raleigh, NC. Perla majored in Studio Arts and minored in Arts Administration and Art History at Meredith College and graduated in May of 2026. Perla wants to deepen her knowledge in marketing and programming for arts organizations.

Name: Judy Lee
Arts Host: Artspace
Arts Host Supervisor: Alexandra Walker
Mentor: Mayanthi Jayawardena, Triangle Art Works/Serendib Creative

Judy Lee was born and raised in North Carolina. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. With a background in graphic design and digital media, Judy has supported artists through branding, visual storytelling, and community-based projects. She is especially interested in arts administration and artist services, with a long-term goal of connecting emerging and underrepresented creatives to the resources and visibility they need to thrive.

Name: Courtney Stevens
Arts Host: Raleigh Little Theatre
Arts Host Supervisor: Terra Hodge
Mentor: Lani Simeon, The Cary Theater

Courtney Stevens was born and raised in Garner, NC. Courtney graduated in May 2026 from UNC Greensboro with a degree in Arts Administration and minors in Business and Music. She has a strong interest in supporting live events and community based work. Courtney hopes to present community arts events using her organizational  and communication skills.

For arts organizations interested in participating as Arts Hosts: 2026 Info Session for Prospective Arts Hosts

Want to know more about past IDEAL cohorts? Check out the IDEAL Alumni page!

IDEAL 2024 Recap

If you have any additional questions or accessibility requests, please email Community Arts Coordinator, Alyssa Wise, at [email protected].

Thank you to TowneBank for sponsoring the 2026 IDEAL Summer Program.

TowneBank
North Carolina Museum of Art
North Carolina Arts Council
Arts North Carolina
Smith Anderson
North Carolina Community Foundation
Wegmans
Biddle
NC Legislature (Reps. Maria Cervania and Monika Johnson-Hostler)
Raleigh Little Theatre