The British Council is offering a year-long internship for a recent graduate to support its arts programme in Lagos. You will work behind the scenes of cultural projects, helping with event logistics, participant records, applications, and communications. It is not a creative director role. It is a hands-on administrative role where accuracy matters. You will learn how cultural programmes actually get delivered, from tracking participant data to coordinating suppliers and preparing post-event content. If you want real experience in arts administration and you are organised, this is a solid entry point.
Arts Intern
Employer: British Council
Pay: Competitive
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Deadline: Apply as soon as possible
Type: Fixed-term internship, 12 months
Compensation:
1. Structured practical experience in arts programme administration over 12 months.
2. Exposure to event delivery, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring and reporting.
3. Professional development in data management, coordination, and communications.
4. Work alongside an established international cultural organisation.
5. A foundation for future roles in arts, culture, and programme administration.
Benefits:
1. You gain real experience coordinating live arts projects and events.
2. You learn how applications, selection processes, and participant records are managed professionally.
3. You build skills in reporting, data collection, and digital content support.
4. You work in a collaborative environment with colleagues who support cultural relations.
5. You develop professional habits around confidentiality, safeguarding, and compliance.
About
The British Council is an international organisation that builds connections and trust between the UK and other countries. It works through arts and culture, education, and the English language. In Nigeria, its arts team delivers cultural programmes and events. The organisation values inclusion, openness, and collaboration. You would be joining a team that supports cultural relations work rather than a commercial business, so the pace and priorities reflect that public-facing mission.
Responsibilities & Requirements
- You will support the coordination of arts projects and events, keeping schedules, trackers, and action logs up to date.
- You will organise and update application and participant information, checking records for accuracy.
- You will help administer selection processes, preparing lists and maintaining version control.
- You will support event logistics, including venues, travel, accommodation, suppliers, and participant communication.
- You will handle routine correspondence with colleagues, artists, applicants, partners, and suppliers.
How to Apply
Apply through the British Council careers portal using the apply button below. Upload your CV and complete the application form carefully. Mention administrative experience, event support, and any work with trackers, spreadsheets, or participant records in your CV. Also mention any exposure to arts, culture, or creative projects. If you have used Canva or supported digital content, include that. Be honest about your graduation date because eligibility depends on it.
Why Apply
You gain experience working for an organization like the British council. The internship is designed for recent graduates who need exposure, not years of experience. You will learn how arts programmes are actually delivered, which is good for you if you want a career in culture, events, or programme administration. It is a fixed-term opportunity, so treat it as a launchpad rather than a permanent job. The experience and references you gain will matter more than the pay.
Before You Apply
Confirm you graduated within the last two years, because this is a hard requirement. Check that you have the legal right to live and work in Nigeria for the full 12 months. This is an internship, not permanent employment, and completion does not guarantee a job. Prepare examples of admin jobs you have done, such as managing records, supporting events, or coordinating people. Be ready to explain why arts and culture interest you.
Required Skills
Administrative coordination, record keeping, spreadsheet and tracker management, attention to detail, written and spoken English, Microsoft Office tools, event logistics support, stakeholder communication, data collection and reporting, confidentiality and data protection awareness, Canva for basic visuals, and collaborative teamwork.
Tips to Get Hired
Show that you are organised by giving concrete examples of records or events you have managed. Demonstrate genuine interest in arts and culture. Highlight accuracy and follow-through rather than creativity alone. Mention tools you use confidently, especially Excel and trackers. Keep your answers clear and professional, and proofread everything before submitting.