What is ArtWorks?
ArtWorks is the only arts-based job training program for Northeast Ohio high school students that is designed to provide training in the arts while developing skills for the workplace. For several weeks each summer, ArtWorks apprentices create visual and performing art and learn workforce skills.

Through ArtWorks, students learn how to work cooperatively, professionally, and responsibly while earning a wage.  The on-going interactions with professionals create mentoring relationships for the apprentices, who learn essential, 21st Century skills that are transferable to any future workplace. 

For six hours a day, five days a week, ArtWorks apprentices create exciting work in theater, dance, music, photography and visual arts while learning professionalism and responsibility.  In addition to creating art, apprentices host performances and exhibitions of their work that are enjoyed by the entire community, and work with their Teaching Artist to develop a professional portfolio.

Several times throughout the program, guest speakers from the business, arts, and civic community speak with the apprentices about their own careers and the various ways that arts skills and creativity are valued in business settings.

Additionally, ArtWorks provides apprentices and their parents with workshops about the college application and financial aid processes.

Benefits for Artworks Apprentices
ArtWorks provides participants with:

• Hands-on skills in a chosen art discipline
• Valuable job training that will benefit you in any career
• Opportunities to showcase your work in public performances and exhibitions
• Access to representatives from the business, cultural and civic communities who inspire students with real stories of how the arts have made a difference in their professional and personal lives
• Resources for navigating the college admissions and financial aid processes
• A professional portfolio that can be used in future college and work applications
• Hourly pay

When and Where Will ArtWorks Take Place?
ArtWorks will operate June 18– July 31, 2008, Monday-Friday, 9AM – 4:00PM.  Some Saturdays and evenings are required for performances/exhibits. Interested applicants should be available to work the full six-week period. The program will take place mostly outdoors, under tents in University Circle, Cleveland. Transportation is not provided by Young Audiences; however, limited free parking will be available for artists and apprentices.

How to Apply – Students
Any high school student entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade may apply.  Graduating seniors are ineligible. No prior arts experience is necessary.  We are simply looking for people who are interested in the arts and would like to learn job skills. Students must submit an application on time and be interviewed to be considered for the program. Applications are due by Thursday, April 3, 2008.  Click here to download the Apprentice Application.

Please call 216-561-5005 if you have trouble downloading or viewing the application.

How to Apply – Artists
Are you a professional artist who enjoys working with high school students in a mentorship/role model capacity? Do you know what it takes to become a professional in the workforce?  Artist applications are now available. For more information contact Young Audiences at 216-561-5005 or info@yaneo.org.

Click here to download the Artist Application.

Thanks to Our Generous Supporters
ArtWorks 2007 was hosted by Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio and generously supported by AmTrust Bank, The Cleveland Foundation, The Coral Company, Deaconess Community Foundation, Dominion East Ohio, FirstEnergy Foundation, Forest City Enterprises, Goldberg Companies, Inc., The Human Fund, Key Foundation, Kulas Foundation, The John P. Murphy Foundation, National City Bank, Ohio Arts Council and The Reinberger Foundation.

I have seen how arts and cultural programs positively impact our community and young lives.  I give ArtWorks my unreserved support and hope to see it continue for many years to come.

I like when I paint – it feels good – and I’m getting paid to do this all day. ArtWorks lets you express yourself.  My favorite part of ArtWorks is watching the performances and exhibitions.  It’s almost like watching someone grow up.  It’s a beautiful picture when you can see something grow from beginning to end and you know how far its come. 

ArtWorks has been great, challenging, intense, and fun because we’ve had a great group of kids with all ranges of experience.  Even if they’ve not done art before, they all bring something to the program.  They’ve all risen to the challenge.   It’s been an interesting and surprising realization for the apprentices that they are not students at ArtWorks.  Now they are employees with a whole different set of expectations on them.  They have to learn a professional way of interacting and how to present their work  It’s been great to see each of them find their own way to express themselves over the six weeks.  They’ve each found their own voice.  It’s been amazing!