
ArtWorks is a paid creative arts-based job training and college readiness after-school program for high school students, ages 14-18. Students are enrolled as paid apprentices to train under Master Teaching Artists, who mentor them in an art form while they learn skills transferable to any future workplace or college. A program of Arts for Learning WNY, ArtWorks is advancing the organization’s mission by inspiring young people and educators through new and meaningful creative arts experiences.
Get Paid to Create
ArtWorks Youth Apprentices:
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Create art
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Work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines
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Discover hidden strengths
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Learn job readiness skills
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Participate in career exploration workshops
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Participate in College readiness workshops
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Learn from professionals in the community
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Perform and/or exhibit works of art
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Learn decision-making skills
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Practice public speaking
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Learn about financial wellness
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Build friendships with students from different schools
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Participate in performance reviews and feedback sessions
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Learn why the arts are important to a community’s identity and success
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Gain employment

The ArtWorks program will address the need for youth to develop skills in a real-world work environment, and builds core competencies that are needed in today’s economy. Apprentices will learn to become creative and innovative participants in the 21st Century’s competitive economy and gain important skills in problem solving, communication, leadership, responsibility, critical thinking, and collaboration. ArtWorks not only inspires students to succeed, but also ensures they have the skills to do so.
“It was amazing to witness them thinking and reaching beyond their own expectations, and actively becoming positive and proactive leaders, while using their art to inspire others. This really speaks to what happens when the arts are creatively integrated into education.”
– Aitina Fareed-Cooke, 2021 Master Teaching Artist
“ArtWorks enabled me to feel prepared for the future. I believe that things such as professional development, public speaking, and financial literacy workshops have given me the necessary skills to find my next job.”
– Tahynnis, Apprentice
Interested in being a Youth Apprentice for Spring 2023?
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Interested in becoming a Master Teaching Artist for Spring 2023? Here’s what you need to know!
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Master Teaching Artists provide instruction in the arts while helping Youth Apprentices develop workplace skills and gain knowledge in post-secondary options.
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Selected artists will work with diverse populations of Youth Apprentices with a broad range of artistic experiences to perform and exhibit works of art, develop community partnerships, provide real-world project experiences, and guide apprentices in the development of a professional portfolio.
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Curriculum proposals from artists of all disciplines will be considered including but not limited to: theater, music (all forms) and/or vocal performance, dance, filmmaking, recording arts, video game/web design, visual arts (all forms), architecture/design, culinary arts, and poetry/literary arts.
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Click here to view the application!
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Thank you to our sponsor
For more information about Artworks, please contact Allison, at allison@artsforlearningwny.org or (716)-881-0917.

