ArtLab

"Growing up in an area where the idea of the arts is something that is completly unaffordable, ArtLab has given me the opportunity to experience a feeling that is unlike any other. ArtLab has opened doors for me that I thought never existed. It has given me the essentials to compete in this world and also interact with society due to the people skills I have acquired."
PlatteForum ArtLab Intern

ArtLab: Integrated Learning Through the Arts
Spring 2012 Artlab: CLICK HERE to Apply now.

Based on best practices for youth development programs, ArtLab is an innovative year-round out-of-school program for underserved high school youth incorporating the creative arts with academic, personal and professional skill development.  As an intensive program, we are limited to 15 students who go through a competitive application and interview process. Youth do NOT need to have an arts background.  This program is targeted to youth who do not have access to learning through the arts and would benefit from structured immersion in the creative process. 

ArtLab youth are involved in the creation and presentation of major works, mentored by professional artists, participate in workshops directed by visiting artists, mentor at-risk children during workshops held at PlatteForum and participate in service-learning projects.  All projects address social issues affecting their generation, which creates opportunities for the youth to give voice to those issues. Each endeavor has clear goals and connections to the real world.  This propels youth to become active members and catalysts for change in their communities. ArtLab integrates organic and structured activities, with respectful interactions between all. Through individual and group struggles, challenges and obstacles, ArtLab interns learn to work together as a team, communicate, accept differences and focus on completing a project/goal together.  In the end, ArtLab youth create high quality works of art, experience a sense of accomplishment, pride and shared purpose.

Our goal is that 100% of ArtLab interns successfully graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education. Therefore, we also offer a College Access Mentoring Program which provides an 18-month adult mentor trained in the college application and admission process to working individually with an ArtLab mentee.

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FOR YOUTH
• Collaborate with peers and resident artists
• Exposure to a diversity of artists and ideas
• Improve academic, professional and personal skills
• Enhance critical thinking, self-esteem and community engagement
• Dare to dream and realize their potential
• Transform challenges into opportunities for creative expression
• Learn organization and time management skills
• Recognition and feedback from the public

THE NITTY GRITTY
• For youth ages 15-19
• Year-long programming with an in-depth focus area (ie. theatre or public art)
• Creation of four to six bodies of work presented to the public
• 15 students, two to four days a week

FOR THE ARTIST
• Mentor and collaborate with youth
• Inspiration from youth
• Growth as an artist and a creative member of the community

FOR THE COMMUNITY
• A place for community participation
• Interact and learn from youth
• Work has a positive impact on the community