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ArtsXchange’s new youth program offers pathways to creative careers

  • Writer: Angela Oliver
    Angela Oliver
  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read

Updated: 14 hours ago

Series of hands-on workshops, arts intensives for ages 11-18 to launch in April


By Angela Oliver | ArtsXchange Media


With a new slate of hands-on intensives, ArtsXchange is encouraging young people to push their involvement in the arts from just a hobby to a dedicated career path.


Creative Careers for Youth is ArtsXchange’s initiative designed to give young people, ages 11-18, the professional tools, creative freedom, mentorship, and STEAM skills they need as the next generation of innovators. It will begin with a writing and music industry focus in April, and continues through the summer and fall with varied classes on creative design, stage production, photography and more.


“We are inviting young people to think about new ways to create their own futures,” said ArtsXchange Executive Director Alice Lovelace. “Creativity and critical thinking are among the top skills employers are looking for."

With over 5 million jobs in the U.S. now rooted in the creative industries, these workshops provide a direct pipeline to future employability in the arts, technology, marketing, and entrepreneurship. More importantly, they provide a safe, supportive third space where local teens can find their voice and build their confidence.


In a world where parents are doing their best to provide every advantage, ArtsXchange is stepping in to offer supplemental, high-level learning that is both affordable and deeply impactful. Our philosophy is simple: Art belongs to everyone. By keeping costs low and quality high, we’re ensuring that young creators have a seat at the table in the global creative economy.


Creative Careers for Youth isn't your average after-school craft hour. Research from the Arts Education Partnership shows that students with access to the arts score significantly higher on standardized tests and report higher levels of happiness, emotional intelligence, and school engagement. By adding the “A” for arts to STEAM — long known as STEM, or science, technology, engineering and math — ArtsXchange is helping to build well-rounded thinkers.


“We're showing our youth that their passion for music, fashion, or storytelling is actually a gateway to a successful, focused career, no matter what sector they pursue,” Lovelace said.


Registration will open Friday, March 13, at artsxchange.org.



CREATIVE CAREERS FOR YOUTH | INTENSIVES CALENDAR MUSIC INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT:


Music in Common strengthens, empowers, and connects communities through the universal language of music. The organization curates experiences for people across social divides to discover common ground through facilitated conversation and music. At its core, MIC holds high two foundational principles: it is hard to hate up close and music can change the world.


  • THREE CHORDS & THE TRUTH (SPRING BREAK INTENSIVE)

April 7-8 • 11am-4pm • $50

Behind every great artist and performance is a great song. This workshop teaches the basics of songwriting: song structure, hooks, riffs, and melodies. Bring your lunch; snacks and supplies provided. AGES 11-18.

  • JAMMS: JOURNALISM AS MUSIC, MULTIMEDIA, & SONGWRITING (SUMMER INTENSIVE)

June 22-27 • 11am–4pm • $125 | July 13-18 • 11am-4pm • $125

Through conversation, participants collaborate to write songs that deepen cultural awareness and build bridges between diverse backgrounds and divided communities. Bring your lunch; snacks/supplies provided. AGES 11-18.


  • BACKSTAGE

Nov. 23-24 • 11am-4pm • $50

Prefer to work behind the scenes? Explore booking, stage production, lighting, social media, marketing and all the parts of putting a show together. Bring your lunch; snacks/supplies provided. AGES 11-18.

WRITING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT:

  • INKSPIRE: CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS (SPRING BREAK INTENSIVE)

April 6-10 • 11am-4pm • $125

Through guided workshops, collaboration, and professional tools and techniques, students will discover how creative communication shapes the world. Each participant will create a zine as a tangible reflection of their ideas and growing confidence as creators. Bring your lunch; snacks/supplies provided. AGES 11-15.


  • VISUAL LITERACY & MEDIA (SUMMER INTENSIVE) July 6-10 • 11am-4pm • $125 | July 20-25 • 11am-4pm • $125

What does it really mean to see? Explore the power of silent storytelling — how images communicate meaning without a word. AGES 11-15.


  • STORIES THAT STICK: LINKING LITERACY TO LEADERSHIP & WORLD-CHANGING IMPACT

Sept. 5 • 2-5pm | Sept. 19 • 11am-2pm | Oct. 3 • 2-5pm | Oct. 17 • 11am-2pm | Nov. 7 • 2-5pm | Nov. 21 • 11am-2pm Dec. 5 • 2–5 pm Dec. 19 • 11am-2pm

$50 for full series

Practice community storytelling by interviewing elders and local figures for mini- documentaries. Serve as literary ambassadors through a story hour for younger kids and a holiday book drive. AGES 11-15.



VISUAL & CREATIVE DESIGN INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT:


  • SNEAKERHEADZ CREATIVE DESIGN (SPRING BREAK INTENSIVE)

April 8-9 • 11am-4pm • $50

Calling all sneakerheads! In this session, you'll listen to your favorite music for inspiration as you create new designs for your favorite sneakers. Focus on creative use of color, symbolism, and patterns to add a distinct twist to your kicks. Bring your own shoes; design supplies will be provided. AGES 11-15.


  • REMIX & REWEAR YOUTH FASHION & PRINTMAKING LAB (SUMMER INTENSIVE)

July 20-25 • 11am-4pm • $125

Explore printmaking, surface design, and creative upcycling through fashion! Participants will transform garments and textiles using techniques such as fabric printing, painting, and sewing. Sewing experience is not required. Students will learn to reimagine clothing as a form of self-expression while engaging with sustainability, design, and personal style. Bring your lunch; snacks/supplies provided. AGES 11-18.


  • LIGHT IN MY LENS: EXPLORING THE WORLD THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY Nov. 23-25 • 1-3pm • $75

    with Chanda Scott

    In a world where images are everywhere, learning how to create them with intention is a powerful skill. This class helps students move beyond simply taking pictures to understanding how images communicate meaning, emotion, and story. They begin to recognize that their perspective matters — and that the way they see the world is worth sharing. Bring you smartphone. AGES 11-18.






 
 
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