ArtWorks
Explore. Create. Collaborate. Get Paid.
ARTWORKS BY THE NUMBERS 2025-2026
72
apprentices given creative workforce & leadership experiences
$44,400
invested directly in apprentice stipends
12
schools represented across Northeast Ohio
2,000+
youth served since 2006
What is ArtWorks?
Launched in 2006, ArtWorks is an Arts Education and Workforce Development program for 10th to 12th graders, where youth work as paid apprentices mentored by professional Teaching Artists. Alongside developing their artistic skills, apprentices build essential workforce and life skills to prepare for success beyond high school.
Each session offers a variety of art forms, allowing apprentices to explore new disciplines or deepen existing talents. Past sessions have included Visual Arts, Film Production, Dance, Podcasting, Photography, Spoken Word Poetry, Fashion Design, Mixed Media, Songwriting and Recording Arts, among others.
Program Details:
Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
Application and interview required
No prior experience needed; just an interest in the arts and eagerness to learn
Participants are responsible for their own transportation
Receive a stipend for participation
Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions
Culminating event at the end of each session, ArtWorks Live!
Questions? Please contact, Sara Griffin, Community Programs Manager, via sara@arts-inspiredlearning.org or 216-561-5005 ×16.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Connect with other creative youth from across Northeast Ohio
Learn from a professional working artist
Build a portfolio of your own creative work
Build real workforce skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving
Visit creative spaces around Cleveland
Showcase your work publicly
Walk away with real experience beneficial for college, a trade, a career, or whatever's next for you
Earn a stipend (paycheck) for your work in the program
95% of apprentices gained skills in communicating with potential employers, interviewing, and feel more prepared to apply for other jobs
✳︎
98% of apprentices understand the responsibilities of maintaining employment
✳︎
91% of apprentices are more knowledgeable about career opportunities in the arts sector
✳︎
95% of apprentices gained skills in communicating with potential employers, interviewing, and feel more prepared to apply for other jobs ✳︎ 98% of apprentices understand the responsibilities of maintaining employment ✳︎ 91% of apprentices are more knowledgeable about career opportunities in the arts sector ✳︎
ArtWorks Youth Leadership Council
The ArtWorks Youth Leadership Council is a leadership-focused extension of the ArtWorks program, offering returning apprentices opportunities to deepen their involvement and take on expanded responsibilities. Council members serve as co-op leads, assist with professional development activities, contribute to community service projects, and represent the program as ambassadors.
Youth selected for the Council are guaranteed placement in all three ArtWorks sessions during the year—fall, spring, and summer—and receive additional stipend funds for their participation.
Eligible youth must have completed at least one previous session of ArtWorks and will be asked to complete an interview as part of the selection process.
SEE ARTWORKS IN ACTION
Hear directly from ArtWorks apprentices and alumni about what the program means to them.
Snippet from the ArtWorks 20th Anniversary Documentary created by apprentices during the Summer 2026 Sound Recording co-op with professional Teaching Artist ensemble, Breakthrough Sounds.
ARTWORKS SESSIONS
Afterschool (Fall & Spring)
Tues. & Thurs. | 4:30-7:30 PM
around 2 months per session
Summer
Mon. - Fri. | 9:30 AM-3:30 PM
around 4-5 weeks
Once part of ArtWorks, always part of ArtWorks
Whether you finished ArtWorks last year or a decade ago, this is still your community.
Stay connected with the mentors, staff, and friends who shaped your ArtWorks experience, and help shape it for the next generation of apprentices coming up behind you.
