Summer 2026 ArtWorks

Learn more about artworks

Welcome to the Summer 2026 ArtWorks session page! Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a returning apprentice, this is your chance to explore your favorite art forms, work with professional teaching artists, and be part of a creative community.

Scroll through the sections below to learn about session dates, locations, interview requirements, and opportunities like the Youth Leadership Council.

APPLICATIONS OPEN: Monday, May 11, 2026 @5:00 PM

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Monday, June 1, 2026 @11:59 PM

    • Session Dates: June 29 - July 31, 2026

    • Days: Monday-Thursday

    • Location: Disciples Christian Church (3663 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44121)

    • ArtWorks Live! Public Showcase: Saturday, August 1, 2026

  • Sound Recording

    • Co-Op Theme: Stories of Resilience

    • About: Apprentices hold pop-up audio stations to capture personal audio narratives of resilience from themselves, their local communities, and family members.  

    Visual Arts

    • Co-Op Theme: Where Have We Come From, Where Are We Going

    • About: Apprentices create images, 3-D models, etc., based on what resilience means to them, and where they see themselves, ArtWorks, and/or Cleveland in the future while incorporating artifacts and visual representations of Cleveland’s and CAL’s past. 

    Audio/ Visual

    • Co-Op Theme: Design Our Music Video!

    • About: Apprentices will create a music video for the ArtWorks theme song as well as be exposed to a structured, inspiring space to create and discuss the reasons while resilience is needed in the first place. 

    Sketch Writing / Performance

    • Co-Op Theme: If You Don’t Know, Act Like You Know

    • About: Apprentices will learn the fundamentals of acting as well as sketch comedy writing to build theater and performance skills, tell the story of ArtWorks, as well as give space for apprentices to discover new ways to communicate their personal tales of resilience and the futures they envision.

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Block A

    • Two co-ops meet during this block

    12:00 PM – 1:00 PM - Block A Studio Time

    • Apprentices can attend Studio Time for collaboration, project work, and creative support.

    11:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Block B

    • Two co-ops meet during this block

    2:00 PM – 3:00 PM - Block B Studio Time

    • Apprentices can attend Studio Time for collaboration, project work, and creative support.

    2:00 PM – 3:00 PM - Youth Leadership Council

    • Youth Leadership Council members will also meet during this time.

    • Youth Council members are required to be onsite for the full day 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

    Community Leadership Skills - Mon. & Wed Only | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    Topics include:

    • Community Building

    • Job Skills

    • Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Skills

  • All applicants must complete an application and an interview for a general apprentice spot or Youth Leadership Council.

    Interview Dates & Times:

    • Tuesday, June 2nd: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

    • Thursday, June 4th: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

    • Saturday, June 6th: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    Interview Location:

    Disciples Christian Church (3663 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44121)

    Please note: We’d love to meet you in person, but we understand if that’s difficult due to transportation, schedule conflicts, or other challenges. If that’s the case, please reach out to our Community Programs Manager at sara@arts-inspiredlearning.org.

    • All apprentices receive a stipend for their participation.

    • Those who take part in the Youth Leadership Council receive an additional stipend.

    Stipend amount varies session to session as it is dependent on funding available.

  • The Youth Leadership Council will meet Monday-Thursday from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m, but members are required to be onsite all day from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

    • Members are guaranteed placement in ArtWorks for all 3 ArtWorks sessions this year (Fall, Spring, and Summer).

    • Council members will act as co-op leads, work on a community service project, assist in professional development activities, and be ambassadors for the program. Youth Council members will also receive additional stipend funds each session for their participation.

    Those interested in being considered for the ArtWorks Youth Leadership Council must interview for this opportunity. Candidates are required to have participated in at least 1 previous session of ArtWorks.

ABOUT THE SUMMER 2026 SESSION

    • Each session includes hands-on workshops, projects, and mentorship with professional teaching artists.

    • You’ll get to explore your chosen art form, collaborate with other apprentices, and work toward a public showcase at the end of the session.

    • Be curious and open to trying new things—you might discover a new passion or skill.

    • Be punctual and attend all class sessions. Being present helps you build connections with your teaching artist and fellow apprentices. It also ensures you don’t miss out on valuable lessons, projects, and creative opportunities.

    • Show up ready to participate and contribute to group projects.

    • Ask questions and seek feedback from your teaching artists—they’re here to help you grow.

  • While you’ll be enrolled into a main art form/co-op, there may be a few opportunities to explore others during collaborative projects or special activities.

    • This is your chance to share your work with the public, including friends, family, and the community. It’s a celebration of all your hard work during the session.

    • There are also opportunities to sell your work during Fall sessions including pieces you may have not made during ArtWorks where you keep 100% of any proceeds you made.

    • Youth Council members take on leadership roles, help plan projects, and support their peers. It’s a great opportunity to develop leadership skills while staying creative.

    • Be on time and prepared. Make sure to arrive at your interview at least 5-10 minutes early to check in and get settled.

    • Dress professionally. It shows you’re taking this opportunity seriously and ready to engage in a professional environment.

    • Be clear and professional in your communication. We’ll be looking for you to express your thoughts clearly and respectfully. This is your time to show us who you are and why you’re a great fit for ArtWorks!

    • Practice beforehand: Get comfortable talking about your goals, passions, and previous experiences. This will help you feel more confident during the interview.

ARTWORKS FAQ’S & HELPFUL TIPS

APPLY HERE