CINCINNATI— ArtWorks, a leader in workforce development and public art in Cincinnati, is currently recruiting 110 emerging artists, ages 14–21, to create new murals and other projects across Queen City communities this summer.
Apprentices work under the mentorship of Teaching Artists to create public art and community impact projects. Projects are most often large-scale, outdoor murals, but in the past have also included photography, sewing, dance, and film production. Applicants should be eager to create art, make a difference in the city, work in diverse teams, and build new skills.
Apprentice wages are $13 an hour and artists will work either 20 or 30 hours per week (depending on age) for nine weeks, June 3 – August 8 (off week of July 4). Find out more information about ArtWorks’ Apprentice program as well as summer work hours and hiring details at ArtWorksCincinnati.org/apprenticeships.
Beyond making art, Apprentices elevate their skills in collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, goal orientation, and growth orientation. Through ArtWorks’ program, Apprentices can develop lifelong friendships and bonds with their teammates, references for post-high school education and future employment, and connect with their communities through a collaborative creative process.
In addition to mural-based art projects in communities throughout the region, ArtWorks is offering alternate opportunities including a Pones partnership/dance-based apprenticeship and a creative writing and photography apprenticeship with the Well’s True Body Project resulting in an exhibition for FotoFocus 2024. ArtWorks also employs artists and young adults (post-high school) in year-long opportunities in its Mural Studio and Photo and Video Studio.
To apply to work as a Summer Apprentice, you must attend the in-person ArtWorks’ Summer Apprentice Hiring Event on Saturday, April 6 from 10am – 4pm at the Hamilton County Youth Employment Office at Talbert House, 644 Linn Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203. Please arrive before 11 a.m. Applicants, parents, guardians, and educators who have questions or wish to find out more can attend ArtWorks’ Summer Apprentice Info Session on March 27 from 6 – 8pm at ArtWorks’ offices 2460 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.
Apprentice Corinne Lerma (shown in image, with brush, next to Apprentice Isaac Larsen) worked with ArtWorks on mural projects for multiple summers. She said she gained valuable experience while also getting paid. “I think when people hear about ArtWorks they just think, ‘Oh, you just paint all day,’” she said. “And yes, we do that, but there’s training and so much more! The best part of being involved with ArtWorks was being surrounded by other artists, learning about history, and discovering the beauty of Cincinnati.”
“Before ArtWorks, I had no idea being a working artist was even a possibility. I would absolutely encourage young people to get involved with ArtWorks. It will open so many doors both outside, to the world, and inside, to themselves,” said Lerma.
Throughout its history, ArtWorks has employed nearly 8,000 artists and created thousands of works of community and public art, including more than 300 permanent public murals, as well as sculptures, light-based installations, and more.
Another former Apprentice is Colleen Houston, the current CEO and artistic director for ArtWorks. “Working as an Apprentice within ArtWorks’ program is an extraordinary opportunity for young creatives to unlock their true potential and build confidence. It’s a life-changing experience to be part of a collaborative team effort and make a positive difference in the community you live in. Above and beyond a paycheck, this is such a rewarding job experience that fosters growth, creativity, and invaluable mentorship, paving the way for a promising future in the world of art or any desired career path,” Houston said.
ArtWorks is excited to announce a new partnership with Hamilton County and Talbert House, who are providing financial and hiring support, as well as additional professional development opportunities. Continued ongoing support for ArtWorks’ youth employment is provided through the City of Cincinnati. Ongoing support for ArtWorks is made possible by Ohio Arts Council, ArtsWave, and numerous individuals through donations to its Apprentice Promise Program. ArtWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer, strongly committed to building and retaining a diverse staff that creates an inclusive workplace that harnesses each voice to collectively advance ArtWorks’ mission.
Who We Are
Since 1996, ArtWorks has collaborated with community organizations and residents, businesses, governments, foundations, and nonprofits to build creative works of art that support the Greater Cincinnati region’s global reputation as an arts destination. ArtWorks has employed and trained thousands of professional artists and thousands more youth, ages 14–24. We invest in our creative economy by creating jobs that support local talent, pairing professional artists to inspire and mentor diverse teams of youth, and helping them build 21st-century career-readiness skills. Over the past 27 years, this collaborative approach has created a citywide gallery with more than 14,000 public and private art projects, including more than 300 permanent outdoor murals.
