Youth Creativity Builds Futures *

Youth Creativity Builds Futures *

Essex Art Center's teen programs are unique. Participating students do not act as assistants in a professional artist's work; they develop the content themselves and bring it to life.

Students have the agency to conceptualize and execute community-based work with the mentorship of experienced teaching artists. Through this process, teens develop professional skills, learn time management, and see the power of building relationships within the community.

Because the work is professional and public-facing, Essex Art Center compensates young people for their time. With a stipend, teens can choose between participating in one of our programs and pursuing a job elsewhere.

If you are a teen looking to get involved, please check back regularly for the next round of Paid Programs for Teens. Keep in mind these programs are competitive, so allow enough time to complete a thoughtful application.

Read about our past paid teen programs below: