ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs is proud to announce ARTSCooL’s return for the summer of 2013 with a call for professional art instructors and teen artists.

ARTSCooL, a summer arts employment program for teens, provides art instruction, exposure to cultural events/venues, and practical employment training. The program is designed to accommodate many levels of talent—beginners to advanced.  Participants are selected through an interview process.  Once accepted, students will receive a salary or stipend for their commitment to the eight week program, which will culminate in showcasing their work in a professional style exhibition.  ARTSCooL, which will run from June 3, 2013 – July 26, 2013, gives teens the chance to experience creative freedom and develop their creative skills.

Through a partnership with the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency and the Mayor’s Youth Program, ARTSCooL identifies teens who want summer income and the opportunity to work under the guidance of a local professional artist to gain technical instruction.

Participants meet in a performing, visual, or digital arts studio for four hours a day with their teaching artist.  

Highlights from 2012 ARTSCooL:
• Presentation hosted by Office of Cultural Affairs’ Public Art Outreach Program
• Backstage tour of the Fox Theatre
• Tours of exhibits at the High Museum of Art, MOCA GA, MODA, and Arnika Dawkins Gallery
• Diverse studios ranging from Visual Arts (Mixed Media Textiles, Illustration, Drawing), Performing Arts (Musical Theater, Dance), and Digital Arts (Film/Video, Photography)

Professional artists interested in mentor artist positions should see the Call for Artists at http://www.ocaatlanta.com/2013-call-professional-artists.

Teens with an interest or background in the arts should arrange an interview to be considered for the program.  Participants must meet the following criteria:  Must be a resident of the City of Atlanta and provide proof of residency, must be between 14 and 18 years old, must successfully complete the application and interview process, bring two to four samples of original work, and submit a one page essay on “What Art Means to You.”  To arrange an interview, contact Jessica Gaines at 404-546-6792 <tel:404-546-6792>  or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by March 11, 2013.

If you would like more information about this program, visit www.ocaatlanta.com.