Since 1995, Urban ArtWorks’ Mural Apprentice Program (MAP) has provided paid, arts-based employment training for teens who face barriers to the arts, education, and employment. During each eight-week youth arts apprenticeship, teens work alongside professional teaching artists to build their artistic skills while researching, designing, and installing murals and public art in Seattle, King County, and communities across Western Washington. Through this process, apprentices also develop the communication, teamwork, leadership, and professional skills needed to thrive in the workplace.

We prioritize reaching young people who have had limited access to arts education, job training, and employment opportunities, including those facing financial, geographic, educational, and other barriers. Through community partnerships and targeted outreach, our programs reach youth from communities that have historically had less access to paid arts opportunities. Our participants reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and low-income youth.

The Mural Apprentice Program is free to participants, and all youth apprentices receive a stipend. No prior art experience is required.

Interested in a paid teen arts program with Urban ArtWorks? Learn more about upcoming Mural Apprentice Program sessions and application opportunities, or contact us at programs@urbanartworks.org with questions.

Base Crew is Urban ArtWorks’ advanced paid arts and career-development program for young people who have completed the Mural Apprentice Program and want to deepen their skills.

Participants work alongside professional artists on community and commissioned projects while developing their own artistic practice. Youth build portfolios and artist statements, meet working artists, strengthen professional skills, and gain opportunities to design and complete commissioned artwork.

Base Crew helps young artists move from learning the fundamentals of collaborative mural-making toward greater artistic independence, professional experience, and leadership.

Base Crew graduates are eligible to join the Youth Advisory Council (YAC). YAC is the third tier of a multi-year youth development pathway. YAC members (ages 18–22) meet monthly for facilitated sessions focused on leadership development, professional skills, and reflective practice. Members shape the organization from the inside. providing feedback on programs, recruitment strategies, and participant supports, while also serving as competitively paid Teaching Artists and production assistants, and completing individual commissioned mural projects.

Our School-Based Programs provide opportunities for students in grades kindergarten through twelve to work alongside teaching artists to install murals at their schools. They explore themes and issues that are important to their community, create a design, and bring that design to life. Each project is tailored to fit the needs of the individual school or classroom and can be integrated within the standard grade-level curricula. Urban ArtWorks is on the Seattle Public Schools Creative Advantage Community Arts Partner Roster. If you’re curious about how we can work with your students during or after school, contact us today!

Creative Walls is a hands-on Seattle mural arts summer camp for young artists ages 8–12. During each week-long camp, participants explore drawing, painting, design, teamwork, and large-scale mural techniques while working with a professional Teaching Artist. Campers move through the mural-making process from brainstorming and sketching through collaborative painting and installation.

Campers will dive into a variety of activities each day — from drawing and painting to movement exercises, team-building games, and creative challenges. Throughout the week, youth will learn the full process of creating a large-scale mural: brainstorming themes, sketching designs, choosing colors, collaborating with peers, and finally painting a real mural together.

No prior art experience is required, and scholarships are available.

Do you have a community group or some young people you would like us to work with to create a collaborative mural? We often partner with other non-profit organizations or specific communities to design and install murals through short-term workshops or longer-term customized programs. Contact us today and let’s brainstorm the possibilities!

Attention nonprofits: Urban ArtWorks is currently searching for nonprofit, social service, and community organizations with space available for murals designed and painted by youth participants in our programs. Murals will be developed and installed at no cost to these organizations and can be painted directly on a wall or on portable wood panels. If your organization is interested in a free mural for your space, submit your project today!

Thank you to the many grant funding partners and sponsors who support our organization and youth programs.