2026 – 2027 Teen Residency Program
The Oolite Arts Teen Residency is a mentorship-based program for artists ages 16–18 who aspire to pursue careers in the visual arts. Designed to familiarize and connect young creatives with the contemporary art world, the residency provides direct access to working artists, curators, studio practice, and hands-on professional experience.
During this program, residents will develop their practice while participating in critiques, studio visits, skills workshops, and exchanges with artists and art professionals in Miami’s cultural community. Through mentorship and curatorial support, they will experiment, take creative risks, refine their ideas, and cultivate their individual artistic voices while laying the foundation for future careers in the arts. The residency culminates in May with an exhibition that celebrates residents’ achievements and marks a key milestone in their artistic development. A paid internship follows in July, offering continued hands-on experience with an Oolite Arts staff member or a professional artist.
Open Call
Aug. 25 – Sept. 23, 2026
For additional information, please contact Education Program Manager Lucas Schrier at [email protected].
Important Dates
- Application period: Aug. 25 – Sept. 23, 2026
- Teen Residency mentorship period: October 2026 – April 2027
- Teen Residency exhibition: May 2027
- Summer internship: July 2027
*Dates may change.
Program Benefits
Selected artists will receive:
- One-on-one mentorship with professional artists
- Access to professional resources and career development opportunities
- Critiques, workshops, and skill-building sessions
- Studio, gallery, and museum visits
- Professional guidance on portfolio and artist statement development
- Free access to Oolite Arts’ Fabrication Facilities and Digital Lab
- Hands-on printmaking training and studio practice
- Public speaking and presentation training
- Networking opportunities with artists and industry professionals
- Curatorial guidance in preparation for the Teen Resident exhibition
- A paid internship with a professional artist or Oolite Arts staff member
Application Requirements
- Submit an online application between Aug. 25 and Sept. 23, 2026
- Upload proof of age (government-issued ID, passport, or birth certificate)
- Submit 5–10 artwork samples (finished works and/or works in progress)
- Provide a short artist statement
- Submit a statement of intent describing your artistic goals and how participation in the Teen Residency will help you achieve them
- Provide the name of your current high school and grade level
- Provide contact information for a parent or legal guardian
- Submit one professional reference (teacher, mentor, counselor, coach, or another non-family member)
*Applicants under the age of 18 will require consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Eligibility
Age
Applicants must be 16–18 years old and currently enrolled in high school at the start of the program.
Location
Applicants must be based in Miami-Dade county.
Commitment and Availability
Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to developing an artistic practice and be available to attend the majority of program sessions at the Little Haiti Cultural Center and Oolite Arts.
FAQ
Who can apply?
High school students ages 16–18 who reside in Miami-Dade County are eligible to apply.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. The Teen Residency is fully supported by Oolite Arts.
Where does the program take place?
The residency primarily takes place at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, with select sessions at Oolite Arts’ facilities.
How often do residents meet?
Residents meet twice a week from October through April for critiques, workshops, mentorship sessions, studio visits, and professional development opportunities. The Teen Residency schedule closely mirrors the MDCPS academic calendar, with corresponding days off for school holidays, breaks, and closures.
The program concludes with a paid internship opportunity in July.
What is the paid internship opportunity?
During July, residents participate in a paid internship, gaining hands-on professional experience working directly with Oolite Arts staff or a professional artist while continuing to develop their own artistic practice.
What kind of work do I need to submit?
Applicants should submit 5–10 examples of artwork that best represent their interests, ideas, and current artistic development. Submissions may include drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, mixed media, digital art, or other visual art forms. Both finished works and works in progress are welcome.
Who selects the residents?
Applications will be reviewed by Oolite Arts staff and Program Mentors.
Selection will be based on:
- Readiness to participate in a mentorship-based program
- Commitment to artistic growth and development
- Creativity, originality, and potential demonstrated through submitted work
- Thoughtfulness and clarity of written responses
How many residents are selected?
A cohort of 5-7 Teen Residents will be selected each year.
2026 Teen Residents
Exhibition: From Within
On view July 8 – Oct. 4, 2026
(L-to-R) Ana Blanco, Noa Garcia, Melina Walsh, TJ Wright, and Emely Yanji.
