2026 – 2027 Teen Residency Program
Oolite Arts Teen Residency is a mentorship-based program for artists ages 16–18 who aspire to careers as artists. Designed to connect young creatives with the contemporary art world, the residency provides direct access to working artists, curators, studio practice, and hands-on professional experience.
Over the course of the program, residents will develop a cohesive body of work, engage in critiques and studio visits, and build relationships with artists and arts professionals across Miami. Through mentorship, curatorial engagement, and the Teen Residency Exhibition, participants begin to understand what it means to sustain a practice and position themselves within the field.
Open Call
Applications for the Teen Residency open August 19, 2026.
For additional information, please contact Catalina Aguayo at [email protected].
Important Dates
- Application period: Aug. 19 – Sept. 14, 2026
- Finalist interviews & portfolio review: Sept. 24 – 25, 2026
- Winner notifications: Sept. 28 – 29, 2026
- Teen Residency mentorship period: Oct. 6, 2026 – April 30, 2027
- Teen Residency orientation for residents & families: Oct. 6, 2026
- Teen Residency exhibition: May 2027
- Artist Assistant opportunity: July 1 – July 31, 2027
*Dates may change.
Program Benefits
- Develop a cohesive portfolio of work
- One-on-one mentorship with professional artists
- Critiques, workshops, studio visits, and professional development sessions
- Curatorial guidance in preparation for the Teen Resident Exhibition
- Exhibition in a professional gallery
- Studio visits with artists and arts professionals
- Free access to Oolite Arts’ printshop, fabrication space, and digital lab
- Artist statement development with professional guidance
- Writing support from a professional writer
- Public speaking opportunities
- Paid internship with a professional artist or Oolite Arts staff member
- Access to resources, mentorship, and career development opportunities
- Networking opportunities
- Teen Residency Alumni benefits after completion of the program
Application Requirements
- Submit an online application between August 19 and September 4, 2026
- Upload proof of age (government-issued ID, passport, or birth certificate)
- Submit 5–10 artwork samples (finished works or works in progress)
- Provide a short artist statement
- Write a statement of intent describing your artistic goals and how the Teen Residency will help you achieve those goals
- Share your vision for your artistic practice over the next five years
- Provide parent or legal guardian contact information
- Submit one professional reference (teacher, mentor, counselor, coach, or other non-family member)
*Applicants under 18 will require parent/guardian consent.
Eligibility
Age
Applicants must be 16–18 years old at the start of the program.
Location
Applicants must be based in South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, or Monroe counties).
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 to the Teen Residency?
Artists between the ages of 16–18 who are based in South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, or Monroe Counties), not in college, and are committed to developing their artistic practice may apply.
Do I need to attend an art school to apply?
No. Students from both art-focused schools and non-art academic environments are encouraged to apply. The program is designed for young artists who are serious about their practice, regardless of where they currently study.
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 dedicated time reserved for residents to work at Oolite Arts’ facilities, including access to studio resources and professional art fabrication spaces.
How often do residents meet?
Residents meet twice a week throughout the residency for critiques, workshops, mentorship sessions, studio visits, and professional development opportunities from October through July.
What is the paid internship/Artist Assistant Opportunity?
During the month of July, residents participate in a paid Artist Assistant opportunity, working directly with staff, artists and Studio Residents while continuing to develop their own practice.
What happens after the residency ends?
Residents are invited to join the Alumni Program, which offers ongoing support through check-ins, shared opportunities, professional development and continued connection to Oolite Arts.
What kind of work should I submit?
Applicants should submit 5–10 strong examples of their work that best represent their current practice. This can include drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, or other visual art forms.
Who selects the residents?
Applications will be reviewed by Oolite Arts staff and Program Mentors.
Selection will be based on:
- Strength and originality of work
- Commitment to artistic growth
- Thoughtfulness of written responses
- Readiness for a mentorship-based program
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
Oolite Arts is proud to welcome five rising young artists into its community as the inaugural cohort of Teen Residents, beginning in January 2026. Through an ongoing partnership with The Little Haiti Cultural Complex, participating students gain access to professional arts spaces and expanded opportunities to engage with contemporary artistic practice.
Under the mentorship of Gonzalo Hernandez, the Teen Residents will develop their studio practice, gain hands-on experience, and build the creative foundation that will shape their future artistic careers. The cohort includes students from Miami Arts Charter School, Miami Senior High School, Design and Architecture Senior High, and Ransom Everglades School.
Designed to bridge the gap between youth and working artists, the Teen Residency supports the next generation of Miami artists through mentorship, access to resources, and sustained creative engagement.
(L-to-R) Ana Blanco, Noa Garcia, Melina Walsh, TJ Wright, and Emely Yanji.
The Teen Residency is a 22-week program that includes a 16-week studio residency from Jan. 13 to May 14, 2026, followed by a six-week paid internship. Participants receive hands-on studio experience, mentorship, and professional guidance not typically available in high school settings.
The program culminates in a public exhibition that coincides with a main gallery opening at Oolite Arts, allowing residents to experience the full exhibition process before, during, and after opening night.
2026 Teen Resident Welcome Event
