NextGen Artists: Empowering Youth Through Art
Where creativity meets community. Explore art programs to uplift and inspire young minds.
At Gage, we believe art is a powerful catalyst for transformation.
Today’s teens—especially BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth—navigate a world shaped by systemic inequities and the lingering effects of the pandemic. These challenges can make it harder to find spaces for healing, identity, and growth.
Our Youth Pathway is designed to meet young people where they are, whether in school, after school, or in their communities, by offering a continuum of access and opportunity. Through inclusive, culturally responsive programming, we create space for teens to explore creative expression, build resilience, and experience a deep sense of belonging. By centering youth voices and fostering community-rooted learning, we help young people grow not only as artists, but as leaders and changemakers.
This evolving network of programs supports teens as they develop into confident creators, cultural contributors, and advocates for their communities.
Our Youth Pathway is designed to reach youth wherever they are.
(EXPAND) In-School Partnerships
Teaching artist leading multi-week lessons. Serve Title I middle/high schools with shared values around hands-on learning. In partnerships with participating schools.
(CONTINUE) Teen Art Studios
Weekly drop-in sessions for teens. Teaching artist facilitation, supplies and hot meals provided. Free.
(CONTINUE) Youth and Teen Classes and Summer Intensives
Skill-set classes with experienced youth instructors. Kids, Pre-Teen (6-12) and Teen (13-18). BIPOC scholarships and tuition assistance available.
(NEW) Youth Art Advisory Board
Group of youth leaders drawn from Gage’s Teen Programs who serve as advisors and activators of youth-focused initiatives. Free, stipend provided.
(NEW) Youth Atelier
Academic year long immersive skill-based arts program to develop artistic practice, prepare for post-secondary study, and build peer artistic community. Subsidized. Scholarships and Tuition assistance available.
Together, these programs create a continuum of access and opportunity, supporting teens as they grow into confident artists and community changemakers.
Kathryn began her journey at Gage in a teen portraiture class, then found belonging and creative growth in Teen Art Studios. She advanced through the KOH Atelier, refining her artistic skills and creative voice. Today, she’s a teaching assistant, artist, and Youth Program Co-Manager, leading programs and school partnerships.
Her story shows what’s possible when youth have access to quality arts education and community. With your support, we can continue to remove barriers, nurture emerging talent, and empower the next generation of artists and leaders.
Why arts is important for youth, especially now.
Adolescents who participated in 2 or more arts activities at age 10–11 showed significantly lower levels of hyperactivity and inattention three years later, regardless of socioeconomic background [1].
Teens involved in arts activities reported fewer antisocial behaviors and higher levels of empathy and prosocial behavior.[1].
Students with increased access to arts education showed improved writing scores, higher levels of school engagement, and greater compassion for others, according to a randomized controlled trial involving over 10,000 students [2].
Arts-engaged students were 20% more likely to attend school regularly and 30% more likely to aspire to college, compared to peers with low arts exposure [2]
Thank you to our youth program supporters
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