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Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program

Young adults working together to learn new skills
​and make an impact in their community

Metro Arts brings together talented young adults and provides them with productive, creative, paid apprenticeships in the arts. The program is open to any student age 15-21 residing in the Quad City area

About The Metro Arts
​Youth Apprenticeship Program

Quad City Arts' Metro program provides emerging artists with the opportunity to showcase their talent in public spaces throughout the Quad Cities region. Selected artists receive mentorship, support, and funding to create and install their artwork, enriching the cultural landscape of our communities.

Since the summer of 2000, Metro Arts has provided area youth 15-21 years old with paid summer apprenticeships in various arts disciplines. The program provides opportunities for youth and enhances the community through the arts. For five weeks, area youth work together in groups to complete art projects under the supervision and mentorship of professional artists. Participants learn the artistic techniques and applications of their particular genre while developing personally and professionally. Tracks have varied in improv, graphic design, mural painting, and poetry. Murals and street paintings throughout the Quad Cities are the lasting legacy of programs past.

Participants will work on group projects under the supervision of a professional artist. Participants learn the artistic techniques and applications of their particular genre while developing personally and professionally. Apprentices receive a stipend of $500, and Senior Apprentices (project leaders) receive a stipend of $750.

2025 Projects

Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship projects begin on June 9 and will conclude on July 10. 
​Apprentices will tentatively meet Monday through Thursday from either 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM or 1:30PM to 4:30PM, 
 
*Friday, July 11 is the only Friday apprentices may be needed to make final touches on projects.*   
 
Documentary Filmmaking   •   Mosaic   •   Mural Painting   •   Pop-Up Performance 
*Projects are subject to change 
​ 


DOCUMENTARY FILM PROJECTS 
Apprentices will work closely with independent filmmakers and educators to learn the art of documentary filmmaking and its process from start to finish. Apprentices will craft short form documentaries, from script to screen, exploring writing, filming, editing, and sound design. Using professional gear and journalistic practices, you'll grasp film design principles applicable to feature length documentaries and short form content creation, including helping document and craft compelling multimedia stories about the Metro Arts program. 
​ 
MURAL PROJECTS 
Under local professional muralists, apprentices collaborate with clients to design and paint vibrant murals around the Quad Cities. Apprentices will get feedback from clients on design elements, then work as a team of artists to create two or more concepts to be presented. Once a design has been approved by the client, the apprentices will spend 4 weeks painting the mural on-site. Note: these projects are likely to be outdoors, and require apprentices to spend extended time in the elements, including direct sun, extreme heat, humidity, rain, etc., and involve lifting and possible work on scaffolding or lifts. 
 
MOSAIC PROJECT 
Apprentices will work alongside professional artists to design and install a portion of a large scale public mosaic. Learning about materials, design, and techniques, apprentices will also learn to work with clients and public stakeholders on the creation of public art. Note: these projects are likely to be outdoors, and require apprentices to spend extended time in the elements, including direct sun, extreme heat, humidity, rain, etc., and involve lifting and possible work on scaffolding or lifts. Apprentices may also be required to use sharp materials and tools. 

POP-UP PERFORMANCE PROJECT 
Working with artists in theatre, music, and dance, apprentices will design, rehearse, and perform multiple pop-up performances in public spaces around the community. Both small and large scale works will be created, and apprentices will learn and incorporate elements of street theatre, guerilla theatre, flashmobs, choral singing, and dance to create dynamic, spontaneous performances that engage the community. 

How To APPLY 

Apprentices are selected through a competitive application and an interview process. 
 APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, April 11, 2025

To apply for the Quad City Arts' Metro program, submit an application form below. If selected individuals should interview and provide a portfolio, resume, and statement of intent. A selection committee reviews submissions based on artistic merit and program alignment. Selected applicants receive mentorship, a stipend of $500, and Senior Apprentices (project leaders) receive a stipend of $750.
​
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Interested in a Metro Arts Mural?

If you are interested in being considered as a Metro Arts project site, contact us!
​

Metro Arts Mural Projects

The following list showcases a collection of murals completed as part of the Metro Arts Apprenticeship program, along with various mural projects spanning the Quad Cities region by independent artists.

FUNDING PARTNERS

Metro Arts is only possible because of the generous support from our sponsors.
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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THE METRO ARTS PROGRAM​, OR ARE SEEKING ARTISTS or murals ​PLEASE CONTACT US.

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Ben gougeon

Events Coordinator
309.793.1213 ext. 100
Email

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Phone: 309.793.1213
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1715 2nd Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201

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ABOUT

Quad City Arts is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. The organization’s dual role of presenting the arts and humanities, as well as serving as an arts resource, allows us to serve more than 350,000 people annually in the Arts Center in Rock Island and at over 200 rural and urban community sites.​

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  • About
  • Programs
    • Art Services
    • Visiting Artist Series
    • Public Sculpture Program
    • Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program
    • Arts Dollars Grant Program
  • Events
    • All Events
    • Quad City Arts Presents
    • Chalk Art Fest
    • Riverssance Festival
    • 2025 High School Art Invitational
    • Celebration of the Arts & Lloyd Awards
    • Festival of Trees
  • Galleries
    • Rock Island Gallery
    • Airport Gallery
    • Second Avenue Window
  • Resources
    • Opportunities
  • Artist Index
  • Blog
  • Store
  • Donate