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 over 1,500 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, poetry, dance, music, & more. 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.
Since the summer of 2000, Metro Arts has provided over 1,500 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, poetry, dance, music, & more. 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.
2026 Projects
Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship projects begin on June 8 and will conclude on July 9.
Apprentices will tentatively meet Monday through Thursday from either 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM or 1:30PM to 4:30PM,
*Friday, July 10 is the only Friday apprentices may be needed to make final touches on projects.*
• Mural Painting & Street Art • Poetry
*Projects are subject to change
Apprentices will tentatively meet Monday through Thursday from either 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM or 1:30PM to 4:30PM,
*Friday, July 10 is the only Friday apprentices may be needed to make final touches on projects.*
• Mural Painting & Street Art • Poetry
*Projects are subject to change
MURAL PAINTING & STREET ART
Under local professional muralists, apprentices collaborate with clients to design and paint vibrant murals or street art 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 or street art installation 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.
POETRY
Apprentices will work closely with a professional poet and educator to learn the art of poetry, both on the page and the stage. This year’s poetry group will be two-pronged, as apprentices will learn the craft of poetry writing for both posterity and performance. Under the guidance of our lead artist, poets will collaborate with our Murals/Street Art team to create pieces that will be incorporated into the public art being created. They’ll also create pieces for spoken word performance at venues throughout the Quad Cities.
Under local professional muralists, apprentices collaborate with clients to design and paint vibrant murals or street art 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 or street art installation 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.
POETRY
Apprentices will work closely with a professional poet and educator to learn the art of poetry, both on the page and the stage. This year’s poetry group will be two-pronged, as apprentices will learn the craft of poetry writing for both posterity and performance. Under the guidance of our lead artist, poets will collaborate with our Murals/Street Art team to create pieces that will be incorporated into the public art being created. They’ll also create pieces for spoken word performance at venues throughout the Quad Cities.
How To APPLY
Apprentices are selected through a competitive application and an interview process.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, April 12, 2026
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.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, April 12, 2026
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.
Interested in a Metro Arts Mural?
If you are interested in being considered as a Metro Arts project site, contact
BEN GOUGEON | Director of Community Engagement
[email protected] | 309.793.1213 ext. 100
BEN GOUGEON | Director of Community Engagement
[email protected] | 309.793.1213 ext. 100
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.
|
|
|
