The Youth Resident and University Internship Programs are two youth initiatives that The WasteShed has designed to cultivate artistic talent among young and emerging artists. This program provides a supportive environment where participants can explore their creativity, hone their craft, and develop professional skills essential for a successful career in the arts and related industries.

• Skill Development: Advance art and craft techniques through art and material studies.

• Problem Solving: Using tinkering as a pedagogy, troubleshoot, try, and iterate solutions to complex problems.

• Research: Hone research skills when challenging materials are donated.

• Project Management: Teach essential project management skills, including planning, execution, and evaluation of art projects.

• Professional Growth: Provide opportunities for networking, portfolio development, and career guidance.

• Community Engagement: Foster a sense of community and collaboration among participants, volunteers, and local artists.

Art-making and Art Critiques

Studio Hours: Interns and Youth Residents have allotted weekly time to work on developing or enhancing new and existing art practices ranging from painting, sculpture, digital art, and other mystery media that are donated to The WasteShed.

Crit Week: During this week, Interns and Youth Residents provide feedback to one another about work they have produced, techniques they are studying, and how to connect their work and ideas to the needs of the wider Chicago creative ecology.