News

APPLY HERE (due: September 7, 2026)

About The Program:

Art Start’s Emerging Artist Residency (EAR) is a 7-month program for creative young people, ages 16-24, who are ready to grow as artists, explore creative careers, and connect with a supportive community of fellow creatives. Whether you’re just beginning to develop your artistic voice or looking to take your work to the next level, EAR provides space to create, experiment, and build confidence.

Through the residency, Emerging Artists engage in hands-on workshops, community studio time, networking opportunities, art-focused field trips, and career exploration. You’ll also develop your portfolio, strengthen your artistic practice, and gain real-world experience.

The 2026-2027 Emerging Artist Residency will run September - April at the Art Start Studio in Milwaukee (316 N. Milwaukee Street, Suite 280, Milwaukee, WI 53202). It is open to artists of all backgrounds and mediums.

Emerging Artist Residency 1:

• Designed for emerging artists ages 16-20 who are currently enrolled in high school, have recently graduated, or are beginning their college journey
• Meeting twice each week, the program focuses on exploring creative practices and career pathways, developing a process portfolio, and cultivating a strong sense of belonging within a supportive creative community
• Artists with limited formal training or professional experience are especially encouraged to apply.
• EAR 1 is a brave space to experiment, build skills, take creative risks, and grow alongside fellow emerging artists.
• This year, EAR 1 artists will benefit from peer mentorship from EAR II artists.

Emerging Artist Residency 2:

• Designed for emerging artists ages 20-24 who are ready to apply their developed skills to the creation and curation of a collaborative gallery exhibition.
• Meeting once each week, the program provides ongoing mentorship, peer critique, and dedicated time to refine a cohesive body of work for exhibition in April 2027.
• EAR 2 is an excellent opportunity for current college students, recent graduates, and other emerging artists seeking continued artistic growth, professional development, and a supportive creative community beyond the classroom.
• Participants will also develop their creative leadership by mentoring EAR 1 artists and designing and facilitating a hands-on artmaking workshop for fellow young creatives.
• EAR 2 artists are expected to be self-motivated, work independently between sessions, and actively contribute to the collaborative learning environment while preparing work for public presentation.

Application:

• APPLY HERE

Questions?

Reach out to Intern Supervisor, Cat Pond:

• cat@art-start.org
• 414-209-1958

Thank you to our supporters who make this program possible: Milwaukee Arts Board, Milwaukee Public Schools, National Endowment for the Arts, Wisconsin Arts Board, Wisconsin Department of Administration-Office of Violence Prevention, Steigleder Charitable Trust, and individual donors.

*This program is supported in part by a grant from the Milwaukee Arts Board and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.