Art Start

Art Start’s Creative Connections program offers a continuum of spaces and pathways where teens and young adults can explore, learn, and grow into their own place in the creative arts industries. Join CCX

What is the Creative Connections Program?

Creative Connections (CCX) is a free, year-round program in New York City and Milwaukee and includes:

Summer Internships
Monthly Creative Sessions
Industry Partnerships
Showcases/Salons
Monthly Studio Saturdays
Emerging Artist Residency
Weekly Drop-In Open Studio Hours:
- Milwaukee: Mon and Thurs: 3-7pm, Tues: 12:30-4:30pm
- New York City: Mon, Tues, and Thurs: 1-6pm

Who is the program for?

Young people in Milwaukee and New York City ages 14-24 who have exhibited interest and artistic talent and are seeking access to more resources and opportunities for their self-determined future.

Where is the program located?

The program takes place primarily in the Art Start Studios in West Chelsea Arts Building in Manhattan, NY and Landmark Building in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee, WI.

How do I get involved?

Interested young artists are encouraged to complete the interest form linked below and are invited to stop by our studios during weekly open hours to learn more.

Fill out the CCX Interest Form to stay up to date on upcoming opportunities or stop by our free, drop-in Open Studio Hours to learn more!

Weekly Drop-In Open Studio Hours:

Milwaukee: 316 N Milwaukee St. Suite 280, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Mon and Thurs: 3-7pm
- Tues: 12:30-4:30pm
New York City: 526 West 26th St. Suite 10A, New York, NY 10001
- Mon, Tue, Thu: 1-6pm

Location

526 West 26th Street Suite 10B, New York, NY 10001
316 N Milwaukee St Suite #280, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Program Sponsors

Dr. Jart+
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Ichigo Foundation
Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation
Milwaukee Arts Board
Milwaukee Public Schools
NYC, Department of Cultural Affairs
New York State Council on the Arts
TD Charitable Foundation
Wisconsin Arts Board

Recent Program Partners

Roc Nation
Shake Shack
Dr.Jart+
Hearst
Sotheby's
Color Factory
Cadogan Tate

Access to the arts

The Creative Connections Program provides young people from under-resouced communites, with access to skillbuilding, courses, mentorship and relationships with industry professionals.

Mentorship & Industry knowledge

Whether through one-on-one mentorship or group facilitation, youth are provided with the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with individuals in a variety of creative fields.

Financial Independence

Participants receive hourly and weekly stipends and are also enrolled in financial literacy courses to understand how to manage their money and create financial goals.

Teamwork

Participating youth join a cohort of artists and often work on projects together that both build teamwork skills and offer networking and collaborative opportunities.

Job readiness

Youth obtain a variety of skills and experiences including paid internships that can be transferrable to palatable job opportunities.

Public Speaking & Presentation

Whether meeting with mentors or sharing their works of progress, participating youth are given a number of opportunities to speak publicly and are given the tools to refine their presentation.