Sponsored in part by
Riverfront Park Community Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Colorado Council on the Arts, Land Title Guarantee, St. Mary Land & Exploration, Vectra Bank, Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation + Friends of PlatteForum |
ArtLab is an intensive year-round internship and apprentice program for at-risk and underserved youth. This innovative long-term program utilizes the arts, mentorship and learning to help at risk youth ages 14-19 to develop academic, personal and workforce skills. They work in an atmosphere that fosters creativity, diversity, competence, asset development, mentoring, trust and teamwork. The program provides academic year stipends and opportunity for summer paid positions, instilling responsibility and encouraging future goals.
ArtLab 2007/2008 has a focus on theatre arts. Lead by artist, teacher and founder/director of Labyrinth Arts Academy, Jose Mercado, and the ArtLab team worked with a variety of artists in the process of creating, writing and producing an original play focusing on youth homelessness. Craig Volk, award-winning playwright, guided the students in writing the screenplay and Creative Resident Rory Golden worked with youth in creating portraits that will be integrated in the set. “Throwaway, Runaway”, working title, had it’s first staged reading November 2007 and will premiere in June 2008 before touring in the community. ArtLab performed at Mayor Hickenlooper’s Inauguration, Buell Theatre and “Not the Same Old Song and Dance”, at The Stage, during The Association of American Cultures Conference. ArtLab worked with resident artist Sandro Del Rosario in January/February 2008 to create the cinematic installation Simultaneous Visions: The City Rises.
“Ever since I started ArtLab, I began learning more about people and their cultures. I learned how to be more focused and relaxed. I met scriptwriters, dancers, poets, painters that taught me about their lives and the history of their profession. I learned how to listen and be a team player. Thanks ArtLab!"
2007 Apprentices:
Efrem Belay, South High School; Amanda Corrales, John F. Kennedy High School; Neela Haverstick, PS1; Candace Hoffman, Grandview High School; Lilli Hokama, Littleton High School; Embassie Jackson, William Smith High School; Thomas López, Denver School of Arts; Jonathan Moo, South High School; Eddie Orozco, North High School; Asia Padilla, North High School; Calah Snow, Overland High School; Ruben Villalobos, West High School; Jasmine Naranjo, North High School; Freddie Longworth; Jason Marquez; Sarah Dealy, Denver School of the Arts, Irving Carrillo, North High School
Photos by Thomas López
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