About ArtLab
ArtLab is a year-round, out-of-school paid internship program for 40-50 high school youth, serving each young person for 1-4 years. The program pairs youth interns with professional artists to work on arts and civic engagement projects, culminating in public exhibitions. In addition to these projects, ArtLab incorporates youth-led initiatives, mental wellness workshops, creative career training, long-term mentorship, and new experiences - all contributing to holistic positive youth development. Over time, the program fosters a supportive peer community where young people build lasting friendships and grow socially and emotionally. PlatteForum removes barriers to participation by providing stipends, groceries, therapy, tutoring, and arts and technology supplies.
The 2025-2026 ArtLab application is now closed.
The 2026-2027 ArtLab application will be open January-March 2026.
Program Components
1.) Academic Success & Post-Secondary Preparedness
Engaging with mentors, accessing tutoring, participating in training, and building connections support ArtLab Interns on the long runway to graduate high school and prepare for post-secondary success.
2.) Civic Engagement
Working on civically engaged arts projects working with professional artists, engaging with community leaders, hearing diverse stories, and sharing personal experiences empower youth to take action in their communities.
3.) Workforce Skills Development
Participating in creative career workshops, leading projects, communicating with professionals, collaborating with peers, and presenting to community build essential workforce skills applicable across disciplines.
5.) Community Building
Developing meaningful relationships with PlatteForum staff, ArtLab peers, and with professional artists increases support and social capital for youth.
4.) Mental Wellbeing
Expressing themselves through the arts, learning applicable wellness skills, finding a safe space to belong, and engaging in clinical therapy increase long-term mental resilience and wellbeing for youth.
6.) Leadership Development
Serving on the board of directors, applying as program leaders, serving as near-peer mentors for k-8 youth, and pursuing passion projects all support ArtLab interns to develop confidence and strong leadership skills.
“I really like the fact that there is a space that aligns with my values. Especially in these times it’s really nice to see people out there trying to make a positive change on the world. I think it’s important that we’re outspoken. And it’s really good to have a space to express yourself because a lot of people have trouble with that and here you get to try a bunch of things out and it helps you find yourself and find the things you’re passionate about. You discover yourself here.”
Jairo, former ArtLab Intern
Program Outcomes
In the last 4 years, 100% of ArtLab interns have graduated high school and 75% have gone on to post-secondary education.
100% of interns share they feel more hopeful about their future; 86% feel a part of something bigger than themselves; 100% want to do something to make things better for their school, family, and community; and 100% feel inspired after attending ArtLab.
Youth interns gain valuable perspectives about themselves. 100% feel proud of what they create in our program; 97% are more able to see themselves as an artist; 100% feel good at something; and 100% know their own persistence to success.
Youth interns build diverse skills. 100% are learning leadership skills in the program; 95% feel more prepared to work a job; and 75% learned and applied wellness skills in everyday life.
Beyond the numbers, PlatteForum’s ArtLab employs a framework supporting youth voice, youth co-development of curriculum, and continual program adaptation based on emerging needs and feedback.
PlatteForum is proud to be a founding member of the Alliance for Creative Youth Development, a community of Denver youth arts organizations collaborating and sharing best practices.