This September marks a major milestone for the Cape & Islands Workforce Board’s ArtWorks Program’s 30th anniversary. For three decades, this transformative program has been a vital force in nurturing young artists and providing career -focused opportunities in the arts. In a field where youth and career programs often come and go, ArtWorks has stood the test of time, a testament to its value and impact on generations of creative minds.
ArtWorks is a unique mentoring initiative that pairs Cape Cod high school students with professional artist mentors for internships. This hands-on learning experience provides students with invaluable exposure to the creative economy, helping them develop their artistic skills while gaining career awareness and professional development. Over the years, the program has included mentorships in drawing, painting, photography, fashion design, jewelry design, writing, poetry, video game design, dance, and voice. Now, as part of its exciting expansion, ArtWorks will welcome culinary students and musicians into the program, broadening the scope of artistic disciplines available.
The program owes much of its longevity and success to the dedicated mentors who have committed their time and expertise to guiding young artists. Some of these mentors have been with ArtWorks for 20 to 25 years, mentoring students throughout their careers as art educators. This continuity has created a rich legacy of artistic mentorship, shaping the future of many young creatives. Many ArtWorks graduates have continued their education at prestigious institutions like MassArt, Tufts, Maine College of Art, Cape Cod Community College, and Montserrat College of Art, showcasing the program’s ability to inspire long-term career paths in the arts.
Beyond artistic skills, ArtWorks fosters self-esteem, confidence, and essential soft skills that students carry with them into their future endeavors. The program not only prepares students for careers in the arts but also equips them with valuable life skills that transcend the creative field.
The 30th-anniversary celebrations will include a fall fundraiser to support the program’s continued growth. Additionally, the summer program, first introduced two years ago, will return this year with aspirations to expand even further. This initiative allows students and recent graduates to immerse themselves in the arts over the summer months, with the added opportunity for recent graduates to return as peer mentors.
