The Arts @ Large Career Development Program offers paid internships to Milwaukee Public Schools high school students annually. Rooted in the arts, this program equips young people with essential skills for success in the creative industries and beyond, including communication, leadership, collaboration, and self-efficacy. Interns gain hands-on experience through youth-led projects and artist assistantships, building artist portfolios that showcase their growth.
Arts @ Large is seeking Milwaukee Public Schools students ages 15-18 for our Career Development Art Internship. This year, our Career Development program will explore our Ecoliteracy cornerstone, exploring the question, “How do places in Milwaukee reflect the history of the people and communities who have lived here?”. Interns will support our Autonomous Youth Council Leadership Group in executing their short film
project, “Streets with a Story: A Short Film Project About Memory, Place, and Community”. This project will utilize our Mobile Media Lab to survey the city of Milwaukee, using digital art tools to tell a story that explores this question.
Registration is now CLOSED for this years cohort. Check back in August for 2026 opportunities.
Questions? Please reach out to our Education Manager, Sam Kacala, at sam@artsatlargeinc.org
Please note: A@L’s Career Development program is highly competitive. Applicants must meet all internship program expectations to be considered.
2025 Summer Camp
We invite young artists entering 3rd to 8th grade on a five-week summer art adventure, where they will get the chance to ignite their creativity and discover new passions by exploring a wide range of art mediums- all for FREE!
Summer Camp runs for five weeks, beginning June 23rd and ending on July 24th. Activities are held 8:00 am – 1:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (No Camp on Fridays) and includes breakfast and lunch.
See what your young artist has created at the Closing Celebration on July 24th where students will display their masterpieces for parents, family, and friends.
Parent Orientation will be held on Saturday, June 21st from 10:30-11:30 am. Parent Orientation is mandatory for new participants.
Past Art Mediums: Painting, Drumming, Sculpture, Song Writing, Theater, and Visual Art.
Location: All activities are held at the Arts @ Large Community Center, 1100 S. 5th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Sacred Garden is a youth-focused open mic, created by and for Milwaukee’s young people. This unique format amplifies the voices of youth artists who use the Arts @ Large Gallery stage to share stories, music and more. While adults are welcome to enter the space, youth are at the center and always heard first. The creators and coordinators of Sacred Garden work to create a space where youth can be authentically themselves, and they do not condone racism, homophobia, transphobia, or any other hate speech on the stage.
Registration for Fall A.I.R. Academy is filled and now closed. Check back in 2026 for Spring registration dates. A.I.R. Academy is your 3rd-8th grade young artist’s FREE opportunity to try out different art mediums to find their passion and to begin their journey as future Artists in Residence.
Fall 2025 program dates are Saturdays, 9 am-1 pm, October 11th through November 22nd, 2025.
Parent Orientation will be held on October 4th from 10:30-11:30 am. Parent Orientation is mandatory for new participants.
Closing Ceremony (See what your young artist has created!): November 22nd from 12:00 -1:00 pm
Please send any questions to A@L Program Associate, Sadie McVey, at
Blutender at the Pfister
In 2026, Arts @ Large celebrates 25 years of arts education in Milwaukee. As we honor our past and look toward the future, we’re planning a year filled with special events, community collaborations, and creative surprises.
First up: Arts @ Large takes over Blu at the Pfister Hotel for Blutender. Join us as two guest bartenders compete to see who can make the most tips! Stay tuned, our guest bartenders will be announced in January. Save the date and plan to attend in support of arts education.
Career Development Exhibit Opening
Arts @ Large Career Development high school interns present, (Past)(Present)(Future): Where Milwaukee Meets. Join Arts @ Large for the opening exhibit and be immersed in their interns’ vision for the future of Milwaukee and enjoy a sneak peek at their short film, Streets with a Story. Guided by the Arts @ Large Eco-literacy Cornerstone, their group of new interns have been working with Eric Montenegro of Palante Visuals and Adam Carr, to bring to life “Streets with a Story: A Short Film Project About Memory, Place, and Community,” designed by the Arts @ Large Autonomous Youth Council Members Eva, Max and Lola. The group of returning interns are working alongside artist mentor as a part of their first Collaborative Studio, where they will explore the future of Milwaukee through their art practice. FREE – all are welcome!
RSVP not required, but appreciated at https://forms.gle/1qNRWmv66zgSjxv36
Jam House
Join hosts Gig Simulator in February and March, a group of music teachers and performers in the area who welcome you to experience what the “gigging” process is like in a safe, judgement free setting. Piano, amp, PA and drums provided! FREE – all are welcome.
