Seeking Applicants: Summer Youth Employment Program!

Looking for meaningful paid summer work? Are you an artist with interest in advocacy, disability issues, or community? Are you between the ages of 16 and 19?  The Arts of Life’s Chicago Studio is currently seeking applicants for four full time Summer Youth Employees (SYEs) who fit this criteria.  Summer Youth Employees work as studio assistants, and gain practical experience working with artists with intellectual disabilities.  Their role will include supporting art education and critique in our collective environment.  When asked about her experience in the position, previous SYE, Sofia Hernandez, said, “There is a very nice sense of community.  You get to know everybody and it’s nice to come in and see familiar faces that you enjoy being with.”   As studio assistants, SYEs will  also provide direct supports to integrate artists with intellectual disabilities into Chicagoland’s vibrant arts community.  The positions allow youth to develop a greater understanding of ableism, arts advocacy, and community building.  SYEs will also represent The Arts of Life at fairs and festivals including Pitchfork Music Festival and Renegade Craft Fair.  Studio artist Lee Draus shared these thoughts on why someone should apply to be an SYE: “Every extra hand helps us and the more people we have in the studio the better.  This is a positive environment we always try to foster a positive experience.  I think because the variety of talent we have here we have so many gifted artists here it’s just remarkable.”    The Summer Youth Employment Program runs from June through September, with a two week break during June and more flexible scheduling around class schedules.  Summer Youth Employees will work up to 40 hours weekly including consistent daytime hours, with occasional events during evenings and weekends.  Qualified applicants have the following characteristics: Between ages 16-19Ability to commute to the Chicago Studio (2010 W. Carroll Ave.)Current arts practicePrompt and reliable Hardworking and able to problem solve with minimal supervisionWilling and able to take on challengesCreative, dedicated, and takes initiative Consistently positive and flexible Open to working with a variety of communication styles and support needs Respectful of themselves and others Compassionate and empathetic Principled, tenacious, and honestTo apply, please send a resume and cover letter to our Studio Coordinator, Kennedy Healy, at khealy@artsoflife.org by May 15th, 2017.  Cover letter should include a description of the applicants arts practice, including preferred media, and any past experience with people with disabilities. The Arts of Life Summer Youth Employment Program is funded in part by the Leo S. Guthman Fund and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.