Become an Apprentice | ArtWorks Cincinnati

What is an ArtWorks Apprenticeship?

ArtWorks Apprentices (ages 14-21) work in teams led by Teaching Artists to create public art and community impact projects on a seasonal basis (Summer). Projects are most often large-scale, outdoor murals, but ArtWorks has also produced ceramic, dance, graphic design, film, photography, research, screen printing, sewing, and writing projects – just to name a few! Apprentices are eager to create art, make a difference in the city, work in diverse teams, and build new skills – does that sound like you?

Apprentice wages are $13 an hour. Apprentices work between 20 and 30 hours per week for an 8 week period. Scheduled work hours are subject to change owing to inclement weather, but Apprentices typically work between 8am – 3pm, Monday through Friday.

Beyond art making, our creative career development training and team experiences prepare Apprentices to elevate their skills in collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, goal orientation, and growth orientation. Through this job, Apprentices develop lifelong friendships and bonds with their teammates and connect with their communities through a collaborative creative process.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in becoming an Apprentice, please schedule an in-person application & interview meeting.

Schedule your Application & Interview Meeting!

All meetings will occur during Application & Interview Weekend: February 28 – March 1, 2026! Application & Interview Weekend will be held at the ArtWorks Creative Campus, located at 2429 Gilbert Avenue in Walnut Hills. Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduled meetings are preferred to ensure our staff can support applicants in a timely manner.

How do I prepare for Application & Interview Weekend?

Schedule your meeting!
Create your art portfolio!
Prepare your application & interview answers!
Plan your commute to 2429 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206!

If you would like to be considered for employment as an ArtWorks Apprentice, but you cannot attend the in-person Application & Interview Weekend, please reach out to Grace Thanasiu at grace@artworkscincinnati.org by March 2, 2026. Grace can also assist with any other questions regarding the application, interview, and hiring process.

What happens after Application & Interview Weekend?

ArtWorks Staff will review applications & interview responses and consider several factors to decide whether you are selected to work as an ArtWorks Apprentice, and to determine which project is best for you. Factors include your age, location, artistic skill level and experience, attitude, and availability.

If you are selected to work as an ArtWorks Apprentice, you will receive an email from Grace in mid-March. The email will indicate your project assignment and include instructions for the mandatory onboarding and orientation processes you must complete in order to work at ArtWorks in the summer. You must reply to Grace’s email to indicate your acceptance of the offer by March 18.

While you wait to receive a hiring decision, ArtWorks encourages you to prepare items that are required to complete the mandatory onboarding process.

Two Forms of ID. Click here for list of acceptable IDs.
Work Permit (only required for ages 14-15).

More detailed instructions about the mandatory onboarding process will be provided in your project assignment email.

2026 Apprentice Hiring Timeline

February 28 – March 1: Application + Interview Weekend at 2429 Gilbert Avenue; scheduled meetings between 9:30am-3:00pm!

March 2 – March 17: Receive ArtWorks project assignment via email.

March 18: Deadline to accept ArtWorks project assignment via email.

March – May: Complete onboarding + orientation process (details included in project assignment email).

June 1: First Day as an ArtWorks Apprentice!

Equal Opportunity Employer

ArtWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are strongly committed to building and retaining a diverse staff that creates an inclusive workplace which harnesses each voice to collectively advance ArtWorks’ mission.

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ArtWorks is excited to partner this year with Hamilton County and Talbert House, who are providing financial and hiring support, as well as additional professional development opportunities. Continued ongoing support for ArtWorks’ youth employment is provided through the City of Cincinnati. Ongoing support for ArtWorks is made possible by Ohio Arts Council, ArtsWave, and numerous individuals through donations to its Apprentice Promise Program. ArtWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer, strongly committed to building and retaining a diverse staff that creates an inclusive workplace that harnesses each voice to collectively advance ArtWorks’ mission.

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