More than 100 Cincinnati-area teenagers and young adults are heading to work this summer, but their jobs look a little different than most.
As 1001 Colors — the organization formerly known as ArtWorks — launches the 30th year of its Youth Apprentice Program, young artists ages 14 to 21 will spend the next two months creating murals, producing films, developing design projects and working alongside professional artists on public art initiatives across the region.
The milestone summer comes as the newly rebranded organization continues a mission it has pursued since 1996: connecting young people with paid creative work while helping build a pipeline of artists, designers and creative professionals.
“This milestone season is both a celebration and a continuation of our work,” said Colleen Houston, chief executive officer and artistic director.
“Reaching the 30th summer of our Youth Apprentice Program is both a proud milestone and a powerful reminder of why we exist. For three decades, this program has created pathways for young people to discover their creativity, develop real world skills, and see themselves as leaders and contributors in their communities.”
From Evanston to communities across Ohio
Since its founding, the organization has employed more than 8,000 artists and helped create more than 400 murals and well over 1,001 large-scale public art projects.
This year’s apprentices will contribute to 12 projects, including a new mural at the Cincinnati Public Radio building in Evanston and a first-time partnership with Playhouse in the Park, where participants will help design sets and create props for the theater’s summer camp program.
The America 250 Tuskegee Airmen mural series will bring portraits honoring the historic soldiers to multiple communities across Ohio, including Cincinnati, as part of the nation’s semiquincentennial.
“Leading a statewide initiative like the America 250 Tuskegee Airmen Murals is a reflection of how far 1001 Colors has grown and a powerful example of how our impact continues to expand across Ohio and beyond,” Houston said. “This project allows us to connect art, history, and community storytelling in a deeply meaningful way, honoring a legacy that deserves to be seen and remembered.”
Eight weeks of growth
While the murals and public art projects are highly visible, program leaders say the most important transformation often happens behind the scenes.
Throughout the summer, apprentices work closely with teaching artists and their peers, developing technical skills, workplace experience and confidence while contributing to projects that will remain part of the community long after the program ends.
“Something magical happens during the eight weeks of the apprentice summer program,” said Liz Miller, senior director of programs. “Time and time again, we have the opportunity to witness unimaginable growth among the young people who show up to make art with us.”
By the end of the summer, Miller said, participants often leave with stronger voices, new friendships and a clearer sense of their future.
“It’s never the wrong time to invest in young creatives, but at a time when so much in the world feels unsteady, we must continue to make space for young people to explore, dream, and create together,” she said. “Creating together with and within our community is a radical act of hope for a brighter future, and it is always the right time to make tomorrow a more beautiful place to be.”
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