About ArtLab
ArtLab is a year-round, out-of-school paid internship program for 40-50 high school youth, serving each young person for 1-4 years. The program pairs youth interns with professional artists to work on arts and civic engagement projects, culminating in public exhibitions. In addition to these projects, ArtLab incorporates youth-led initiatives, mental wellness workshops, creative career training, long-term mentorship, and new experiences - all contributing to holistic positive youth development. Over time, the program fosters a supportive peer community where young people build lasting friendships and grow socially and emotionally. PlatteForum removes barriers to participation by providing stipends, groceries, therapy, tutoring, and arts and technology supplies.
The 2026-2027 ArtLab Application is open from January 22th - March 27th, 2026.
For ArtLab related questions, please email acalvo@platteforum.org, or call 303-893-0791.
Program Components
1.) Academic Success & Post-Secondary Preparedness
ArtLab interns engage with mentors, access tutoring, participe in training, and build connections - supporting them on the long runway to graduate high school and prepare for post-secondary success.
2.) Civic Engagement
ArtLab interns work on civically engaged arts projects with professional artists, engage with community leaders, hear diverse stories, and share their own experiences - becoming active agents for change in their communities.
3.) Workforce Skills Development
ArtLab interns participate in creative career workshops, lead projects, communicate with professionals, collaborate with peers, and present to the community - building essential workforce skills applicable across disciplines.
5.) Community Building
Youth develop meaningful relationships with PlatteForum staff, ArtLab peers, and with professional artists - increasing their network of support and social capital.
4.) Mental Wellbeing
Youth express themselves through the arts, learn wellness skills, find a safe space to belong, and engage in clinical therapy - increasing long-term mental resilience and wellbeing.
6.) Leadership Development
ArtLab interns serve on the board of directors, apply to be program leaders, serve as near-peer mentors for k-8 youth, and pursue passion projects - contributing to confidence, a strong sense of self, and leadership skills.
Program Structure
Our 50 ArtLab Interns are placed into 2 groups - AM and PM. During the schoolyear, interns meet with their group for 3 hours every Saturday (10am-1pm, 1:30pm-4:30pm). In the summer, youth attend 3 days per week, 5 hours per day.
Youth interns commit to attending ArtLab for one year, with the option to continue in the program until the summer after high school graduation (up to 4 years).
During weekly program sessions, youth work with artists on hands-on workshops, with PlatteForum facilitators on life skills and creative career training, with therapists on social-emotional learning, with peers on collaborative and youth-led projects, and with community leaders addressing important social issues. Youth also participate in 4-5 public art exhibitions per year, attend field trips to nature and community destinations, and pursue youth leadership opportunities as they arise.
Youth interns are paid an hourly stipend ($11/hour), along with receiving access to resources such as therapy, tutoring, groceries, and technology supplies.
Families are invited to attend ArtLab Orientation (every August) and all of PlatteForum’s public events and exhibitions. Meet our ArtLab Staff - our Program Director, ArtLab Facilitator, and Programs Assistant here.
“I really like the fact that there is a space that aligns with my values. Especially in these times it’s really nice to see people out there trying to make a positive change on the world. I think it’s important that we’re outspoken. And it’s really good to have a space to express yourself because a lot of people have trouble with that and here you get to try a bunch of things out and it helps you find yourself and find the things you’re passionate about. You discover yourself here.”
Jairo, former ArtLab Intern
Program Outcomes
In the last 4 years, 100% of ArtLab interns have graduated high school and 75% have gone on to post-secondary education.
100% of interns share they feel more hopeful about their future; 86% feel a part of something bigger than themselves; 100% want to do something to make things better for their school, family, and community; and 100% feel inspired after attending ArtLab.
Youth interns gain valuable perspectives about themselves. 100% feel proud of what they create in our program; 97% are more able to see themselves as an artist; 100% feel good at something; and 100% know their own persistence to success.
Youth interns build diverse skills. 100% are learning leadership skills in the program; 95% feel more prepared to work a job; and 75% learned and applied wellness skills in everyday life.
Beyond the numbers, PlatteForum’s ArtLab employs a framework supporting youth voice, youth co-development of curriculum, and continual program adaptation based on emerging needs and feedback.
PlatteForum is proud to be a founding member of the Alliance for Creative Youth Development, a community of Denver youth arts organizations collaborating and sharing best practices.