Creating Equitable Access to Creative Careers

Creating Equitable Access to Creative Careers
The Center for Visual Art (CVA), MSU Denver’s off campus art gallery, is part of the university community and is firmly rooted in the Denver arts community. Our exhibitions feature artists from all over the world, alongside local artists. CVA’s broad network at MSU Denver and throughout the creative community make it the perfect place for teens who are thinking about a future in a creative field.

Our signature education program for teens is the Art + Action Lab High School Internship. The Art + Action Lab offers a paid internship where high school students get an inside look at many different careers in the arts while working one-on-one with creative mentors to develop their individual art practice. 

In this program we focus on three things.

1. Workforce Development: expanding interns’ knowledge of creative industries in Denver with behind-the-scenes tours, studio visits and workshops.
2. Professional Practices: meeting and working with professionals to understand the industry and the expectation within the industry for professionalism, creativity and collaboration.
3. Network Development: building relationships between interns, MSU Denver students and professionals in creative fields.

Why do we need this money?
Internships are an important step for career development. Unfortunately, many internships are unpaid, making them accessible to only those that can afford to work without pay. Providing stipends for students to participate in our programming is crucial to ensure equity amongst participants. Many of our students need to work even while in high school to support themselves and their families. We don’t want them to miss out on opportunities that will help them to build successful futures. We welcome students from all walks of life to gain the benefits that this program offers.

How can you help?
Your contribution to CVA’s Art + Action Lab will help ensure that students throughout the Denver Area have equitable access to the programming we provide. We have set our fundraising goal at $1,200, the cost of supporting three students. However, we’re counting on you to help us raise more than that. We can help them gain the skills and connections that will usher them into their futures, but only with your help. Please join us in providing opportunities for these talented youth in our community.