S11 E22: Delaware State of the Arts - Urban Artist Exchange

Delaware State of the Arts Podcast

Andy Truscott interviews Dr. Traci Currie, the Program Director for the CityFest ArtsWork Youth Apprenticeship Program at the Urban Artist Exchange in Wilmington, Delaware.

Cityfest Arts Work began its inaugural 6-week summer program in June 2020 with 12 youth apprentices, 4 teaching artists, 1 volunteer community member, a yoga instructor and the program director – Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm. This apprenticeship program is a paid internship opportunity that teaches youth artistic, personal, and entrepreneurial skills in the context of creating salable artwork.

Arts Work focuses on youth who have been identified as ‘at risk’ or are from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged communities. One of the goals is to offer creative ways to address personal problems that other interventional means have failed to do. Research has shown that the arts can address and help problem-solve social and personal issues that people deal with in their everyday lives. During this year round multi-discipline arts program, apprentices are encouraged to openly express themselves through their art-making while immersed in an affirming and nurturing environment. They are actively engaged in on-site classes and workshops; off-site excursions to museums; live performances; and other creative outdoor adventures.

To learn more about this program, or the Urban Artist Exchange, visit http://cityfestwilm.com/urban-artist-exchange or email [e-mail]

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.