Hirshhorn Teens Emerging Artists Program

Artist Mark Bradford with a group of kids at the Hirshhorn Museum's ARTLAB

Create. Collaborate. Make an impact.

This summer, make your art part of something bigger. Join the Hirshhorn Teens Emerging Artists Program. It’s free!

Emerging Artists Program: June 26–Aug. 15, 2025
Thursdays and Fridays | 11:30 AM–3:30 PM
Emerging Artists Showcase: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 | 1–4 PM

Are you a high school student (ages 15–19) in the DC area looking to deepen your artistic practice and use it to take on real-world issues? Join the Hirshhorn Teens Emerging Artists Program! Over eight weeks, you’ll grow your creative skills, connect with other teen artists, and receive a behind-the-scenes look at the Hirshhorn Museum with museum professionals.

We’ll take inspiration from American artist Mark Bradford’s Pickett’s Charge (2017), a monumental artwork on our Third Floor. Together, we will investigate how artists express themselves and create spaces for community using Abstraction. 

What will I do? 

With the support of teaching artists, you’ll investigate challenges impacting your community and develop creative responses. And, you’ll explore the power of art to spark dialogue, foster connections, and respond to social issues. You can expect to:

  • Level up your leadership, creativity, and confidence
  • Work with Museum professionals and explore careers in art and museums
  • Try out new art-making materials and experiment with different art styles
  • Plan and host your own original event at the Art of Social Practice Showcase, where you’ll share your work and create opportunities for community engagement. 

When is it?

  • The Emerging Artists Program runs June 26 to Aug.15, meeting Thursdays and Fridays from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Hirshhorn Art School on the Museum’s Lower Level.
    Note: Emerging Artists will not meet Friday, July 4. 
  • You must be available on Saturday, August 16, for the Art of Social Practice Showcase. 

What’s in it for me?

You’ll get up-close access to the Hirshhorn Museum, plus:

  • Free lunch at every in-person meeting
  • Your own mixed-media art kit
  • A chance to showcase your art at the Hirshhorn Museum

How should I apply? 

The Hirshhorn Teens Emerging Artists Program is open to any high school student ages 15 to 19 in the DC metro area. Space is limited. You must commit to attending all fifteen sessions from June 26 to August 15 and the showcase on August 16. No prior participation in Hirshhorn Teens programs is required. 

To receive application materials, please email HMSGeducation@si.edu and include:

  • Your name
  • Grade
  • School

Applications for the free program are due by 5 PM on Saturday, May 31. All applicants will be notified on or before Friday, June 6. 

Questions? Email HMSGEducation@si.edu with EMERGING ARTISTS in the subject line.