The City of Worcester’s Cultural Development Division and Division of Youth Opportunities are collaborating to form the first “Create 508 – Youth Creatives and Entrepreneurs” program. The mission of the program is to support youth to drive Worcester’s culture and community while learning the business of art.

Youth Leaders will meet regularly with the program’s Artist Mentors and Program Coordinator to engage in trainings, workshops, and dialogues, learn from guest speakers and panels. The program will run from April through August 2021, during which time participants will organize and host a public event to showcase youth artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs from the Worcester area.

Anyone interested in applying for a Youth Leader or Artist Mentor position is encouraged to apply through the City of Worcester’s website as soon as possible, as participants will be selected on a rolling basis. Job listings for each position will be removed once filled.

A cohort of 10-15 Youth Leaders will have the opportunity to develop leadership and workforce skills, skills related to cultural organizing, event planning, art curation, community engagement, marketing and branding, and other skills pertaining to the fields of arts and culture. They will practice these skills by planning, organizing, hosting, and evaluating their final event, which will build community and contribute to Worcester’s landscape of creative and cultural community spaces.

Working closely with the Program Coordinator, 2 Artist Mentors will facilitate the program sessions, mentoring Youth Leaders, and supporting the management of program logistics. Artist Mentors will work directly with a cohort of young participants, supporting them to advance their skills, and assist the Youth Leaders in the organization and hosting of the final community art event.