Creative Lab
Creative Lab offers 9th–12th graders unprecedented access to explore diverse career paths and engage in insightful conversations with industry professionals through career visits and workshops at companies in New York City’s vibrant creative sector. The program is uniquely designed to help participants build social capital on their journeys to success while gaining professional development skills and support from a dedicated mentor.
Company Visits & Workshops
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Titmouse
Character Development
“What are some skills that could help students perfect their portfolio for a career in animation?”
—Jackie, College Senior
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Tiffany & Co.
Company Visit
“It was interesting to learn which departments play a role in the creation and marketing of each project, from beginning to end.”
—Cassie, 11th Grade
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Marmol Radziner
Architecture
“I was surprised to learn that architecture has so much CGI involved.”
—En, 10th Grade
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Sony Corporation of America
Creative Career Day Panel Discussion
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Maharam
Textile Design
“My favorite part of this visit was learning about the different fabrics and colors used to create their designs and products.”
—Jamaica, 12th Grade
Photo by Nick Ballón courtesy of Maharam
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Meta
Software Design
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PepsiCo.
Design & Innovation Workshop
“A lot of different things go into design—more than I thought!”
—Carlos, 11th Grade
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Marian Goodman Gallery
Contemporary Art
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White Columns Gallery
Contemporary Art
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Blueprint
Engagement Agency
Project completed by program participant, Adonis.
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New York Studio School
Art Education
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Hauser & Wirth
Panel Discussion
2023–2024 Companies Include:
1stDibs
Accenture
Argodesign
BlueprintNYC
Bustle
Calvin Klein
Equity By Design
Fairchain
Framestore
Gensler
Gkids
Hauser & Wirth
Hermès
Maharam
Marian Goodman Gallery
Marmol Radziner
NY Studio School
PepsiCo
Shawna Mills
Sony
Tiffany & Co.
Swiss Institute
Titmouse
White Columns
In This Program
Students Receive:
Dedicated support of an adult mentor with access to creative networks
A selection of art supplies and a stipend for additional art materials
Exclusive access to artists and creative professionals
Travel and lunch stipends for all program related, in-person meetings
Paid internship eligibility upon successful completion of the program
Scholarship eligibility for college bound seniors upon successful completion of the program
100%
Accepted
to a school of their choice*
100%
Demonstrated
gains in positive self-esteem & self-management
95%
Employed
in their first paid internship
87%
Increased
social capital via positive bonds with peers & industry professionals
*2024–2025 School Acceptances Include:
Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), School of Visual Arts (S.V.A.), City College of New York, Clark University, New York Institute of Technology (N.Y.I.T.), Binghamton University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (R.P.I.), S.U.N.Y. Purchase, Hostos Community College, Brooklyn College, New York City College of Technology (City Tech)
“My experience has been the best. Free Arts is a space for personal and professional growth. It’s a safe space for creatives. I've been introduced to opportunities and resources I wouldn’t have gotten if it wasn't for this program. The workshops helped me develop my resume and introduced me to the expectations of a professional workspace. My mentor has guided me through the college application process and given me insight to the career I want to pursue—architecture. The company visits led me to network and ask important questions. I visited an architecture firm, Marmol Radziner, and saw the in-depth process of designing a property for construction. Free Arts helped me to be more responsible as well as improve my communication skills. I’m forever grateful.”
—Isaura, Freshman at City College, Aspiring Architect
Achievements
3 Years in Program
Moyer Martinez Grant Recipient
FUTURA For the Future Scholarship recipient
Learning Pod participant with DXA Studios & Blueprint NYC
Included in three youth exhibitions at Sotheby’s
Macaulay Honors Program
Program Overview
Timeline: November to June
Participants: High schoolers affiliated with our community partners are welcome to apply.
Setting: This is a hybrid program, with a mix of virtual and in-person workshops across NYC.
Commitment: Mentors and mentees meet at least twice a month for 1:1 sessions and group workshops. February winter break and April spring break availability is required of participants.
Objective: By the end of the program, participants have a greater understanding of careers within the creative industries, a completed resume, cover letter, and eligibility to apply for a paid internship with one of our participating host companies.
Workshops: Networking & Resume Writing, Financial Literacy, Mock Interviews, Applying for Scholarships & Grants, Marketing Your Work, Building an Online Presence
*Students are invited to apply through our Community Partner sites.
Artwork by Jacob Ospa
“My mentor is an inspiration to me. They specialize in UI design and media advertising—things I would like to pursue. The Titmouse company visit was also really inspiring as I'd love to work on a show in the future.”
—Chris, 12th Grade