Youth Art Initiative
Applications opening soon.
Are you a teen interested in the arts, how a museum works, and creating art experiences for other teens? Be a part of Youth Art Initiative!
Carnegie Museum of Art’s Youth Art Initiative (YAI) is a student-driven high school internship focused on creating museum experiences for Pittsburgh-area teens. YAI members collaborate with museum staff and working artists to produce original projects and plan public events. Over the span of 10 weeks, YAI will go behind the scenes to learn how the museum works, get an in-depth look at exhibitions, and help determine how the museum supports its teen audience. Designed as a seasonal program, YAI offers teens a comfortable space to explore their creativity while building a broad and inclusive community at the museum!
YAI membership is free for teens ages 13–19 and includes museum admission
Frequently Asked Questions about YAI
Who can participate in YAI?
- Pittsburgh-area teens, ages 13–19, who want to have input in how the museum engages, supports, and is available for teens.
- Teens interested in museum careers and other forms of arts management.
- Creative teens who want to participate in the arts beyond art-making.
- Artistic teens interested in using their art to build community.
Does YAI teach students how to make art?
While YAI doesn’t teach art-making, it can give teen artists, including YAI members, a platform to showcase their creativity while learning about careers in the museum field. There may be opportunities for artists who work across mediums to have their work on display either online or in-person.
When and where does YAI meet?
YAI meets in-person at the museum on Thursdays from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
What are the attendance requirements?
YAI interns should be able to attend at least 80% of the in-person meetings during the 10-week session.
Does it pay?
YAI interns get paid our internship rate at $10/hour with up to a total of 24 hours per module.
Do YAI interns get free museum admission?
Yes, YAI participants will be enrolled in Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh’s free Teen Membership if they aren’t already a member.
Is there an enrollment limit?
We will accept up to 15 YAI interns per module.
What if I’m interested in helping with YAI but it doesn’t work with my schedule?
You can still register! Just let us know your availability. Part-time attendants can participate, whether it’s attending a few meetings, submitting ideas, contributing creatively to YAI’s projects, volunteering for an event, or simply attending. However, only those who can fully commit to the 10-week term will be paid a stipend.