No Longer Empty’s Young Exhibition Makers (Y.Ex) is a year-long program that trains and pays youth (ages 14 to 19) in all elements of exhibition making, from curation and installation to docent tours and management.

Arts mentoring, youth leadership, and real life work experience are the pillars of this program;  students learn creative writing, (public) art history, public speaking/oratory skills and media literacy through working closely with curators, artists, and community leaders.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: Click here to apply!

Activities:

  • Soliciting, reviewing, and selecting youth artwork from partner organizations, schools, and community-based organizations
  • Field trips to art exhibitions
  • Taking on a central role in constructing a group vision of a creative space; Installing an art show.
  • Leading tours for their peers and the general public
  • Becoming community ambassadors as teens craft their own conversations and encourage dialogue around social issues through art.

Young Exhibition Makers is a hybridized model of No Longer Empty’s previous youth programs, Y.Dot and Y.Lab. Stipends are paid to all participants.

2019 Young Exhibition Makers: 
Alirat Sanni | Benjamin Opoku | Carlitos Rodriguez | Elani Amélie Reyes | Elham Abuali | Etharr Ahmed| Givienna-Geneva Gordon | Hamza Ashar | Jade Villegas | Janae Stanford | Kalia Asencio| Kimani Brown |Marvens Volcimus | Michelle Muszkat Levine| Nazair Deondre Francois | Nilajah Batts | Nyia Savannah Pilgrim | Steph Martinez | Umahani Hamad

Click here to check out the InJustUs archive and mini-documentary.

This teen-made online archive includes a copy of their gallery guide, a Youth Leader produced documentary, and interviews with Y.Ex 2019 participants.