Apply now to join the ARTFORCE 2026 cohort
Applications open through April 19, with interviews in early May. Space is limited.
ABOUT ARTFORCE //
ARTFORCE is a paid summer intensive visual arts program for high school students, created by Arts for Learning Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College, and offered since 2014. Centered around a three-week intensive in June, ARTFORCE students experience dedicated studio time; explore new art-making materials and ideas; are supported by dedicated instructors and staff who are professional artists; and build a community of support as young artists from across the city.
The three-week intensive is on the Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis campus in the Fine Arts department, Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm. This year’s ARTFORCE dates are June 8-26, 2026, with no class on June 19. Art supplies and lunch are provided daily. ARTFORCE culminates in an exhibition of student artwork Thursday June 25, with extended hours 3-5pm.
ARTFORCE is co-taught by Arts for Learning teaching artists and Ivy Tech faculty, with additional visiting artists. This year, instructors Ash Robinson and Colton Pedro return, with program support from Liz Wierzbicki and Brent Aldrich, and Emeritus ARTFORCE Faculty Stephanie Robertson.
Beyond the three weeks in June, additional experiences for ARTFORCE students have included field trips and exhibition opportunities; as well as letters of recommendation and references for college and careers.
Who: 9-11th grade students in/near Indianapolis
When: June 8-26, 2026 // Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm // no class on June 19
Applications open: March 2026
Application cost: $25. Scholarships may be available
ARTFORCE PROGRAM FEATURES //
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE // An active experience of a life in the visual arts, including developing a studio practice, exhibitions, artist statements, and bios. Alongside a professional application process including an application, portfolio, letter of recommendation, and interview.
PORTFOLIO BUILDING // Experience new art forms, materials, processes, and ideas.
EXHIBITION // Explore all areas of exhibition production including planning, install, lighting, selling, and hosting a public reception.
STUDIO TIME + INSTRUCTION // Students receive generous dedicated time in the studio along with active feedback and instruction.
MENTORSHIP // Instructors, visiting artists, and program directors are all practicing artists in the community, committed to supporting students during their time in ARTFORCE and beyond.
COHORT // Multiyear program, with previous students invited to return upon successful yearly completion. A community of peers from across the city form meaningful friendships and a network of support while still in high school.
COLLEGE EXPERIENCE // Located on Ivy Tech Community College’s campus within the classrooms and facilities of their Fine Arts department. Additional summer college courses and students are in the building at the same time and interact with ARTFORCE students.
ART SCHOOL + BEYOND // ARTFORCE experiences and mentorship prepare students for futures pursuing the visual arts at college and careers.
“I knew the artists in ARTFORCE better than I knew my own classmates in high school, to the point that I can reach out to them to this day. Not only was it the community that impacted me, but it pushed me to pursue more with my art and understand how broad art can be rather than just drawing and painting. Thank you Arts for Learning for the wonderful opportunity to be a part of ARTFORCE.”
Kollin Miller, Former ARTFORCE Apprentice
For more information about ARTFORCE, contact Brent Aldrich at [email protected].