Calling all D.C. youth, DC residents only, all wards:
Words Beats & Life (WBL) are offering a Summer employment opportunity for young visual artists and muralists. Learn important skills to be a professional artist. Work alongside established muralists to gain paid, real-world experience assisting in the creation of public art across Washington DC.
Requirements:
Mandatory training sessions for 5 weeks (non paid). Must attend sessions 4 days a week, 2 hours per day at our Ward 1, Columbia Heights neighborhood location in order to qualify for inclusion in the paid mural productions. Participation note: Unpaid training opportunity unless youth are officially placed through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). All non-SYEP enrolled youth are paid for mural painting only.
Schedule & Location;
Workshop dates: June 29 through August 7, 2026 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Workshop location: Words Beats & Life at St. Stephen's Church, 1525 Newton St. NW, Washington DC 20010. Program is held alongside the broader WBL Summer Academy program
Mural Painting dates: August 1st through August 14th
Ages for eligibility are 14-18. Must be in High School. There is a 15 student limit so space is limited.
Deadline: May 30, 2026