Applications Open for the 2025-2026 Teen Art Co-op
We hope you will join us for this year's Teen Co-op!
The Teen Art Cooperative is a free program at Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum on Pittsburgh's Northside to support and empower teens as they explore a foundation for their unique and personal creative future. We meet on Thursdays from October to May, 4-6 PM, with a winter break. The Co-op is made up of a group of dedicated Pittsburgh area teens (grades 9-12). This self-directed program, guided by teens with support from Mattress Factory staff, allows Co-op members to dive into the creative world, get to know local artists and work together to plan awesome events for-teens-by-teens. Co-op members organize workshops that resonate with their interests and connect them with local creatives - ranging from filmmakers, to muralists, to tattoo artists, and everything in between. Members participate in field trips to local art venues where they have the chance to explore diverse art forms and arts-related career options. The Co-op also creates and hosts one public arts-related event of their choosing!
Who is the 2025-2026 Teen Art Co-op for?
Anyone enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) in the greater Pittsburgh region is welcome to apply! We want you to fill out your own application so we can get to know you better. Feel free to ask a parent, teacher, or friend for help, but this is all about you!
APPLICATION INFORMATION
- The application and the program are free.
- The application deadline is Monday, September 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST
- Applicants will be notified of acceptance by Friday, September 19, 2025
SESSION INFORMATION
- First session is Thursday, October 9, 2025.
- This is a high commitment program so we ask interested teens to be prepared to meet on-site at Mattress Factory most Thursdays throughout the school year, October 2025-May 2026.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email Laurie Barnes, Mattress Factory Education Director, at LBarnes@mattress.org if you have any questions or concerns about the application process.
