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Design Your Neighborhood

A teenager on a folding ladder spray-paints a nature scene mural onto a domed greenhouse.
About

Teens, dive into design! Immerse yourselves in art, architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, interiors, and fashion, and gain insights into careers involving all aspects of design. You’ll develop skills and partnerships to further a future in the design industry, all while making a difference in your community and the spaces where you live and learn. In this program, participants develop a range of hands-on skills as they work alongside design industry professionals and reimagine a space in our community!

Community organizations
Every summer we partner with a different community organization that works with young people! If your organization works with young folks, is looking for a summer project for them, and has a space in need of a makeover, you are in the right spot!

Past projects
Past projects include partnerships with Seattle Parks and Recreation in reimagining the Teen Room at the South Park Community Center, Arts and Academics Academy where students redesigned the school’s computer lab and hallway, and a collaboration with Seattle’s Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, where the young designers worked in teams to propose three teen-friendly concepts for the Seattle Waterfront.

What to know

This is a multi-session workshop focused on visual art, design, and social change.

Each year, we partner with a single organization to offer this paid opportunity for teens 13–19 years old.

Design Your Neighborhood meets for four weeks in August. Exact dates vary depending on the project, scope, and partner.

The program includes

  • On-site visits to organizations that make design decisions impacting our everyday activities.
  • A studio practice where you'll acquire the skills needed to articulate your process and design a final project that communicates your ideas.
  • Behind-the-scenes opportunities that will introduce a broad range of career opportunities.

Interested in partnering on Design Your Neighborhood? Email us at teenprograms@seattleartmuseum.org

Upcoming events

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