Design Collective: Bringing Ideas to Life
Submit your application for The Design Collective, a collaborative, hands-on team where high school students and teaching artists work alongside one another to design, paint, and produce custom artwork and products for the Essex Art Center community in time for our annual block party, Fiesta en la calle. This is a paid commitment, in which high school artists will receive a $1,000 stipend for actively participating in all sessions. Students must commit to attending all sessions to receive the stipend. The dates of the program are May 4 - July 11, 2026. We will meet twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:00 - 6:30 PM. The last week of the program, we will meet on Saturday, July 11, from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM for Fiesta en la calle, Essex Art Center’s annual block party celebrating arts, culture, community, and fun! We will be selling merch created during the program, demonstrating how to use the machines in the Creativity Lab, and showing off projects done during Design Collective. Participants should be ready and willing to talk to the public about what they learned during the program. This is a competitive application process; please take the appropriate time and be thoughtful in your answers. APPLICATION DEADLINE: SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026, 12:00 AM. Applicants notified: Friday, April 10th
Name
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First Name
Last Name
Email
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example@example.com
Phone Number
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Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Age
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School / Grade
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Parent/Guardian Full Name and Email
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Parent/Guardian Full Name
Parent/Guardian Email
Parent/Guardian Phone Number
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Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Artist Bio (Please share at least 3-5 sentences.)
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Please give us a short description (a minimum 3-5 sentences) about yourself as an artist. EX: What type of art do you specialize in? (e.g., painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, etc.), Briefly describe your artistic style or approach.
Why are you interested in this program? (Please share 3-5 sentences.)
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What are you hoping to achieve or learn from this program? (Please share 3-5 sentences.)
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Have you participated in any other Essex Art Center program in the past? If yes, please specify
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Please share examples of creative work you’ve made. (This can include traditional or digital art, writing, designs, crafts, products you’ve made to sell, or other creative/entrepreneurial projects. Use the box below to describe your work and/or upload files or images that show what you've created.)
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Please link your portfolio or social media. If you don't have social media, you can also upload any artwork you have in the next box below. This helps us understand who you are as an artist and strengthens your application.
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Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
Where did you hear about the open call?
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Consent and agreements about the Design Collective
I understand that the Design Collective is a paid commitment, and I will receive a $1000 stipend for actively participating in all sessions. I must commit to attending all 21 sessions in order to receive the stipend. I agree to comply with all the rules, guidelines, and expectations outlined by the program.
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Yes I understand
No I do not understand
Commitment to Program Schedule and Fiesta en la Calle Participation:
I understand that during the last week of the program, we will meet on Saturday, July 11, from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM for Fiesta en la Calle, Essex Art Center’s annual block party celebrating arts, culture, community, and fun! During this event, we will be selling the merchandise created during the program, demonstrating how to use the machines in the Creativity Lab, and showcasing other art projects made during the Design Collective. I agree to be ready and willing to talk to the public about what I have learned during the program and actively participate in the event activities. If, for some reason, you cannot participate in Fiesta, you will notify your instructor, Mariana Martins
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I understand
I do not understand
Responsibility for Equipment and Machinery Use:
I understand that during the program, I will be working with expensive, dangerous, and potentially delicate machinery. I agree to treat all equipment with care and respect. I acknowledge that if I am uncertain about the proper use of any machine or tool, I will ask questions or seek guidance from the instructors or program organizers before proceeding. I accept responsibility for any damage caused by my negligence or failure to follow proper safety procedures.
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Yes I understand
No I do not understand
Use of Artwork for Sale:
I understand that any artwork or designs created during the program may be used to benefit Essex Art Center, a nonprofit organization. I acknowledge that I will not receive additional compensation for the sale or use of these items beyond the stipend provided for my participation in the program. I consent to the use of my work for this purpose and understand that all proceeds from the sale of products will support Essex Art Center’s programs and activities.
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I understand
I do not understand
Submit
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