Many Christian high school artists are looking for mentorship, belonging, and opportunities for self-expression. Some want to create in an environment that builds them in their faith as well as in their art. But there aren’t many programs teaching high school artists about how their art-making and their faith intersect in a mentoring community. So, young Christian artists are left to develop their gifts with the culture as the primary voice shaping their art-making.
The Heart Youth Arts Residency kicks off with a unique, one-week intensive experience for exceptionally-talented high school students seeking to connect their art and their Christian faith. The Heart experience will grow your artistry as well as your faith so you are able to uniquely speak into the culture.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM:
Participation in the Heart Youth Arts Residency will be offered over two phases:
Summer Intensive Experience: June 16-20, 2025 (Part I)
During this phase, selected students will gather on the downtown campus of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando for an immersive cohort experience. Together, they will:
Look to the Scriptures to see how the arts can help express the love of Christ in creative ways within their lives, the church, and the community
Learn from professional Christian artists from across multiple disciples on what it means to create with excellence
Develop an idea for original work within their artistic area of interest
Grow in relationship with other students and mentors who share their passion for the arts & their faith
Fall Fellowship & Project Formation Phase (Part II): July - November 2025
During this phase, the participants will work within a mentoring, supportive community to put into practice what they learned during the summer intensive. Students will:
Be assigned an artistic mentor to guide them in the process of taking the original idea (conceived during the summer intensive) and fully developing it into a finished work. (Mentors & students will have flexibility to set their own meeting times)
Meet as a cohort twice monthly (in person + online) for fellowship and continued discussions on art & faith integration
Learn skills for how to discuss and share their original works with others
Present their completed original works with one another, as well as family & friends, during an informal showcase in early November.
Cost for the program: $295 (Phase 1) and $195 (Phase 2)
Scholarships available for those in financial need
WHO ARE GOOD CANDIDATES FOR THIS PROGRAM?
Ideal candidates for the program are high school students (rising sophomores to graduating seniors) with a serious appetite to grow as an artist and in their faith. No prior formal training is required in their specific discipline; however, students need to show evidence of natural gifting in their proposed art medium. Interested students need to complete the online application on or before April 12, 2025. Each applicant will be required to submit samples of their work along with two letters of recommendation.
WHAT ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES WILL BE CONSIDERED?
Anything in the visual, performing, or literary arts: creative writing, filmmaking, graphic design, sculpting, painting, illustration, drawing, songwriting, performing, photography, choreography… you name it! If you have questions as to your qualifications for the residency, email us at artsinfo@fpco.org.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR APPLYING:
Applications accepted March 6-April 12th
Interviews will take place online between April 21-26th
APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM BY April 30th
DATES FOR PARTICIPATION:
Kick Off & Preview Dinner for all participants: June 14 (5:30pm-7:30pm) Location TBD
Summer Intensive: June 16-20th, 9-3pm @ First Presbyterian Church of Orlando
Fall Cohort Meet Ups (Online): July 13, Aug 10, Sep 14, Oct 12 (7:00-8:00pm)
Fall Cohort Meet Ups (In Person): July 27, Aug 24, Sept 28, Oct 26 (7:00-8:30pm) Location TBD
Fall Showcase: November 7, 7-8pm @ First Presbyterian Church of Orlando
Special Note: All participants are strongly encouraged to attend Art Fellowship Orlando’s June 8th Summer Showcase at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to catch a glimpse of what it means to integrate faith and art in unconventional ways!