OPEN CALL FOR 2024 NOW CLOSED. Stay tuned for the 2025 Open Call in February.

Express Yourself and Build the World You Imagine!

Locust Art Builders (LAB): Now in its 14th year, LAB is a unique summer art intensive for high school students with an interest in art, design, and exploring creative careers. 30 students will be selected from across Miami-Dade County to learn from professional artists in a dynamic on-site program this summer. They will dive right into the creative, and practical, aspects of completing a collaborate full scale exhibition at Locust Projects!

Want to learn more about what makes LAB so special? WATCH: 2023 LAB Student Produced Recap Video Here. 

Program Dates & Times: This year's program will be in-person with take home activities and field trips. The program will be held from June 17-July 19, 2024, Monday - Thursday, 10am-2pm daily, with the exhibition opening the final day: Saturday, July 20. Note June 19 and July 4 are holidays. - TO BE UPDATED IN 2025

LAB is FREE for all students.

Students will be provided with free lunch daily.

Students may request a transportation stipend up to $500 to assist with travel to and from Locust Projects.

Students will receive a Builder Box with art supplies and more along with an artist editition shirt.

Students may be able to receive community service hours for their participation; please ask your school for details and submit before July 17!

FAQs

Who is eligible? Students currently enrolled in public or private high schools in Miami-Dade County. Students must have completed at least one year of high school by June 2023. Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders as well as graduating 12th graders are all eligible to apply.

Who is not eligible? Students who are in middle school, entering ninth grade in the fall, or who graduated in 2023 or prior.

Can I apply if I am not sure I want to go to art school? Of course! LAB is the perfect place to explore your interest in art or design, learn how to make things using new skills and tools, and learn all about careers in the arts. Whether or not you go to art school, LAB can help you gain confidence and learn how to problem solve creatively.

Can I work on my personal projects as part of LAB? While some tasks will involve working independently, working collaboratively with other young artists is a crucial part of LAB. Most projects, and the final exhibition, are produced as a team. Personal art practices often feed into this final result, but it is important that applicants understand that they will also be required to work closely with other young artists during LAB. If you are not open to working collaboratively as part of a team, this program might not be the right fit for you.

Can PDFs include links? Yes, they may include links to websites, video hosting services like YouTube or Vimeo, as well as links to galleries, previous exhibitions, and/or past reviews, if applicable.

Can I submit my application without using the online submission system Submittable? Unfortunately, no. All submissions must be submitted through Submittable. Submittable accounts are free. If you need assistance completing your application, please let us know by reaching out to programs@locustprojects.org. We're happy to help!

Who can I speak to if I have more questions? For more info, please contact: gallery@locustprojects.org or 305.576.8570. Inclusion, diversity, equity, and access on all levels are important to us. If you need assistance to participate in LAB, please let us know.