Youth Artist Program (YAP)
Time: Thursdays from 3 pm to 6 pm Location: 2600 North 5th Street
Taller’s Youth Artist Program (YAP) is a free studio art program that empowers teens to express themselves, build creative skills, and grow as artists and entrepreneurs. Through workshop-style classes, students engage in semester-long projects while exploring different art disciplines based on their interests. Each semester’s project is unique and encourages collaboration, creativity, and self-expression.
Students receive mentorship to help them work toward their goals, whether that means developing an art portfolio for college, learning how to earn income from their creative work, or finding a healthy outlet for their emotions. YAP empowers students to become self-guided artists and entrepreneurs while providing a safe, supportive environment where they can build lasting friendships and confidence.
Each semester includes opportunities for hands-on creative learning, guest artist visits, and field trips to colleges, galleries, and studios that inspire students to connect with the wider art community.
YAP also combines artistic growth with professional development, offering guidance in areas like portfolio building, website design, marketing, and branding for creatives. Participants may also join Photography Without Borders, where they develop photography skills and learn how to generate income through event photography.
YAP is a welcoming community where teens gain the tools, support, and experience to lead their own artistic journey.
Our Vision
The Youth Artist Program (YAP) envisions a generation of young artists who are confident, resourceful, and deeply connected to their creative voice and community. YAP equips teens with the artistic, cultural, and professional tools needed to thrive in Philadelphia’s creative economy and across the broader creative landscape.
Rooted in a learn-by-doing model, the program invites students to experiment, collaborate, and grow through hands-on projects that strengthen both their artistic practice and their sense of identity as creators.
While YAP continues to support students interested in pursuing higher education in the arts, the program recognizes that success can take many forms. Our reimagined curriculum expands these pathways by integrating workforce development, entrepreneurial skills, and community-based artmaking. Students learn not only how to build portfolios, but also how to build sustainable creative lives.
Through this approach, YAP nurtures artists who see themselves as innovators, storytellers, and cultural leaders, prepared to shape the future of the arts in their communities and beyond.
Workshop-Style Learning
YAP’s workshop-style structure reflects Taller’s belief that the best learning happens through making, doing, and sharing. In this environment, students are active participants rather than passive learners. Each session invites them to experiment, collaborate, and take creative risks as they work alongside peers and teaching artists.
This hands-on model mirrors the realities of professional creative practice, where learning is built through process, reflection, and dialogue. In this way students develop artistic and technical skills but also confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities that extend far beyond the studio.
Studio Culture
YAP is a shared creative space where all voices are valued. We encourage collaboration, respect for diverse perspectives, and care for one another’s work and well-being. Students are expected to treat the studio itself with the same respect, caring for materials, cleaning up after themselves, and helping maintain a welcoming environment where creativity can thrive. Each student signs a code of conduct to keep themselves accountable to the culture of the space.
Student Ambassador Program
To further leadership development, three senior students will serve as YAP Ambassadors, taking ownership of two key initiatives:
● YAP Blog: Updated and maintained by the Student Ambassadors, the blog will document student projects through images, writing, and reflections. This serves as a public record of their creative process and teaches digital communication and archiving skills.
● YAP Zine: At the close of each program year, ambassadors will curate a “best of” printed zine from the blog entries. Each student receives a copy, and one is archived in Taller’s permanent collection, giving students a tangible legacy of their work.
This ambassador program develops long-term project management, editorial, and leadership skills, while offering students autonomy and visibility in a public forum.
Accessibility
The building is wheelchair accessible with 48″ wide ramps and 40″ doorways. Bathrooms stalls are wheelchair accessible. We also have a bathroom with a changing table for parents with infants. We will make efforts to make programs and services available to all our patrons no matter their needs. Please contact us at 215.426.3311 to discuss accommodations.
Interested in Enrolling?
After-school programs are provided to participants at an income-based rate. With one-time registration fee of $30.00, payable in person by cash, check, or credit/debit card. Limited scholarships and financial assistance options are available. Contact us about any financial assistance needed. If you are interested in enrolling your children, please fill out the form below and we will be in contact.
For more information, contact Richie Lopez at rlopez@tallerpr.org or at 215-426-3311