ASU Art Museum’s Gallery Activators Youth Art Fellowship Summer 2026
OVERVIEW
ASU Art Museum Gallery Activators is a youth-centered Summer Fellowship that introduces Black teens and young adults to creative pathways in museum leadership.
Through collaboration, reflection, and hands-on design, participants work alongside museum staff to imagine new ways of engaging with artworks and the public.
The Summer 2026 cohort will co-create interactive experiences for ASUAM’s January 2027 exhibition So Much More Than That…, amplifying Black voices and honoring the idea that we are shaped by history and the intersecting cultures around us.
Gallery Activators is a paid fellowship program designed to honor participants' time, creativity, and leadership.
Youth participants (grades 9-12) receive $1,000 for full participation in the Gallery Activators cohort.
ASU student mentors and Community of Practice members receive $1,500 for their participation and collaborative support.
WHO IT’S FOR
The Youth Cohort is for high school students in grades 9 - 12 (priority for Tempe & Title I schools)
ASU students and young adults ages 18–24 are invited to be Mentors
Community artists and collaborators
WHAT PARTICIPANTS DO
Design youth-led gallery activations
Explore creative careers in museums
Build confidence, leadership, and community connections
HOW TO APPLY
Gallery Activators welcomes youth, students, and community members who are curious, creative, and excited about reimagining the museum as a shared space. No prior museum or arts experience is required!
High School Students (Grades 9-12) + ASU Students & Young Adult Mentors (Ages 18–24) will be nominated by a teacher, counselor, or educator who believes they would thrive in a creative, collaborative museum environment.
Priority will be given to students living in Tempe and those attending Title I high schools. The program centers Black youth and is open to all.
TIMELINE
Nomination deadline: April 30, 2026
Participant Virtual Interviews: May 11 - May 15
Participant Notifications: By May 29, 2026
Program Orientation: May 30, 2026
Program sessions (4): June 20, 27, and July 11, 18
Exhibition activation: January 2027
Selected participants will be contacted directly with next steps and additional program details.
SUPPORT
Gallery Activators Summer 2026 Fellowship is funded by the NBA Foundation as part of ASUAM’s commitment to equitable access, paid creative training, and community-rooted programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
High school students, grades 9 - 12
ASU students and young adults aged 18–24 interested in mentoring
Community artists, educators, and collaborators
The program centers Black youth and is open to all. Priority is given to students living in Tempe and those attending Title I high schools.
-
No. Gallery Activators is designed for young people who are curious, creative, and interested in learning—no prior art, museum, or leadership experience is required.
-
Yes. Gallery Activators is a paid opportunity. Youth participants receive $1,000 for full participation. ASU student mentors and Community of Practice members receive $1,500.
Compensation honors participants’ time, creativity, and contributions.
-
The Summer 2026 Gallery Activators cohort meets for four 90-minute sessions held on Saturdays at ASU Art Museum on June 20, 27, and July 11, 18.
Specific session dates and times will be shared with selected participants in advance.
-
All sessions take place in person at ASU Art Museum in Tempe, Arizona.
-
Participants will:
Explore the museum through guided and reflective activities
Collaborate with peers, artists, and museum staff
Design creative engagement ideas for a 2027 public exhibition
Build skills in communication, collaboration, and creative leadership
Activities may include discussion, movement, writing, media-making, and group reflection.
-
Participants are expected to attend all four 90-minute sessions to receive full compensation and to support a strong cohort experience.
-
Participants are selected through a combination of nominations from a teacher, educator, or counselor and a virtual interview led by the Gallery Activators program team. Selection is based on interest, availability, and alignment with the program’s values.
-
All interest and nomination forms must be submitted by April 30, 2026.
Selected participants will be notified by May 29, 2026.
-
Yes. Parents or guardians of selected youth participants will be asked to complete consent and participation forms before the program begins.
-
Yes. Photos and videos may be taken during sessions for documentation and program promotion. Media consent forms will be provided to parents or guardians in advance.
-
Ashley Burns
Gallery Activators Program Manager
DIGS WELLNESS Founder
Sierra Ochoa
ASUAM Curator of Learning and Co-creation