The Arts Council provides this service at no charge to schools and reaches 50 classrooms each year. Click here for more information. Neighborhood Studios Now entering its third year, Neighborhood Studios is the Arts Council's summer and after-school apprenticeship program for high school youth. Selected by application and interview, apprentices work for minimum wage under the instruction of master teaching artists. Work produced is sold to the public through a retail gallery.
Apprentices also receive valuable career training, including computer instruction.
The Arts Council's Neighborhood Studios has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as an outstanding summer youth employment program and has been replicated in Connecticut by the city of Bridgeport. Click here for more information. The Greater Hartford Arts Council coordinates a variety of community events and celebrations. Bushnell Park Tree Lighting in December and United Arts Campaign Kick Off in February are just a few recurring events. The annual Hartford Festival of Light , held the day after Thanksgiving on Constitution Plaza, ushers in the holiday season with a visit from 'ol Saint Nick.