Youth & Community Programs

Creativity starts early — and belongs to everyone. Through school partnerships, camps, performances, workshops, scholarships, and community collaborations, The Studios creates opportunities for young people and families to connect with the arts in meaningful, lasting ways.

From first gallery visits to poetry contests to paid internships, our programs are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and make creative experiences accessible across Key West.

Schools @ The Studios

Our galleries become living classrooms throughout the school year as students from across Key West visit exhibitions, meet working artists, and create artwork of their own.

Led by artist educator Bria Ansara, Schools @ The Studios combines exhibition tours with hands-on activities designed specifically for each visiting group. Students don’t just learn about art — they engage directly with the artists, ideas, and creative processes behind the work.

What began in partnership with May Sands Montessori School has grown to include public Title I schools, Take Stock in Children, Basilica School, and other educational partners throughout the community.

Schools @ The Studios

Summer & Spring Break Camps

When school’s out, creativity stays on. Each summer, The Studios partners with Fringe Theater to present Camp Bravo!, a multi-week theater and arts camp led by professional artists and educators.

Throughout the year, we also offer spring break camps, family workshops, performances, and special youth programs designed to keep kids creating, collaborating, and exploring new ideas.

Scholarships are available for many programs.

Programs
Summer & Spring Break Camps

Robert Frost Poetry Contest

Every April, The Studios celebrates National Poetry Month with the annual Robert Frost Poetry Contest for Kids & Teens.

Inspired by Key West’s deep literary history and Robert Frost’s longtime connection to the island, the contest invites young writers across Monroe County to share their voices and creativity through poetry.

The contest opens each spring and culminates with a public awards ceremony honoring student poets from across the Keys.

Made possible through funds established by the Jeane and Jessie Porter Fund at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys

Robert Frost Poetry Contest

Paid Internship Program

The Studios’ paid internship program gives local high school students the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on work experience while becoming part of Key West’s creative community.

In partnership with Key West High School and Take Stock in Children, students work alongside Studios staff and artists, gaining experience across the organization while developing practical skills in communication, teamwork, event production, arts administration, and more. Interns contribute to real projects and programs, learning what it takes to bring the work of a busy nonprofit arts organization to life.

By providing paid, professional experience in a supportive creative environment, the program helps students explore potential career paths, build confidence and workplace skills, and begin creating a network within their own community.

Paid Internship Program

Community Programs

Youth programs at The Studios often connect directly with broader community initiatives, performances, and partnerships across the island.

From public performances and offsite workshops to programs exploring local history, music, storytelling, and cultural identity, we believe the arts are one of the strongest ways communities learn, connect, and grow together.

We’re proud to partner with local schools, nonprofits, educators, artists, and community leaders to expand access to creative experiences throughout Key West.

image: St. Croix native David Berg and the Key West Stilt Walkers hosted stilt-walking training sessions to enthusiastic students (Mark Hedden)

Community Programs

Building Creative Futures: By the Numbers

Support Youth Programs Become a Member
1,013

Students welcomed through Schools @ The Studios field trips and programs during the 2025–26 school year.

450

Record-breaking poetry submissions received for the Robert Frost Poetry Contest.

56

Community supporters contributed to Youth & Community Programs in our 2025-26 fiscal year.

$198,500+

Raised in support of youth and community programming during the 2025-26 fiscal year.

5

Paid high school internships offered over the past two years through partnerships with local schools.

50+

School groups and class visits hosted annually at The Studios.

Children concentrate on drawing projects together around paint-splattered classroom tables during a youth art program.
Build Creative Futures Support the Program

Build Creative Futures

Support the Program