Photos by Sandra Sellars© Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Museum Leaders in Training hosts a special workshop at Oakwood Arts. The workshop that was a part of a series of workshops was developed and coordinated by teens in VMFA’s Museum Leaders in Training program (MLiT). The events will featured guest instructors and activities inspired by themes in the exhibition Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass.
M.LiT: Museum Leaders in Training 2023-24
Tour Development: A Reimagined World
M.LiT is an application based, 12-week career-development and leadership-training program for teens in grades 8 through 12. Participants explore museum careers and serve as advisors in the development of other teen programs at VMFA. With the help of guest lecturers and VMFA staff, teens learn team building, research, and other skills that prepare them for employment. They also network with peers, mentors, and museum professionals.
The 2023-24 M.LiT program will focus on developing an audio tour inspired by the special exhibition Willie Anne Wright: Artist and Alchemist [Oct 21, 2023 – Apr 28, 2024]. Program participants will explore the themes in Wright’s work to create connections in the permanent collection. Participants will collaborate with VMFA staff and community partners on the development of a tour for other teens who visit the museum.
In this rigorous program, students will gain a strong appreciation of the visual arts, in relation to history and culture. Workshops are held Thursday evenings beginning in early October through the end of January. Students will have the opportunity to interpret artworks, build healthy and lasting relationships with peers and instructors, and develop an understanding of the function of art and museums in society. This leadership program is taught through hands-on workshops, insightful lectures, and engaging discussions.
Program Orientation: Thu, Sep 28, 2023, 6–8 pm, Reynolds Lecture Hall
Workshops: Thursdays, Oct 5, 2023-Jan 18, 2024, 5:30–8:30 pm, Pauley Center Studios
Holiday Breaks: Nov 23, Dec 21, and Dec 28, 2023
Recognition Ceremony: Friday, January 19, 2024
*dates/times subject to change
APPLICATION
All Call for Applications: Monday, July 31, 2023
Application Deadline: Friday, September 8, 2023 by 11:59 pm
Applicants will be notified of decision by Fri, September 22, 2023
Submission Guidelines
In addition to your application form, please submit a written statement and letter of recommendation (not a family member) of the following:
Personal Essay – Required
Your personal essay should be in response to the following prompt. Keep the helpful writing tips below in mind:
- Carefully read and follow all directions.
- Do not exceed the maximum word-count.
- Be straightforward and confident
- Proofread your work
Prompt: In 500 to 1,000 words, describe your interest in this year’s project and also describe a time when you worked together with one or more people on a project or toward a shared goal.
In your response please consider the following:
- What makes you interested in this year’s theme? What experiences and/or skills do you bring to the topic?
- Describe your role as an individual within the group and as a member of the group?
- How did the group make decisions about how to share responsibilities?
- What made your group successful?
- In hindsight, is there anything that could have improved the way your group worked together?
Recommendations (non-family members) – Required
Choose a professional/personal reference (teacher, coach, supervisor, scout leader, etc.) who is not related to you who can provide details about you that include:
- Performance as a student
- Aptitude and industriousness
- Maturity and seriousness of purpose
- Level of commitment and ability to follow through
- Leadership abilities and/or experience
- Character
Copy and share this link to your teacher for online submission of teacher recommendations: https://vmfa.formstack.com/forms/teen_programs_recommendation_form