PlatteForum

JOIN THE WORK!

Join our work supporting youth, artists, and community with critical resources and creative opportunities, building and opening doors to an inclusive and thriving future.

ARTLAB: A warm and welcoming community

A safe and welcoming community for young artists that centers youth voice providing creative education, career development, and so much more including: therapy, tutoring, groceries, pay, and arts and technology supplies.

Voted “2023 Best Youth Arts Program” by Denver Westword

ARTIST Residency: Doing the work of supporting artists

A fully supported 8-week residency with world class studio and gallery spaces, pairing artists with youth to create, collaborate, learn, and share.

The NUMBERS: Doubling our Impact

Since 2021, ArtLab has doubled the number of youth participants to now house 50 fully supported youth Interns!

ArtLab had a 100% high school graduation rate for ArtLab Interns in 2021 and 2023.

PlatteForum launched the Community Mentee Artist Residency this year - a mentorship based residency for emerging BIPoC and LGBTQIA+ artists.

Mental HEALTH: Support, learning, connection

Through a diverse community of youth, adults, and artists, everyone is able to find connection and belonging at PlatteForum. Youth and artists are supported with free, ongoing therapy and youth learn practical tools in weekly mental wellness workshops.

Testimonials

"Being given the privilege to participate within ArtLab for 3 years has brought me to a warm and welcoming community of many different individuals. It has been the most impactful on my life, bringing me out of my comfort zone, pushing me to become the best version of myself, and preparing me for what comes next." - Maya, current ArtLab Intern

“PlatteForum was one of the best artistic experiences I have had in Denver. The amount of support the staff and interns were able to provide was such a restorative experience. This organization is actually doing the work of supporting artists, and growing a new generation of powerful young artists and activists.” - Kenzie, 2023 PF Resident

"The ArtLab environment is so focused on youth voice… I love the people and getting to learn so many things from one another and all the artists."
- Leilani, 2018 ArtLab graduate, current PF Board Member

"The time I spent with the interns as a resident of Platte Forum really inspired me to view my practice through the lens of youth. We were able to examine those topics that moved all of us individually and shared those passions with the group. I highly recommend this residency to any artist as a unique opportunity to engage with the art community of future Denver." - Jennifer, 2022 PF Resident