ARTS LAB: Creative Careers 2026
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
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Free for Schools
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
ARTS LAB
Creative Careers
About
Explore creative career pathways, connect with working professionals, and help students imagine what their futures in the arts could look like.
ARTS LAB: Creative Careers is a free, half-day career exploration experience designed for high school students in grades 9–12. Through interactive workshops and real conversations with creative professionals, students gain an inside look at what working in the arts actually involves, from daily creative practice to long-term career pathways.
While ideal for students interested in the arts, this program is open to all high school students and supports broader career exploration, skill-building, and postsecondary planning.
Students attend as part of a school group and select one creative focus area to explore in depth throughout the event.
How the Day Works
Students will spend the full event in one workshop focus area. All workshops run concurrently and are led by community arts partners actively working in each field.
Sessions are interactive and conversation-based, giving students opportunities to ask questions, explore different career paths, and hear honest perspectives about creative work and industry life.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Location: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center
- Cost: Free for all schools
Who Can Attend
High school students (grades 9–12) attending with teachers and required chaperones.
Workshop Focus Area
School groups will choose one workshop focus area during registration. Each workshop is led by creative professionals working in that discipline. Space is limited in each area.
Visual Art
Explore how artists turn creative practice into sustainable careers, from studio work to exhibitions and beyond.
Dance
Learn what it takes to build a career in dance, including training, performance life, and creative opportunities on and off the stage.
Theater / Drama
Discover the many roles that bring theater to life, from acting to directing, production, and behind-the-scenes careers.
Film
Get a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking careers, from storytelling and production to editing and festival pathways.
Registration Information
Registration Information
Teachers must register student groups in advance. Registration is first come, first served, and capacity is limited by workshop focus area. Please select one workshop focus area on the left and register using the corresponding link.
Important Notes:
- Each workshop focus area has its own registration form
- Total capacity includes students and teachers/chaperones
- Once a workshop fills, registration for that focus area will close
If your preferred workshop is full, we encourage you to check availability in another focus area.
Bring Your Students to ARTS LAB: Creative Careers
Give your students the opportunity to explore creative career pathways, connect with real professionals, and imagine what their futures could look like in the arts.
✔ Free for schools
✔ Designed for grades 9–12
✔ Supports career exploration and postsecondary planning
✔ Interactive, student-centered experience
Register your class by selecting a workshop focus area and completing the corresponding form.
Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Questions or need more information?
Contact Rae Stone at rstone@okcontemp.org
