Kids, Teens Can Get Summer Arts Opportunities (And Jobs) In Hoboken

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken is filled with art and artists, but what it has lacked for many years are summer programs to keep budding artists of all ages busy.

Thanks to a new program, Hoboken kids will be able to take dozens of programs involving the arts, from photography to dance to mural painting. They'll be taught by local artists — and teens, a traditionally underserved group in town, can apply to help out for pay.

The programs — announced on May 7 — were organized by the City's Division of Cultural Affairs in collaboration with Dance with Derrick.

They aim to provide "enriching and creative outlets for Hoboken youth between the ages of 8 and 14 and paid leadership opportunities for teens between the ages of 15 and 18."

The workshops will include arts such as salsa, hip hop, dance, spoken word, theater, comedy, creative writing, photography, drawing, acting, mural arts, fashion, sculpture, and more.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla said, “Art has the power to inspire, connect, and empower, and every child in our city deserves access to that opportunity. This investment reflects our commitment to youth, equity, and a thriving cultural future for our community.”

These classes will be offered in addition to the long-running Art in the Park program for toddlers. They are scheduled in collaboration with the Hoboken Recreation program, allowing Hoboken youth to attend Recreation sports in the morning and arts classes in the afternoon.

Classes will be held in the Seventh and Jackson Street Gym and the ResilienCity Park Community Room, Monday through Friday between 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. They will be held for five sessions, starting June 30 and ending Aug. 1.

Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Classes are offered free of charge to families that qualify for free and reduced lunch.

The new paid Teen Leaders-in-Training Program will provide Hoboken youths between 15 and 18 with leadership skills while they assist professional artists with the above classes. Applicants must have an interest in the arts and mentoring younger students, and must go through an interview process. Space is limited.

A full description and qualifications can be found at hoboken.recdesk.com or https://hoboken.recdesk.com/Community/Program.

Registration for Art in Park, the new summer arts programs, and the Teen Leaders-In-Training Program opened on Friday, May 9, at 6 p.m. The deadline to apply to the Teen-Leaders-in-Training Program is Friday, May 23, at 6 p.m.