Parents & Families
Art and Achievement Belong to Everyone
Our mission is to educate and inspire Chicago youth from under-resourced communities and schools through visual arts. By enrolling in Marwen, your student can get exposure to a high-quality arts education, meet like-minded peers, and receive critical college and career prep to reach their full potential. And it’s all completely free.
Marwen’s no-cost programs exist for young artists in Chicago who want to explore visual arts, can commit to a multi-week art class, are in 6th-12th grades during the 2023/24 school year, and do not have access to arts programming due to financial and systemic barriers. Learn more about our values and how we invest in the power of young artists.
New to Marwen and want to register for classes? Complete our New Student Interest form.
Benefits of Arts Education
Hear from a Marwen parent on how our programs, space, and opportunities have made a positive impact on her child...and herself.
At Marwen, your student can develop:
Confidence
By learning to speak publicly about their ideas, they’ll gain critical communication skills and increase their self-esteem.
Skills
They’ll have access to new technology and will learn the latest techniques, which will be invaluable in their college and career aspirations.
Community
They’ll have the opportunity to work closely with their fellow peers, teachers and staff, all of who want to see them succeed.
College & Career Support
Beyond studio courses, we provide resources and programs for everyone, including students who are undocumented, studying art, or pursuing studies and work outside the arts.
College and CareerIndividual Counseling
- High School Selection Process
- College Applications and Financial Aid
- Portfolio Development
- Career Support
Workshops and Events
- College and Career Fairs
- SAT Practice Tests
- College Visits
- Family Workshops
Commissions & Internships
- Design to Print
- Special Commission Projects
- Art at Work
- Art Institute of Chicago
Alumni Programs
- College and Career Support
- Teaching and Exhibiting at Marwen
- Internships, Residencies, and Special Programs
