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The 421 Teens Program is an educational initiative that is designed for youth who are interested in pursuing a university-level arts program in the future. The program preps and supports high school students with the knowledge and skills required to successfully take on various creative disciplines in higher education and expands their broader understanding of creative industries.
This program is an outcome of our annual 421 Internship Program, where Aya Afaneh and Sree Jyothish, who were selected through the internship program that year, worked closely with the 421 team to design and develop the teens program for the first time. Since then, the program has expanded and has prepared high school students from across Abu Dhabi to successfully apply for higher education programs in the arts. Now, 421 is running its sixth edition of the program and welcomes applicants based in the Abu Dhabi Region, including Al Dhafrah, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi city, to apply.
Deadline for Studio Practice applications is on September 23 and the program will roll out on October 7.
Deadline for Portfolio Critique applications is on November 10, and the program will roll out on November 30.
In Program Design, two participants will be shortlisted from the Studio Practice sessions to be part of Program Design, which will roll out in January 2026.
The Teens Program includes three main modules, which are described below.
STUDIO PRACTICE
Studio Practice is a series of workshops that develop practical creative skills and provide practice-based guidance to high school students who want to develop their projects for university/college applications and other career opportunities. Through this program, participants learn techniques that advance their artistic practice as well as their portfolio and professional soft-skills.
This program takes place once a week and runs throughout November 2025. Each session will be held after school hours virtually for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The program's final session will take place at 421. This program is free admission; however, prior application is required.
The deadline for Studio Practice applications is September 23.
List of workshops for October 2025:
Workshop 1: Working Through Process
October 7
This session is an investigation of the artistic process and how interdisciplinary art leads to creation. Redefine your understanding of ‘art’ and what it means to be an artist. This session explores the process of research, experimenting, and producing art in a way that works for you.
Workshop 2: Chance Creation
October 14
How can we see objects differently in order to use them unconventionally? What can we learn from the wrong brushstroke and how can we incorporate ‘chance’ accidents into our work? This session explores how accidents can become the most interesting aspect of an artwork and the variety of techniques to embrace imperfections.
Workshop 3: Building a Portfolio
October 21
This session introduces the basics of designing and curating a portfolio for new and young artists. We answer questions like: how to photograph and choose what work to include in a portfolio, how to keep your portfolio interesting with every page turn, and what elements are essential when designing your portfolio!
Workshop 4: Collaboration in the Arts (In-Person)
November 8
This session highlights the power of collaboration in the arts. Together, we will discover how uniting individual creativity, skills, and knowledge can lead to outcomes far greater than what one person could achieve alone. You’ll gain insights into effective collaboration, the magic of creative synergy, and the value of diverse perspectives.
Criteria & Eligibility
High school students interested in the arts who reside in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Students enrolled in grades 11 and 12 (or sixth form).
High school students based in any Abu Dhabi school (Private, Charter, Public).
High school students that are planning to apply for an undergraduate degree or pursuing a career in art-related disciplines, i.e. Architecture, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Animation, and other creative or visual art-based courses.
How to Apply
Please fill out our application form and the signed consent media release form by a legal guardian.
PORTFOLIO CRITIQUE
Portfolio Critique is a mentored session where participants receive feedback and critique on their existing work and how to develop their portfolio further. Download this file for guidance on how to curate your portfolio.
The session will be held on November 30, led by industry professionals, artists and art educators who have extensive experience educating young and emerging artists. This program is free admission; however, prior application is required.
The deadline for Portfolio Critique applications is November 10.
Criteria & Eligibility
High school students interested in the arts who reside in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Students enrolled in grades 11 and 12 (or sixth form).
High school students based in any Abu Dhabi school (Private, Charter, Public).
High school students that are planning to apply for an undergraduate degree or pursuing a career in art-related disciplines, i.e. Architecture, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Animation, and other creative or visual art-based courses.
How to Apply
Please fill out our application form and the signed media release form by a parent or legal guardian.
Application Requirements
Personal Information (Full name, gender, age, city, email address, school currently attending, etc…).
Statement of interest for applying to an undergraduate school in Architecture, Design, Fine Arts, or similar fields.
Mention of other visual arts program enrollment (Mawhibaty, UPCG programs, or others).
Introduction about yourself and your work.
Submit no more than 5 - 8 works digitally which can include unfinished pieces, works in progress, and sketchbooks.
Filled out media release form.
PROGRAM DESIGN
Mentorship Opportunity in Program Design
As part of our Teens Program, we offer a mentorship opportunity for youth who are interested in becoming future art professionals. Two participants from the Studio Practice module will be selected to participate in this opportunity to bring their own art programing ideas to life. From conceptualization to implementation, the two participants will learn how to develop and design their own workshops, and learn the basics of project management skills like budgeting and planning, and finally how to take it through to execution.