Film: 'Art Is Work'

Quad City Arts’ "Art is Work" is a documentary film project reflecting on the 25-year legacy of its Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, a paid arts apprenticeship that empowers young artists to create public art alongside professional artists.

Created by Quad City Arts and led by lead artist Stacy Barton of Augustana College and the Metro Arts Documentary Filmmaking apprentices, the film highlights the voices of past and present participants, capturing how Metro Arts has shaped creative careers, fostered mentorship, and made a lasting impact on the community through the core belief that artists—of all ages—deserve to be paid for their work.