40 Years of the Youth Art School

At the Youth Art School (JuKS), children and teenagers develop creative skills and discover their own forms of expression—in keeping with the philosophy, which has been in place for 40 years, that creativity can be cultivated in this city. Learn more about the Youth Art School: www.juks-erlangen.de. You can also find the current program there.

Youth Art School with students from Eichendorff Middle School in August 2025 (Photo: JuKS/Eichendorff School)

40 Years of Participation, Diverse Methods, and Action-Oriented Learning

The Erlangen Youth Art School celebrated its 40th anniversary on June 27, 2026. Under the motto “A Place for Experimentation with a Vision for the Future,” visitors were treated to a varied program featuring hands-on activities, exhibitions, and performances.

Since its founding in 1986 as Bavaria’s first municipal youth art school, JuKS has provided children, teens, and families with spaces for creative exploration and expression. Based on the principles of the State Association of Youth Art Schools, the school is committed to

• participation
• diversity of methods, and
• action-oriented learning

are central to its approach. Here, not only are paintings and sculptures created, but also ideas, perspectives, and self-confidence.

In addition to traditional offerings such as painting, drawing, and pottery, the program now includes numerous experimental formats—ranging from “mini-worlds” and painting machines to dance, magic, and textile design, all the way to creative exploration of artificial intelligence. At the same time, the Youth Art School is active throughout the city with art projects in public spaces as well as collaborations with schools, community centers, and other partners.