YoungArts Artist Christopher Barker to receive full tuition to Istituto Marangoni Miami
MIAMI (June 4, 2026) — YoungArts and Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) today announced the launch of The YoungArts x Istituto Marangoni Miami Scholarship to advance the education and careers of exceptional artists working in fashion and design. The inaugural recipient Christopher Barker (2026 Photography) will receive full tuition towards a BFA in Fashion Design or Interior Design at Istituto Marangoni’s Miami campus. Reflecting YoungArts’s and IMM’s shared commitment to providing holistic support to artistic talent, the new annual scholarship creates a vital foundation for artists to develop their crafts in an immersive and industry-focused undergraduate environment.
“Partnerships are fundamental to how YoungArts creates meaningful opportunities for artists across disciplines, and this collaboration with Istituto Marangoni Miami deepens our support for the next generation of leaders in fashion and design,” said Clive Chang, President and CEO of YoungArts. “We are honored to work with partners like Istituto Marangoni Miami to give our bright young artists the support necessary to advance their studies, ensuring they can focus their full attention on developing their crafts and building their careers in the arts.”
“We look forward to welcoming the YoungArts x Istituto Marangoni Miami Scholarship winners to our campus and connecting them with world-class educational and industry experiences,” said Hakan Baykam, President and CEO of Istituto Marangoni Miami. “As an institution with a long history of cultivating fashion and design talent, we are excited to nurture these YoungArts artists through a pivotal moment in their artistic journeys.”
Open to YoungArts artists, the scholarship is selected by a panel of industry professionals based on applicants’ creative vision, curiosity, and dedication to their craft. Barker—a recent graduate of G-Star School of the Arts in Palm Springs, Florida—was selected for his deeply personal practice that blends his passions for photography, digital art, and the cosmos.
About YoungArts
YoungArts is the only national organization that champions artists throughout their lifetimes and across all art forms, fueling the ongoing vitality of the arts nationwide. Building on 45 years of impact, the organization is galvanizing a dynamic ecosystem of support with hundreds of world-class cultural institutions across the country, enabling artists to more effectively shape and sustain their careers. Artists gain lifelong access to critical resources—including funding, incubation and presentation opportunities, mentorship, and professional development — beginning with early recognition as YoungArts Award winners. Through an intergenerational and interdisciplinary network of 24,000 artists, YoungArts cultivates community and drives innovation, collaboration, and career-defining opportunities.
For more information, visit youngarts.org, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
About Istituto Marangoni Miami
At Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM), also known as the Miami School of Fashion and Design, we combine innovation, luxury, and sustainability to provide a transformative learning experience. Rooted in Italian heritage, our School embraces the essence of craftsmanship and creativity, upholding a consistent commitment to excellence.
IMM’s mission is to nurture global talent by combining modern standards with Italian creativity. They strive to be a leading institution in fashion education and to produce graduates who are skilled professionals and visionary leaders in the fashion world.
For more information, visit IMM’s official website. | Instagram: @istitutomarangoni_miami | Facebook: @Istituto Marangoni Miami
