Become a Portfolio Development Mentor at Free Arts NYC!

Teen Arts Program: Portfolio Mentorship

Free Arts NYC empowers youth from underserved communities through art and mentoring programs to develop their creativity, confidence, and skills to succeed.

From May to January, pairs meet for 1:1 sessions and group workshops. As a volunteer in the Portfolio Mentorship Program, you’ll have the opportunity to mold a young artist while developing your own skills as an artist and educator. During monthly sessions, you’ll guide your mentee through the technical and artistic process of creating a visual portfolio, practice interview and audition skills, while serving as a positive role model. By the end of the program, you will both have shared and strengthened your arts backgrounds and your mentee will have applied to an arts high school or college!

*Programming will take place in a hybrid setting, with a mix of virtual and in-person workshops.

Mentor Responsibilities

May 2024–January 2025

• Commitment to the program and mentorship

• At least one individual meeting with your mentee per month, for at least one hour

• Maintain communication with your mentee throughout the program outside of these meetings (email, phone, texting, etc.)

• Complete online surveys to help us gather information to better our students and programs

• Help teens develop, experiment, prepare and apply for High School or College Arts Programs

Free Arts Provides...

• Dedicated support through periodic check-ins or as needed
• Youth Development and Program Logistics trainings
• Facilitated group workshops and portfolio readiness curriculum
• Annual volunteer appreciation events and access to ticketed events and other art opportunities throughout NYC!

Interested in Becoming a Mentor?

Mentor Applicant Requirements

• Be available on occasional weekends for group workshops and events

• Experience and enthusiasm for working with teens (7th/11th graders)

• Interest in and ability to support portfolio readiness and visual literacy skills

• Fine Arts background, creative practice, or BFA/BA or relevant degree

Application Process

1. Submit online application by February 3rd, 2024!

2. Interview with a Free Arts staff member

3. Attend our Program Training in March/April

4. Pass fingerprint and background check through IdentoGo

5. Attend our Program Kick-Off in May! APPLYNOW!

tinyurl.com/freeartsnyc-mentorship