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.

What is TAP- Portfolio Mentorship?

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!

Time Commitment:

• Pairs will meet twice a month for 2-3 hours from April-December (1 FANYC-led group workshop, 1 one-on-one meeting) *PLEASE NOTE: The 2022 program is planned to be a hybrid model of in person and virtual*
• Approx. one additional hour each week communicating, creating lesson plans, and completing Free Arts NYC online evaluations or monthly phone calls
• Attendance to H.S. Open Houses, Interviews & Auditions, where possible

As a Portfolio Mentor You Can Expect Free Arts to Provide:

• Four hours of professional development trainings in Youth Development
• Portfolio Mentorship manual (includes resources on pair bonding, goal setting, portfolio development, and
• interviewing / auditioning)
• Dedicated Teen Arts Program staff support, including weekly online & individual monthly check-ins
• Monthly lesson plan clinics with fellow volunteers and Free Arts NYC staff
• Networking with other arts education professionals

Portfolio Mentor Responsibilities:

• Utilizing Portfolio Mentorship manual and TAP Manager support, create a plan for all sessions that ensures the teen's goals are met
• Support mentee in improving their artistic skills, culminating with the creation and mounting of original portfolio pieces at our Annual Youth Showcase
• Help mentee to develop interview / audition skills, as necessary

Portfolio Mentor Applicant Requirements:

• BFA, MFA, or working knowledge of foundational art skills
• Portfolio development experience
• Minimum 1 year NYC residency

TAP Portfolio Mentor Application Process:

• Complete Free Arts NYC’s Online Application , including a resume and portfolio of 3-5 pieces
• Interview with Free Arts Staff & reference check
• Attend two required trainings (Youth Development; Program Logistics)
• Background Check: Fingerprinting through Go Pass

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Priority Deadline: FEBRUARY 21st

Final Deadline, MARCH 1st

For more information or to submit your application, please contact: volunteer@freeartsnyc.org, www.freeartsnyc.org