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Arts Mentorship Program

The objective of DSTL Arts' free Arts Mentorship Program for emerging artists from underserved communities is to help students develop new and existing skills in their preferred art medium while also learning important skills for entering careers in the arts.

Participants begin by choosing their preferred artistic medium and a social topic, or topics, they feel inspired by, from personal identity, poverty and education, to environmental issues and more. By working one-on-one or in a small group with their Arts Mentor, students begin exploring these social issues while receiving coaching in their individual art projects, with a focus on developing and mastering new storytelling and art techniques.

After working towards creating new stories for our community with the guidance of an Arts Mentor, participants prepare an artistic portfolio and personal art project to display, publish, or perform in an annual, DSTL Arts-coordinated art show.

Enrollment in our Arts Mentorship Program lasts for a minimum of one year, and may continue for participants who show true dedication to their craft. Students enrolled in our program must meet our eligibility criteria at their time of enrollment. Continue on to learn more about our Arts Mentorship Program's eligibility requirements.

Arts Mentorship Program Options

Creative Writing Mentorships

Visual Arts Mentorships

Arts Mentorship Program Eligibility and Application Criteria

– Emerging Artists, ages 16 and up, only
– Students must meet at least one of three following eligibility requirements:
  • part of a low-income family
  • have a learning or physical disability
  • current or former foster youth
– A portfolio of previous artistic work must be submitted for review (copies only, do not submit originals)
– Student applicants must attend and successfully complete an entrance interview and orientation

Applications only accepted during the following dates:
  • January 1–January 31
  • July 1–July 31
Please note: Due to our current program capacity, we are forming a wait list. Applicants shall be informed of future openings in the order that their applications are received. Applications received outside of these dates may be considered during the next application period. Portfolios shall not be returned. Incomplete applications shall not be considered.

Arts Mentorship Program–Enrollment Application (download)

programs_enrollment_application.pdf
File Size: 233 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Our programs are supported in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, a local agency, the City of Los Angeles–Department of Cultural Affairs, and generous donors like you.
California Arts Council
National Endowment for the Arts
LA County Arts Commission
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DSTL Arts – a nonprofit arts mentorship organization that inspires, teaches, and hires emerging artists from underserved communities.
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  • Home
  • Programs
    • Arts Mentorship Program
    • Poet/Artist-in-Residence Program
    • Artist Residency Workshops
    • Conchas y Café Zine
    • Art Block Zine
    • Aurtistic Zine
  • E-Zine
  • Shop
  • Donate
    • Lowride 4 Lit
  • About
  • Connect
    • Volunteer
  • Upcoming Workshops and Events