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.
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
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:
– Student applicants must attend and successfully complete an entrance interview and orientation
Applications only accepted during the following dates:
– 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
– 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
Arts Mentorship Program–Enrollment Application (download)

programs_enrollment_application.pdf | |
File Size: | 233 kb |
File Type: |
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.
DSTL Arts – a nonprofit arts mentorship organization that inspires, teaches, and hires emerging artists from underserved communities.