Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: Performing and Literary Arts

NYFA is pleased to announce this upcoming mentorship program for immigrant artists, with support from The Vilcek Foundation. Application deadline extended through Thursday, May 11! 

Calling all immigrant artists working in the performing and literary arts: applications are now being accepted for NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program! The program is open to artists working in music and composition, dance and choreography, performance art, theater arts (acting, producing, directing) and literary arts including fiction, non-fiction, playwriting, storytelling, and poetry. This includes folk and traditional artists in these disciplines. 

The program will run from June to September 2017, and will bring performing and literary artists together to nurture a productive environment for collaboration. The application deadline is Thursday, May 11, 2017.

Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program pairs immigrant artists working in a variety of disciplines with artist mentors who provide one-on-one support for their artistic practice, guiding their mentees to achieve specific goals and providing them with broader access to the New York cultural world through an exchange of ideas, resources, and experiences.

Additionally, the Mentoring Program aims to foster community, providing opportunities to connect with other immigrant artists through group meetings, peer learning, and informal gatherings that include alumni from 2007 to the present. Through access to other artists, arts professionals, and organizations, the program offers immigrant artists the opportunity to focus on their creative practice and gain support and exposure for their work while upholding their distinct identities.

Testimonials: 
NYFA‘s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program is a wonderful opportunity for immigrants to learn about opportunities that are open to them in the overwhelming artistic world of New York City. It was great to feel that I wasn’t alone in my struggles to make a living as an artist in a foreign country and that there are avenues of support. – Tina Mitchell, Performing Arts (IAP ‘16)

Being in a new place makes the self-doubts even more palpable than usual and I needed to be reassured that maybe I am (or can be) a little more than just another inconsequential struggling writer in a city filled with struggling writers and artists, and that I can thrive in this industry. NYFA gave me that affirmation and helped me reframe my thoughts of myself as a writer, provided practical resources, and gave me the tools to explore beyond what is comfortable for me. – Joni Cham, author of the novel In My Mother’s House (IAP ‘16)

Eligibility: 
– Immigrant artists working in the performing and literary arts; see first paragraph for full description of these categories.
– Live within the New York City Metropolitan area within commuting distance of New York City. 
– Were born outside of the United States; those born in United States territories i.e. Puerto Rico or Virgin Islands may also apply.
– Have been pursuing a career as an artist for the last 1-10 years in the United States. 
– Are NOT currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree program. 

Program Dates:
Introduction: Monday, June 12, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Meet the Mentors: Monday, June 26, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Check-In: Monday, July 10, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Check-In: Monday, August 7, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Final Celebration: Monday, September 18, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: all meetings will be held at NYFA, 20 Jay Street, Suite 740, Brooklyn, NY 11201 unless otherwise notified.

Attendance is mandatory to all sessions, please check your calendar before applying.

Deadline: Thursday, May 11, 2017

Notifications: By Monday, May 22, 2017

To Apply: Click here to review guidelines and to apply via Submittable. First-time users will need to register with Submittable to access the application portal.

Questions? Contact IAP team at [email protected].

This program is made possible with the generous support of The Vilcek Foundation. 

Click here for more information on the Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program. And don’t forget to sign up for the monthly Con Edison IAP Newsletter to receive opportunities and events as well as artist features directly to your inbox.

Images: Tina Mitchell, Performing Arts (IAP ‘16), as Mata Hari and Mary McKenzie as Sister Leonide in Mata Hari, produced by the Prototype Festival, Photo: Paula Court; Goal setting meeting notes, IAP 2016, Photo: Joni Cham; Andrew Eguchien (IAP ‘16), Photo: Summer Vocal Arts at Brooklyn Music School and Jaznina Santiago.