Apply Now | Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: Performing & Literary Arts

The deadline to apply to this competitive, NYC-based program is Monday, May 14.

Through the support of The Vilcek Foundation, New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to announce our upcoming Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: Performing & Literary Arts. The program runs from June to September 2018. It is be open to performing artists working in music and composition, dance and choreography, performance art, and theater arts (acting, producing, directing), and writers including playwrights, storytellers, and poets, as well as those working in fiction and nonfiction. In bringing these two disciplines together, the program aims to nurture a productive environment for collaboration.

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

Additionally, the mentoring program fosters a 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:

Thank you for creating this platform for immigrants. New York City is an animal in itself and it’s very easy to get lost. In midst of cultural shock, navigating the industry and all the other challenges that come with being an immigrant, this program provides great support and direction. – Swarali Karulkar (IAP: Performing & Literary Arts ’17)

The IAP program has helped me understand and put words on feelings of isolation and hopelessness I guess all immigrants and artists feel when living in NYC. The panels were incredibly informative and covered a broad range of topics for someone like me who is trying to understand how things work in NYC. Through this program I have managed to come up with a more layered vision of my art, I’ve also met amazing human beings that are now part of my artist family. Big thanks to the IAP team, you guys have done an amazing job! – Saïkou Balde (IAP: Performing & Literary Arts ’17)

Eligibility:

● Open to performing artists, including music and composition, dance and choreography, performance art, theater arts (acting, producing, directing), and writers (fiction, non-fiction, playwrights, poets, and storytellers). This includes all folk and traditional arts in these disciplines
● 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, Virgin Islands, may apply)
● Have been pursuing a career as an artist within the range of 1-10 years in the United States
● Are NOT currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree program

Mandatory Sessions:*

Introduction:
Monday, June 4, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Meet the Mentors:
Monday, June 25, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Alumni Mixer Meeting:
Monday, July 16, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Check In:
Monday, September 10, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Final Celebration:
Monday, September 24, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

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

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

Application Deadline (Recently Extended!): Monday, May 14, 2018, 11:59 PM EST

To Apply: Applicants can apply via Submittable.** Electronic submissions should be completed by Monday, May 14, 2018, 11:59 PM EST

**First-time users will need to register with Submittable to access the application portal.

Notification: by Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Questions? Contact the IAP Team at [email protected].

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

Learn more about 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.

Image: Swarali Karulkar (IAP: Performing & Literary Arts ‘17), Photo Credit: Noel Valero