Apply Now | Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: Newark

Apply Now | Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: Newark

NYFA to bring Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program to Newark through the support of the Ford Foundation and local partners.

Through the support of the Ford Foundation, the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to announce the Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: Newark, presented in collaboration with Newark local partners New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC); Newark Arts Education Roundtable (NAER); Paul Robeson Galleries, Express Newark; Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art; and City Without Walls (cWOW).

The program’s goal is to foster a local community of immigrant artists through entrepreneurial training, 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 cultural identities.

The program will combine two of NYFA’s professional development programs, the Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program in which NYFA provides access to artist mentors and art professionals via panels and workshops, with NYFA’s Artist As Entrepreneur Boot Camp Program that provide artists with the fundamental principles of sustainability in the arts. Featured topics will include strategic planning, finance, law, marketing, and fundraising.

In collaboration with Newark-based partners, the program will have two weekend boot camps, one-on-one mentoring, an informal gathering between weekends, with individual consultations as a follow-up component to the program.

This is a competitive program open to artists from all disciplines (performing, literary, visual, multi-disciplinary, folk and traditional arts) based in Newark, NJ and provided free of charge to accepted participants. The program will run from December 2017 to April 2018, and will bring together Newark artists to nurture a productive environment for collaboration.

Testimonial: 

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:

  • Live within the Newark area, within commuting distance of Newark*
  • Were born outside of the United States. (Those born in United States territories i.e. Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, may apply)  
  • Are NOT currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree program.

*Priority will be given to artists living and working in Newark; however the program is open to artists in New Jersey within commuting distance of Newark.

Mandatory Sessions:

First Weekend Boot Camp Workshop:
Saturday, December 9, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday, December 10, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Second Weekend Boot Camp Workshop:
Saturday, March 17, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday, March 18, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Newark-based partners will host meetings.

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

Application Deadline: Monday, November 6, 2017 11:59 PM EST*

*Extended from Monday, October 30

Application Guidelines: For the application we ask you provide

  • Your long-term goals and why you are interested in applying to this program
  • A narrative bio of your professional career
  • A link to your website or online presence
  • Work samples

To Apply:  Applicants can apply via Submittable or email a completed application to [email protected] with “Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: Newark” in the subject line of the email. First-time Submittable users will need to register with Submittable to access the application portal. Electronic submissions should be completed by Monday, October 30, 2017, 11:59 PM EST. You can access the PDF here.

If you would prefer apply by mail, completed applications must arrive by the day of the deadline Monday, November 6, to NYFA, at 20 Jay Street, Suite 740, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Attention: Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: Newark.

Notification: Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Questions? Contact the Learning team at [email protected]

This program is made possible with the support of the Ford Foundation. 

Thanks to our cultural partners in Newark: New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC); Newark Arts Education Roundtable (NAER); Paul Robeson Galleries, Express Newark; Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art; and City Without Walls (cWOW).

Lead partner organization New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, N.J., has the most diverse programming and audience of any performing arts center in the country, and is the artistic, cultural, educational, and civic center of New Jersey–where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 8 million visitors (including over 1.6 million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. 

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.

Image: Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: Performing and Literary Arts, June 2017, Photo Credit: NYFA

Amy Aronoff
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