2014 NYFA Mentoring Program for Immigrant Artists

The New York Foundation for the Arts Mentoring Program— a vital component of itsImmigrant Artist Program (IAP) — pairs immigrant artists working in all disciplines with artist mentors who share a common artistic vision, and provide their mentees with one-on-one support, guiding them to achieve specific goals. From June–September 2014, mentors will provide their mentees with broader access to the New York cultural landscape by sharing ideas, advice, resources, and experiences. The Mentoring Program aims to foster a community, and provides the opportunity to connect with other immigrant artists through group meetings that include professional development workshops, peer learning, and informal gatherings. Mentors will include past alumni of the program, whose experience through previous participation in the program will inform their interaction and commitment to their mentee. Additionally, many of the mentors are immigrant artists themselves, and understand the challenges of sustaining one’s art practice while navigating different cultural perspectives in the contemporary art world. Now in its 8th cycle after seven years of success and growth, the Mentoring Program has paired 124 mentees with 120 mentors. Each cycle has proven to be an invaluable experience for mentees and mentors alike, and artists often remain connected well beyond the program. NYFA nurtures this community with an alumni mixer during the program.  “I was grateful for the opportunity to be part of NYFA’s IAP program, as it has opened many doors for me. It was amazing to meet a group of extremely talented immigrant artists from multiple disciplines.” Grace Jahng Lee, Mentee 2013, Writer “Working with [mentor] Volker Goetze and NYFA’s IAP has helped me focus my ideas, which were varied, into a single plan with a workable process. In my case, the realization was that recording and releasing my debut album is the key step I needed to make in order to realize all the other career goals I set for myself. Volker helped me immensely in figuring out the priorities, possibilities and people with whom I need to work in order to take that step. … I’m truly grateful for the guidance and sense of direction this experience and everyone involved gave me throughout my participance in the IAP.” Oded Tzur, Mentee 2013, Saxophonist, Composer, and Educator  -

Guidelines and Eligibility

This is a competitive program open to artists from all disciplines (performing, literary, visual, and multi-disciplinary) and provided free of charge to accepted participants. Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must: Live within the New York Tri-State metropolitan area (NY, NJ, and CT – within commuting distance of New York City). Were born outside of the United States. (Those born in United States territories may apply). Attended at least Kindergarten - 8th Grade schooling outside the United States. 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. Expectations for Mentees: Expectations for Mentees: To set realistic goals and objectives that are achievable within a short-term program. To be available to communicate and meet with his/her Mentor. To attend group meetings at NYFA’s offices in Brooklyn or host organizations based in New York City (list below). Before applying, please check you are available for these dates as attendance is mandatory. Inaugural Meeting: Tuesday, July 1, 6pm – 8:30pm Follow Up: Wednesday, July 16, 6pm – 8:30pm Alumni Meeting: Wednesday, August 6, 6pm – 8pm Final Celebration/Next Steps: Wednesday, September 10, 6pm – 8:30pm

How To Apply

The application is in 2 parts: Part I: Complete online application. Part II: Email Work Samples to i.outreach@nyfa.org Click Here to Apply: The deadline for submitting this application is Thursday, May 29, 2014. All applicants will receive notification of final decisions by June 16, 2014. For more information about the program and 2013 participants, please click here. Questions? Contact Program Officer, Felicity Hogan at i.outreach@nyfa.org or call at (212) 366-6900 ext. 242.