Mentorship Program – Welcome to Arts On The Block

Mentor an Emerging Creative Professional!

Mentor recruitment happens in the Fall (Oct-Dec.). If you are interested in being a mentor, please fill out our Mentor Interest form and we will reach out once recruitment opens! Feel free to direct questions to one of our College & Career Readiness Coordinators: Annabel Barry abarry@artsontheblock.com or Melissa Ezelle mezelle@artsontheblock.com

Launched in 2019, the mission of the Mentorship Program is to complement the collaborative emphasis of AOB studio work with individualized one-on-one mentorship that supports emerging artists to envision and achieve their educational and career goals. As AOB apprentices and studio crew form meaningful and mutual relationships with creative professionals, they:

Practice self-promotion and self-advocacy;
Learn long-term envisioning and planning skills;
Receive specialized assistance with their endeavors; and
Develop a social and professional network beyond AOB.

Inspire Achievement as an AOB Mentor!

AOB Mentors are empowering, knowledgeable, resourceful, adult volunteers who serve as a support and trusted confidant to an emerging creative and helps ensure that important academic, professional, and life skill milestones are met. They also expose young artists to a network of opportunities and a wide array of resources while encouraging positive professional and educational choices and building pathways to long-term goals. What’s more, one-on-one mentorship is a proven tool for achieving inclusion and equity in the creative industries where familiarity with professional norms and a strong network of connections can be the key to a young person’s success.

Mentor Responsibilities to AOB Emerging Artists

Commit to a 12 month relationship with a young creative

Meet at least 4 hours per month (or 1 hour/week), to engage in professional/educational/career development activities

Be encouraging, supportive, and communicate with consistency

Honor all commitments made to the emerging creative and AOB

Be respectful of our young creative’s time, opinions, and decision-making

Serve as a positive role model via Positive Youth Development

Be comfortable and able to establish appropriate boundaries with youth
Help young creatives develop a milestone plan for achieving their long-term educational/career goals

Mentor Responsibilities to Arts on the Block

Attend meetings with other Mentors to discuss program successes and areas to improve

Communicate regularly with Program Coordinators to track the progress and goals of our emerging creatives
Support building a safe, supportive, welcoming, and trauma-sensitive environment