Mentor with our Museum & Studio Visit Program!

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Teen Arts Program

Museum and Studio Visiting Program (MSVP)

The Museum/Studio Visit Program creates opportunities for teens to have access to leaders in the NYC visual arts community. Youth and mentor pairs meet monthly, to tour artists’ studios, participate in creative workshops, and build visual literacy.

What is TAP - Museum and Studio Visit Program?

Volunteer Mentors in TAP’s Museum & Studio Visit Program are paired 1-on-1 with a teen (8th-10th grader) and accompany their mentee’s on monthly visits to diverse arts institutions and artist studios. Mentor pairs will attend four group visits to various cultural institutions (visits include a guided tour, creative workshop, and lunch) organized by Free Arts. In between these visits, the mentor will organize individual monthly visits with their mentee tailored to the teen’s interests, including an interactive art activity led by the mentor.

Time Commitment

• 1 Saturday afternoon per month from October to June (Combination of four predetermined + five flexible dates)

• Monthly check-ins with Teen Arts Program Manager by phone and complete online survey

As a TAP Mentor You Can Expect Free Arts to Provide

• Six hours of professional development trainings in Youth Development

• FANYC Membership Card with museum visit discounts + selection of museum passes

• Activity samples and additional curriculum planning resources

• Dedicated Teen Arts Program staff support, including monthly check-ins

Museum/ Studio Visit Mentor Responsibilities

• Identify one exhibit or piece to be the focus of each individual visit

• Develop an interactive art activity inspired by your visits for an end of cycle exhibition

• Prepare for each group visit by looking over the museum/artist’s website and current exhibitions

• Model active listening and positive participation for teens while on tours and during workshops

• Participate in visit debriefs with teens and Free Arts NYC staff following each trip

• Submit monthly online survey after visit

Mentor Applicant Requirements

● Experience and enthusiasm for working with teens (8 th -10 th graders)

● Demonstrated interest in exploring the cultural landscape of NYC; studio art and/or art history background

● 1-2 years youth development experience

Application Process:

1. Submit Supplemental Application + Resume

2. Attend a General Volunteer Orientation

3. Interview with a Free Arts staff member and submit references (2 professional, 1 personal)

If paired with a mentee you will be invited to:

1. Fingerprinting with Go Pass (only for volunteer accepted into the program)

2. Attend Program Logistics Training (Choice of dates: Sept. 26th or Sept. 30th

3. Attend Meet & Greet with Mentee (Date TBD)