Our Programs
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As of May 2024, we have supported teens from 22 states and 11 countries.
We take a three-pronged approach to supporting teen artists of color. Through the below focuses, we promote racial equity in the arts at both a grassroots and institutional level. Our programs are completely free for anyone to participate in.
Teen Features + Opportunities
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We produce print or video features of teen artists of color on our blog, social media, and YouTube channel. Teens speak about their artmaking and what institutions can do to increase diversity in the arts. You can apply for these features or nominate a teen here.
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“I never thought of myself as an artist before your video… but you made me think, ‘I could go into the arts in the future’… You made me feel seen.” - Sofia Dominguez, web-series interviewee |
We also provide teens with opportunities to showcase their artwork through our newsletter, social media, and collaborations with other organizations. This helps teens gain real-world experience and share their work. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a curated list of opps every month.
Mentorship
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Our biannual mentorship program pairs together teen and professional adult artists of color over either five weeks (summer mentorship) or six months (winter mentorship). Curriculum focuses on professional skill-building (e.g. elevator pitching, portfolio building), allowing teens to learn about life as a full-time artist. At the mentorship’s end, teens share their work with a larger audience during the TeenTix Arts and Opportunities Fair. Applications for our mentorship open in the spring and fall. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when they do.
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"Growing up, art always seemed like a career you could only be successful in as a white person... Then, I got to be mentored by Tatiana Garmendia, who has a culture very similar to mine, and suddenly a whole new world of possibilities opened up to me." - 2020 mentorship participant. |
Additionally, we post blog articles about life as a professional artist of color so that teens can read about BIPOC adult artists' experiences. We have interviewed artists such as Min Jin Lee, Angel Blue, and Cadex Herrera. Check out our articles here.
Educational Initiatives
We curate/share educational resources on our website so viewers can learn about racial equity. We also have a chapter program so teens can educate their community at a local level. Learn more about what it means to start a chapter here.
On an institutional level, we partner with nonprofits/city governments to reduce systemic racism. The Collective is part of Seattle Arts and Culture for Antiracism, through which we work with nonprofit representatives to improve racial equity at 40+ arts organizations. A City of Seattle official also shared our work at major arts organizations’ racial equity trainings.
Ready to get involved? |
Learn about our open opportunities here. If you're looking for a deeper involvement with our work, you can also start a chapter or join our team.
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