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Austin Emerging Arts Leaders identifies and cultivates the next generation of arts leaders by developing inclusive systems for creative and professional growth. Central to this mission, each year approximately five emerging artists and arts administrators are selected and paired with established mentors to build relationships that aid their personal, professional, and creative development.

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Applicants for the Austin EAL Mentorship Program must:

 

• Identify as an artist, arts administrator, or be working toward a career in the arts 

• Live within a 25-mile radius of Austin, or demonstrate clear activity and investment in the Austin arts community if located elsewhere 

• Be 21 years of age or older 

•  Be within the first seven years of their art career

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This application is open to all. We aim for our programs to ensure that all people — including but not limited to those who have been historically underrepresented based on race/ethnicity, age, differing ability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, or religion — are represented in the Austin arts community and leadership. We particularly encourage individuals who identify with historically underrepresented identities to apply. We also understand that "within the first seven years of your creative career" may be realized at different times in different individuals' lives, and may embody the creation of art, or its administration.

 

Overview: 

 

• Mentees are selected first and then paired with a mentor based on areas of desired artistic and professional growth, as facilitated through conversations with the Austin EAL Board.

• The program consists of a seven-month mentorship for artists and arts administrators in the first seven years of their careers in the arts.

• Mentors and mentees will meet at least seven times over the seven-month period. Meeting times are flexible and based on the scheduling preferences of the mentor and mentee but must be dispersed in a manner that allows progress.

• Each mentorship is different and will be tailored to the creative and professional goals of the mentee. Goals will be established through the run of the program and regular communication with an EAL board liaison is required.​

• Mentees will identify a project or area of focus to guide their progress in the program. Each will receive a $1,500 stipend in increments to support the growth of their project or continued professional develop​

• Participation in a culmination event at the end of the program will be required to share projects or experiences with the public. Details of expectations will be shared with selected participants. ​

• Attendance at additional Austin EAL gatherings or events is requested for mentees and recommended for mentors for ongoing engagement with the cohort and the Austin arts community 

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