Mentoring Young Artists (peer-to-peer mentorship)
ABOUT THE UNION
The Union for Contemporary Art is a community-based cultural center that directly supports local artists and increases the visibility of contemporary art forms in North Omaha and its surrounding communities.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Mentoring Young Artists program pays young artists, ages 16-18 yrs who are interested in gaining hands-on experience as mentors and leaders for youth enrolled in our Saturday programs.
This program offers opportunities to build professional skills and relationships with experienced artists, educators, and youth while supporting our goal to increase access to the arts for young people living in and around North Omaha.
Commitment: 36 weeks, 2.5-10 hours weekly; about 200 hrs in total
Terms: Fall/Spring (August 5, 2025 - May 6, 2026)
Schedule: Wednesdays 5-7:30p, Thursdays + Fridays 4:30-8:30p, Saturdays 9:30a-5p
Compensation: $4,000 stipend, snacks, and meals are provided
ABOUT YOU
You are a young artist, 16-18 years of age, and have a desire to share your talents with younger artists! (ages 8-15 yrs)
You love ceramics, jewelry design, fashion design, sewing, crochet, weaving, sculpture, or woodworking.
You are passionate about the arts and building community
You have a strong desire to pursue a career in the arts
You can commit to all program meetings as follows:
Tuesday - Friday, 9:30a-4:30p, August 5-8
Wednesdays 5-7:30p, August 20 - May 6
Select Thursdays + Fridays 4:30-8:30p, Dates TBD (6 total)
Saturdays 9:30a-1p OR 1:30-5p September 6 - May 2 (based on assigned program)
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the guidance of Union staff, participants will be expected to
encourage, inspire, and lead younger artists in learning and creative play
assist with setup, cleanup, and general maintenance of the youth studios
create a teaching artist portfolio for professional use
engage in the local artist community through group outings
attend youth + family community events
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Gain experience with mentoring, teaching artistry, group facilitation
Practice creative problem solving and art-making techniques
Connect with and learn from local artists, educators, and nonprofit leaders
STIPEND + BENEFITS
Peer mentors will receive up to $4,000, paid in 10 monthly installments of $400, for the 36-week commitment. Snacks and meals are provided.
EVALUATION
Open communication is encouraged throughout the program. In addition to weekly check-ins, where peer mentors are invited to reflect on their experience and ask career questions, the mentors are asked to complete a final written reflection to help us understand how we can improve the program experience.
TO APPLY
Please complete the form online or request a printed copy. The deadline to drop off applications at The Union is Friday, May 9 at 5pm.
All applicants will be notified (via email) of their application status by May 21. Interviews will be held on Saturday, May 31. Applicants selected to participate in the program will be notified by June 11.
Please contact Jacquline Smith, Youth + Community Director, jacquline@u-ca.org | 531.600.0755 if you have any questions or concerns.
The Union for Contemporary Art values diversity. We encourage candidates of any race, religion, color, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin to apply.
