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Help an Artist Build Their Creative Path Forward Do you have experience, knowledge, or a creative practice that could help another artist grow? Art from the Inside is seeking mentors for the 2026–27 Creative Pathways Leadership Lab, and we would love to hear from artists, arts professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and others who are interested in supporting formerly incarcerated artists. Creative Pathways Leadership Lab is a holistic support program designed to empower formerly incarcerated artists through personal growth, wellness, creative development, and professional development. This year, participants will be matched with mentors who can share their experience and expertise in different areas related to being an artist in today's world. Whether or not you have lived experience of incarceration, your knowledge, creative practice, and willingness to support another artist can make a meaningful difference. We are looking for people who have something meaningful to share and who are willing to listen, encourage, and help an artist move their practice forward. What does a mentor do?Mentors will be matched with one or more participating artists and asked to: Meet with your matched artist(s) approximately 4–6 times over 2.5 months, either virtually or in person Share your experience, knowledge, and perspective Provide guidance and encouragement as the artist develops their creative practice Help your artist think through professional, creative, or personal goals Share a 30-minute presentation with the full group about your particular area of expertise or your own artistic practice during one of the program's six online sessions Work collaboratively with your artist to prepare a short presentation for the group
Mentors will be paid a stipend for their time. The program begins with an Orientation Session on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. CST, followed by gatherings every other Wednesday evening from early October through mid-December. Mentor meetings will take place during the weeks between group sessions. We anticipate a cohort of approximately 8-10 formerly incarcerated artists, each with a current artistic practice. Who might make a great mentor?You might be an artist yourself. You might work in a gallery, museum, nonprofit, creative business, or educational setting. You might have experience with marketing, social media, fundraising, entrepreneurship, exhibitions, public speaking, arts administration, creative entrepreneurship, publishing, photography, music, writing, visual art, or another area that could help an artist build a sustainable creative life. Most importantly, we're looking for people who are generous with their knowledge, curious about another person's creative journey, and committed to helping artists thrive. Interested in becoming a mentor?Please take a few minutes to complete our mentor interest form so we can learn more about you, your experience, and what you might be able to offer a participating artist. APPLY TO BE A CREATIVE PATHWAYS MENTOR Art from the Inside staff will make final mentor selections in mid-September. If you have questions, please email artfromtheinsidemn@gmail.com. Thank you for considering being part of this work. A good mentor can make a lasting difference and we hope you'll join us in creating meaningful pathways for artists coming home. With gratitude, Art from the Inside
Creating space for artists, connection, healing, and new possibilities.
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