New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) provides the concrete resources that working artists and emerging arts organizations need to thrive.
Our professional development programs include panels, workshops, individual consultations, and training opportunities. To be notified of any events, workshops, and open calls, grants and awards, please sign up here or visit our website www.nyfa.org.
Established in 1971 as an independent organization to serve individual artists throughout the state, the mission of New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is to empower emerging artists and arts organizations across all disciplines at critical stages in their creative lives and professional/organizational development. In 2009, we extended our programs and services throughout the United States and the international community.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a NYFA Mentor!
Please scroll down and complete the interest form.
Many mentors express how rewarding and valuable the experience is, with collaborations, exhibitions, and lasting relationships coming out of the program. This year, the program will be happening between January - June 2027. Mandatory and optional meeting dates are listed below.
To apply as a Mentor, candidates may either be immigrants or be interested in supporting immigrant communities. We ask mentors to nurture a collaborative community that respects different perspectives and support the mentees by sharing resources and advocating for them.
Mentor Expectations:
1. Review applications specific to your discipline area to identify 3 potential mentees.
2. Attend the Mentor Orientation Meeting (virtual): Thursday, January 7, 2026 6:00 - 7:30 PM ET
- Introductions/Expectations/Guidance/Questions
3. Commit to meet with your mentee individually for 8 hours at regular intervals during the period of the program January 2027 - June 2027.
4. Attend the mandatory, in-person group meetings below:
- Meet the Mentor I (in-person; Location TBD): Wednesday, February 3, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET
- Meet the Mentor II (in-person; Location TBD): Wednesday, February 24, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET
- Final Celebration (in-person; Location TBD): Wednesday, June 9, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET
5. Save the date for the optional meeting below:
- Alumni Mixer (in-person; Location TBD): Wednesday, May 26, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET
- In/Between Exhibition Opening (in-person; New York Live Arts: 219 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011): Tuesday, April 13, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM ET
6. Complete a final evaluation of the program.
NYFA provides a stipend of $1,000 to mentors (provided in two installments of $500), to support your time invested in the program.
When applying, please hold the dates on your calendar until the confirmation of your participation as a mentor on October 16, 2026. Once confirmed, you will receive instructions for the selection process. We plan to notify the mentees on November 24.
NOTE: At this time the dates listed are planned for an in-person program, implemented in accordance with local and state health guidelines as well as program partners’ guidelines. The program will be moved online, if necessary. Any questions, please contact the Learning team at i.outreach@nyfa.org