NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program Grant

NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: New York Foundation for the Arts
Last Updated: September 18, 2025

Summary

The NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program offers essential 1-on-1 mentorship to foreign-born artists, fostering community connections and professional development. This unique initiative, recognized as one of the best mentorship programs in the U.S., has supported over 525 artists from diverse backgrounds since its inception in 2007. Participants gain access to networking opportunities, workshops, and exhibition prospects, all aimed at enhancing their artistic careers in the vibrant New York cultural landscape. This program is free for accepted applicants.

Overview

NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program Pair with an artist mentor for 1-on-1 SupportConnect with immigrant artist communities The only known program of its kind in the United States, NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program provides foreign-born emerging artists with 1-on-1 career support, community, and exposure for their work. Named one of the “10 Best Mentorship Programs in the U.S. for Post Grads” by Time Out, this program has built a strong network of more than 525 immigrant artists from 76 countries and regions since it was founded in 2007. Historically, NYFA has brought the program to Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Newark, NJ; NYC; Oakland, CA; and San Antonio, TX; serving artists in Visual/Multidisciplinary Art, Performing and Literary Arts, and Social Practice disciplines. This competitive program is provided free of charge to accepted applicants. Program Highlights 1-on-1 mentorship Provide one-on-one support. The program pairs immigrant artists with artist mentors who guide them to achieve specific goals and provide them with broader access to the New York cultural world through an exchange of ideas, resources, and experiences. Professional Development Workshops that provide artists with the fundamental principles of sustainability in the arts (previous topics: cultivating relationships with curators, strategic planning, finance, marketing, and fundraising, etc.) Exhibition Opportunity Opportunity to be selected to exhibit your work in In/Between, an annual immigrant artist group exhibition scheduled to take place in spring 2026 in partnership with New York Live Arts. Networking Opportunities With the program cohort, IAP Mentoring Program alumni, arts professionals, and staff members from various arts organizations, including our Cultural Partners in the NYC area and beyond. Arts-in-Education Training Opportunity to participate in professional development training designed for ProjectArt’s Teaching Artist Residency, observe classes, and receive 1:1 consultation from a Resident Teaching Artist. In partnership with ProjectArt. Featured in Immigrant Artist Newsletter Opportunity to be highlighted in NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Program Monthly Newsletter.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Visual and multidisciplinary artists working in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Video, Film, Photography, New Media, Multidisciplinary, Socially-Engaged Practices, Folk, and Traditional Art.Able to attend mandatory meetings in person in New York City Metropolitan area.Artists born outside of the U.S. or in the U.S. territories (Puerto Rico or Guam, The U.S. Virgin Islands) may apply.Have been pursuing a career as an artist within the range of 1-10 years in the United States.**Are NOT currently enrolled in an arts graduate or undergraduate degree program.This program often benefits those who are at more emerging stages in their U.S. careers.