Inspire, challenge and celebrate students and professional artists by sponsoring the 2021 Creative Mentorship Program!

To make a contribution through our secure campaign donation page please click here: 
EMPOWER - CONNECT - CELEBRATE!

For the 2021 program cycle we are needing to raise $14,000 in the fall of 2020 to provide for a smaller number of student-mentor pairs (2-3 vs the usual 5) for an all online version of the program or hybrid online/social distanced program if allowed. Unfortuntately, the pandemic hit right as the program was underway in 2020 and we had to cancel the final three months of last year's program. With more time and better knowledge, we are prepared to adapt the program accordingly for 2021. The $14,000 budget covers compensation for the local artist mentors, art supply budgets for the student projects, workshop expenses (also supporting local artists), exhibition costs, staff management and other program facilitation overhead.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Creative Mentorship Program is a unique annual partnership between the Durham Art Guild and Student U. Together, our organizations connect high school students in Durham Public Schools with artist mentors from the Durham Art Guild. The program empowers students to discover and develop their creative voices and artistic skills through 20 weeks of one-on-one dedicated work with a professional artist, involvement with the local arts community through monthly field trips, and a culminating exhibition of their projects in the Durham Art Guild Gallery at Golden Belt.  

Now going into year nine, the Creative Mentorship Program continues enriching the lives of Student U students by helping them to broadly envision their futures. They gain valuable tools for creative problem solving and creative self-expression while building a strong network that will support them in achieving their goals. We are excited to welcome Anthony Patterson as the new DAG Education and Outreach Coordiantor who will be the primary manager of the Creative Mentorship Program. We are very excited to bring new skills, energy and ideas into this important program and the DAG leadership team!

     
To make a contribution through our secure campaign donation page please click here: 
EMPOWER - CONNECT - CELEBRATE!

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

• Every donation makes an impact! - You can make a contribution in any amount that you prefer.
   
• EMPOWER! - Donation of $2,000+

  Your contribution will cover all expenses for one student-mentor pair. EMPOWER an artist to share their skills and creativity with the next generation. EMPOWER a student to explore their own ideas and bring them to fruition. EMPOWER your community by forming lasting connections. 

• CONNECT! - Donation of $1,000+

  Your contribution will support the program’s community outreach efforts. CONNECT students to a wide range of artists, organizations, exhibitions and programming through fields trips and workshops that will enrich and broaden their creative experience. 

• CELEBRATE! - Donation of $500+

  Your contribution will support the final exhibit. CELEBRATE our students and mentors by providing professional framing and presentation for their work, supporting elements of the exhibition as well as promotional efforts for events and programming.

 MORE INFORMATION

If you have additional questions about the Creative Mentorship Program or if you would like to support the program in other ways, please contact our Executive Director, Katie Seiz, at gallerydirector@durhamartguild.org.

About the Durham Art Guild: Established in 1948, the Durham Art Guild is one of the oldest nonprofit, member-driven visual arts organizations in the U.S. celebrating over 70 years of service to regional artists. The Guild's mission is to enrich and connect our communities by creating opportunities and providing leadership for current and future visual artists and art enthusiasts. The Guild operates multiple gallery venues including the largest nonprofit gallery in the Triangle, offering over 20 rotating exhibits and receptions, free to the community throughout the year showcasing over 300 regional artists. durhamartguild.org 

About Student U: Student U is a community organization that uses the power of education, advocacy, and leadership to build a just and equitable Durham. We empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city. Together, we’re creating a Durham where all students succeed. studentudurham.org

Featured images:
1st block: Images are from the 2018 CMP and the "Brought to Life" exhibition events. Photos courtesy of Negin Naseri and Student U. 2nd block: Images are from the 2017 CMP and the "Place of Sense" exhibition. Photos courtesy of Negin Naseri and Student U. 3rd block: All images of 2016 CMP "Seeing Myself" exhibition. Photos courtesy of Bob Noceck. 4th block: All images of 2015 CMP "Rites of Passage" exhibition. Photos ourtesy of Tim Walter.