Free Arts
Free Arts leverages the power of mentoring by providing children with a safe place for artistic expression and self-discovery. Caring adult volunteers engage youth in art projects at partner sites throughout the Twin Cities. Through these supportive and consistent experiences, children build trusting and positive relationships that can have a life-changing impact.
Our Free Arts program is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Free Arts was previously offered by Free Arts Minnesota, a nonprofit originally founded by Junior League of Minneapolis. We’re deeply grateful to Junior League members for supporting arts programming in the Twin Cities.
Weekly Mentorship
This program brings creative arts to youth who may have experienced poverty, homelessness, abuse, or mental illness. With the support of caring mentors, young people unlock their creativity and self-expression in a safe and supportive environment.
CREATE Workshop
Youth and mentors explore a specific artistic style or theme on a semi-regular basis instead of the weekly commitment required by Weekly Mentorship program, affording individuals or groups more flexibility to engage with their community.
Check out our CREATE project curriculum!
The Free Arts Program is seeking community artists for paid teaching artist residencies!
- Various art forms and genres are welcome
- Background in teaching or working with youth preferred
- $800 for full residency (4 classes over a span of 8-12 weeks)
- Supplies will be covered and/or provided
- LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals are highly encouraged to apply
To apply for our teaching artist residency, please fill out the application here.
