Free Arts
Free Arts is a program of Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities (BBBSTC) that supports artistic and personal youth development through a unique combination of mentorship and arts learning. Caring adult volunteers are placed with youth at our partner sites throughout the Twin Cities and engage in weekly art projects.
Free Arts aims to strengthen communities by partnering with social service agencies, community organizations, and local artists; engaging underserved youth with the arts allowing creativity to drive learning; building positive mentoring relationships; and expanding arts programming to under-resourced neighborhoods.
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 support from volunteer mentors like you, young people can unlock their creativity and self-expression in a safe and supportive environment.
Our Free Arts program runs in three terms throughout the year: Spring (February to April), Summer (mid-June to mid-August), and Fall (October to mid-December). We’re always looking for volunteers (age 16+) to help us lead weekly art projects with kids at our partner sites. Whether you’re available during the mornings or evenings, we have flexible times and over 20 locations to fit your schedule. Sign up for our upcoming term through this interest form!
Our Free Arts Program is also seeking community artists for paid teaching artist residencies!
- Various art forms and genres are welcome
- Background in teaching or working with youth preferred
- $250 per session
- 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.
Questions? Contact Leah Moore, Director of Free Arts, at lmoore@bigstwincities.org or 612-789-2460.
