Announcing Improvements for the Future of LRAC’s Arts Mentorship Program

Eligibility Expanded to Include Students in Grades 8 through 12

The Arts Mentorship Program pairs students with professionals in their artistic field.

LRAC’s Arts Mentorship Program is our primary way to support young artists so they can advance their skills in their chosen art form. LRAC began the program in 1987 to supplement arts education programming in our region's high schools by providing selected students the opportunity to study one-on-one in their chosen art with a professional artist, or participate in a workshop, residency program, or summer arts camp in Minnesota.

This year LRAC will be extending the program to include applications from students in grades 8 through 12; last year only grades 9-11 were eligible. We will also be increasing the number of mentorships available from 14 to 17. We hope by extending our eligibility and increasing the number of mentorships, more deserving students can participate in the program. 

Dates to Remember:

Applications DUE:

Midnight
Sunday, January 22, 2023

Applications OPEN:

Friday, December 16, 2022

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Who Can Apply for the Arts Mentorship Program?

Student artists practicing all disciplines are encouraged to apply for the Arts Mentorship Program.

After completing the program, students participate in a showcase where their work is presented to the public.

Student artists work side by side with mentors that are professionals in their artistic discipline.

Student artists that have previously participated in the Arts Mentorship Program include a wide range of mediums from photography to painting and writing.

In FY23, the Arts Mentorship Program will be widening the age bracket to include students in grades 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Scholarships are awarded based on commitment, potential for artistic development and equitable access. Previous formal arts training is not required.

To be eligible for funding:

1. Student must be in grade 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and attend a public, private, or home school.

2. Student must be a resident of the LRAC region.
   This includes anyone currently living within one of the region’s nine counties: Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin.

3. Students with little or no previous formal arts training as well as students with extensive arts backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

4. Student must submit a complete and accurate application online and upload all required supporting documents.

5. Student must participate in the March 2023 auditions.
   (date has yet to be determined)

6. Student can submit only one application per year. Students who have previously been awarded a mentorship may not apply again in the same discipline but may apply in a different discipline.

Applicants will not be eligible for funding if:

The student is a member of the immediate household of an LRAC Board Member, employee, or anyone that has an independent contract with LRAC

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Ready, Set, GO:

It’s Time to Start Your Application!

To apply for the Arts Mentorship Program, eligible students must properly fill out and submit their application online.

Anyone that is eligible and interested in applying for the Arts Mentorship Program is encouraged to visit our Arts Mentorship Program page. From there, you’ll find additional information such as guidelines and step-by-step video tutorials explaining how to fill out and submit your application.