Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville is hiring: Artist Mentor in Nashvil
Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville, Nashville, TN, United States
Daybreak Arts’ Next Horizon Academy is a structured and skills-based education program designed to help artists experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in the Daybreak Artist Collective program advance their creative practice and build career pathways in the arts. A key component of the Next Horizon Academy is the Artist Mentor Program , which provides individualized guidance as artists strengthen their creative skills, develop cohesive bodies of work, build professional portfolios, and prepare to present solo exhibitions through real-world experience.
We are launching a 5-month pilot mentorship program from March 2026 to July 2026. Following the pilot, we will begin the first full-year mentorship program running October 2026 through July 2027, providing expanded opportunities for mentorship, exhibition experience, and professional development to Daybreak Artists.
Why Become a Daybreak Mentor Mentoring a Daybreak Artist is more than sharing skills—it’s helping someone thrive, grow, and rebuild their life through art —despite the systemic barriers and limited access they often face. Daybreak Artists experience challenges that often exclude them from traditional art world opportunities. By offering guidance, encouragement, and professional insight, Daybreak Mentors play a vital role in supporting artists as they develop their creative voice, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. Your time and expertise can help artists produce cohesive bodies of work, present solo exhibitions, and navigate the professional art world with independence and pride.
Role of Mentors Mentors support Daybreak artists as they transition from portfolio development to professional exhibition practice. Mentors provide guidance on:
Planning, organizing, and presenting solo exhibitions
Gallery skills, display techniques, and installation planning
Public engagement, including artist talks and community interaction
Professional development in marketing, communications, and logistics
Preparing for larger, funded exhibitions in the next phase
Pilot Program Timeline Deadline to apply: Monday, February 16, 2026 (11:59pm)
Beginning of March: Announce Mentor and Daybreak Artist matches
Week of March 2-6: Artist/Mentor Meet & Greet Party
April 2026: Mentors start meeting bi-weekly with Daybreak artists
June/July 2026: Execution of Artists’ Solo Show
August 2026: Renew your mentorship for the next year and Daybreak artist cohort
Time Commitment and Expectations Mentors will commit about 2-4 hours per month starting in April 2026. Responsibilities include:
Meeting bi-weekly for 6 weeks with assigned artists to provide guidance and feedback
Advising on exhibition planning, portfolio presentation, and professional growth
Supporting artists as they navigate real-world exhibition, marketing, and sales challenges
Encouraging independence, confidence, and self-sufficiency
Honorarium: $150 upon completion
Deadline to apply: Monday, February 16, 2026 (11:59pm)
Email questions to nicole@daybreakarts.org
Application link: https://forms.gle/dhLANUbkpdrhGTcN9
Qualifications Demonstrated experience as a practicing artist or creative professional
Strong technical skills in one or more media (painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, etc.)
Experience presenting work publicly, including exhibitions, solo shows, or professional portfolios
Knowledge of gallery practices, exhibition planning, and installation techniques
Familiarity with marketing, social media, and professional communication in the arts
Understanding of professional art world practices, including pricing, selling, or fundraising
Experience teaching, coaching, or mentoring artists of varying skill levels preferred
Ability to provide constructive feedback and encouragement
Strong communication skills and active listening
Empathy, patience, and the ability to build trust with artists from diverse backgrounds
Commitment to supporting artists’ growth while respecting their individual voice and vision
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We are launching a 5-month pilot mentorship program from March 2026 to July 2026. Following the pilot, we will begin the first full-year mentorship program running October 2026 through July 2027, providing expanded opportunities for mentorship, exhibition experience, and professional development to Daybreak Artists.
Why Become a Daybreak Mentor Mentoring a Daybreak Artist is more than sharing skills—it’s helping someone thrive, grow, and rebuild their life through art —despite the systemic barriers and limited access they often face. Daybreak Artists experience challenges that often exclude them from traditional art world opportunities. By offering guidance, encouragement, and professional insight, Daybreak Mentors play a vital role in supporting artists as they develop their creative voice, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. Your time and expertise can help artists produce cohesive bodies of work, present solo exhibitions, and navigate the professional art world with independence and pride.
Role of Mentors Mentors support Daybreak artists as they transition from portfolio development to professional exhibition practice. Mentors provide guidance on:
Planning, organizing, and presenting solo exhibitions
Gallery skills, display techniques, and installation planning
Public engagement, including artist talks and community interaction
Professional development in marketing, communications, and logistics
Preparing for larger, funded exhibitions in the next phase
Pilot Program Timeline Deadline to apply: Monday, February 16, 2026 (11:59pm)
Beginning of March: Announce Mentor and Daybreak Artist matches
Week of March 2-6: Artist/Mentor Meet & Greet Party
April 2026: Mentors start meeting bi-weekly with Daybreak artists
June/July 2026: Execution of Artists’ Solo Show
August 2026: Renew your mentorship for the next year and Daybreak artist cohort
Time Commitment and Expectations Mentors will commit about 2-4 hours per month starting in April 2026. Responsibilities include:
Meeting bi-weekly for 6 weeks with assigned artists to provide guidance and feedback
Advising on exhibition planning, portfolio presentation, and professional growth
Supporting artists as they navigate real-world exhibition, marketing, and sales challenges
Encouraging independence, confidence, and self-sufficiency
Honorarium: $150 upon completion
Deadline to apply: Monday, February 16, 2026 (11:59pm)
Email questions to nicole@daybreakarts.org
Application link: https://forms.gle/dhLANUbkpdrhGTcN9
Qualifications Demonstrated experience as a practicing artist or creative professional
Strong technical skills in one or more media (painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, etc.)
Experience presenting work publicly, including exhibitions, solo shows, or professional portfolios
Knowledge of gallery practices, exhibition planning, and installation techniques
Familiarity with marketing, social media, and professional communication in the arts
Understanding of professional art world practices, including pricing, selling, or fundraising
Experience teaching, coaching, or mentoring artists of varying skill levels preferred
Ability to provide constructive feedback and encouragement
Strong communication skills and active listening
Empathy, patience, and the ability to build trust with artists from diverse backgrounds
Commitment to supporting artists’ growth while respecting their individual voice and vision
#J-18808-Ljbffr