Location: The Union for Contemporary Art: 2423 N 24th St Omaha, NE 68104
Commitment: 7 weeks, about 200 hrs in total
Term: Summer (June 12, 2026 - August 6, 2026)
Compensation & Benefits: Peer mentors will receive up to $3,000, paid in three installments, for the 7 week commitment. Snacks and meals are provided.
About The Union
The Union for Contemporary Art is a community-based cultural center that provides direct support to local artists and increases the visibility of contemporary art forms in North Omaha and its surrounding communities.
About the program
The Mentoring Young Artists (MYA) program pays young artists (ages 16–18) to gain hands-on experience as mentors and leaders for youth in our Camp Union summer program.
Participants will sharpen their creative skills, build professional teaching artist experience, and connect with established artists and educators from the community; supporting our goal to increase access to the arts for young people living in and around North Omaha.
Priority placement is given to students attending North, Benson, Blackburn, Central, and South high schools.
About you
- You are a young artist, 16-18 yrs of age, and have a desire to share your talents with younger artists! (ages 8-15 yrs)
- You love to draw, paint, collage, mix mediums, create stop motion or animated videos, make block prints or cut stencils.
- You are passionate about the arts and building community
- You have a strong desire to pursue a career in the arts
- You can commit to ALL professional development trainings, peer mentorship experiences, and portfolio development as follows:
- Training Intensive - Monday -Thursday, 10am-4pm, June 15 - June 25
- Camp Union - Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm*, July 7 - July 31
- Portfolio Development - Monday - Wednesday, 10am - 6pm, August 3-5
- Final Presentations - August 6 4pm-8pm
Responsibilities
Under the guidance of Union staff, participants will be expected to
- Encourage, inspire, and lead younger artists in learning and creative play
- Assist with setup, cleanup, and general maintenance of the youth studios
- Create a teaching artist portfolio for professional use
- Engage with and assist Union staff, teaching artists, and local artists as needed
Learning Opportunities
- Gain experience with mentoring, teaching artistry, group facilitation
- Practice creative problem solving and art-making techniques
- Connect with and learn from local artists, educators, and nonprofit leaders
Evaluation
Open communication is encouraged throughout the program. In addition to weekly check-ins, where peer mentors are invited to reflect on their experience and ask career questions, the mentors are asked to complete a final written reflection to help us understand how we can improve the program experience.
TO APPLY
Please note: Applications must be completed by the young artist, NOT by the parent/guardian.
Please complete the form below. The deadline to submit applications online is Friday, May 8 at 11:59pm.
All applicants will be notified (via email) of their application status by May 13. Interviews will be held on Saturday, May 30. Applicants selected to participate in the program will be notified by June 3.
The Union for Contemporary Art values diversity. We encourage candidates of any race, religion, color, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin to apply.
