NCMA Outreach: The Artist Innovation Mentorship Program
Experience original artworks by middle school–aged students from across North Carolina in this exhibition that celebrates their creative processes. These young artists from eight counties participated in 13 residencies of the Artist Innovation Mentorship Program (NCMA AIM), the NCMA’s signature, statewide outreach program.
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NCMA AIM fosters the learning that happens when artists work directly with young people. The program provides funding and organizational support for creative after-school workshops. Young artists learn new techniques and flex their creative problem-solving skills as they work with artists in their own communities.
Since AIM’s inception in fall 2021, 34 regional artists have provided a total of 12,060 hours of arts-based learning experiences to 670 youth. The program has supported 53 residencies in 19 counties, with residencies impacting over 11,500 community members through related exhibitions, festivals, and events statewide.
Pilot funding for the program was provided by the Anonymous Trust and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with additional generous support from First Citizens Bank and the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust.
Image: Students at West Iredell Middle School in Statesville, NC; Photo: Caroline Parker