The Teen Arts Mentorship Program is a county-wide, 30+ year old arts enrichment and career development program that offers students ages 13-18 the unique opportunity to work closely with industry professionals and master artists in a studio environment. Working in small groups, students spend 30 hours producing a portfolio of work to be exhibited and sold or performed in a public venue.

Students acquire specific art-making skills, exhibition and/or performance experience, and an introduction to the styles and career choices of artists in our community. The master artists become role models and references for students as they consider advanced studies in the arts. 

Initiated in 2015, the goal of The Arts Fund’s Public Art Program is to establish locations for public art projects and installations in an effort to keep art alive and maintain the creative signature of our community. We work directly with property and business owners along with selected artists to create site-specific public art projects such as murals, sculptures, and installations. Our goal is for public art to add to our community’s already dynamic environment and attract a wider audience to the arts.

If you are interested in participating as an artist or sponsor, please contact us!

The Arts Fund Community Gallery supports emerging and mid-career artists living in Santa Barbara County. The Arts Fund holds six yearly exhibitions featuring a minimum of four artists per show. One exhibition out of the year is dedicated to the Teen Arts Mentorship students to exhibit their mentorship work in our gallery. Our Guest Curator Program offers opportunities for community members to develop their professional gallery experience by presenting thought-provoking and exciting exhibitions.