About
Free Arts is a youth mentoring program of Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities that combines mentorship and arts learning. Caring adult volunteers are placed with youth at community partner sites throughout the Twin Cities and plan and facilitate weekly art projects.
• Schedule: Runs in three terms throughout the year: Spring (February to April), Summer (mid-June to mid-August), and Fall (October to mid-December)
• Price: $250 per session
Free Arts × Amplifying the creative power of youth through art with community partners is the stated mission of the program. The program partners with social service agencies, community organizations, and local artists, engages underserved youth with the arts, builds positive mentoring relationships, and expands arts programming to under-resourced neighborhoods. Free Arts was previously offered by Free Arts Minnesota, a nonprofit originally founded by Junior League of Minneapolis. The current leadership contact listed for the program is Megan Eskro, Manager of Free Arts Program. Staff and volunteers are preferred to have a background in teaching or working with youth. The program brings creative arts to youth who may have experienced poverty, homelessness, abuse, or mental illness. Free Arts Artist Residencies are supported in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, funded through a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. The program is seeking community artists for paid teaching artist residencies in various art forms and genres, with supplies covered and/or provided, and LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals are highly encouraged to apply.
Last updated June 28, 2026.
• Schedule: Runs in three terms throughout the year: Spring (February to April), Summer (mid-June to mid-August), and Fall (October to mid-December)
• Price: $250 per session
Free Arts × Amplifying the creative power of youth through art with community partners is the stated mission of the program. The program partners with social service agencies, community organizations, and local artists, engages underserved youth with the arts, builds positive mentoring relationships, and expands arts programming to under-resourced neighborhoods. Free Arts was previously offered by Free Arts Minnesota, a nonprofit originally founded by Junior League of Minneapolis. The current leadership contact listed for the program is Megan Eskro, Manager of Free Arts Program. Staff and volunteers are preferred to have a background in teaching or working with youth. The program brings creative arts to youth who may have experienced poverty, homelessness, abuse, or mental illness. Free Arts Artist Residencies are supported in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, funded through a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. The program is seeking community artists for paid teaching artist residencies in various art forms and genres, with supplies covered and/or provided, and LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals are highly encouraged to apply.
Last updated June 28, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.