I don’t have experience making art or working with kids. Can I still volunteer?

Yes, Free Arts NYC does not require volunteers to have prior experience in the creative arts or working with youth to be eligible to volunteer. All volunteers are encouraged to attend a New Volunteer Orientation before placement. Volunteers in the Weekly Mentor and PACT Programs are provided with a 3-hour training prior to placement in a group. In all programs there are people assigned to lead the art projects, either as professional facilitators or table leaders.

Where will I volunteer?

Free Arts NYC partners with schools, community centers and social service agencies throughout New York City. You can volunteer with us in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.

Are there weekend volunteer opportunities?

Yes, our Free Arts Days are day-long Saturday art festivals. Please see the Free Arts Days link on the program page of the website for more information.

Are there ways I can volunteer that don’t involve working with youth?

Yes, you can lend a hand with the office and art room work that keeps Free Arts NYC running behind the scenes. Special events, fundraising, or providing contacts for tickets are all great ways to support Free Arts.

Can I make art in the Free Arts programs?

Free Arts NYC volunteers serve a supportive role to the young people in our programs and do not make art themselves. However, we have begun hosting regular Art Parties at our offices. Art Parties take place on weekday evenings and are a time for volunteers to network, make sample art projects, and have fun!

Does Free Arts take interns?

Yes, we accept interns who receive school credit for their volunteer work with us. See the Job and Internship page on the website for more information and to download an application. Please contact Elizabeth Thomas, Office Assistant, at elizabeth@freeartsnyc.org with any questions or concerns.

Can I volunteer with my child?

We try our hardest to ensure that we provide the children we serve with the 1:1 or 1:2 adult to child ratio in our programs that helps them gain the most from their Free Arts experience. Therefore, parents are welcome to volunteer with their children, provided that are at least 16 years of age and meet all of the requirements to volunteer. Please refer to www.volunteerfamily.org to find organizations that have volunteer opportunities for families that include members under the age of 18.

I want to become a mentor, but I’m not sure about the length of commitment.

Try a Free Arts Day, and make a one-day commitment to a child to see if Free Arts is a good fit for you. It’s important to us that our mentors are consistent figures in their program, so we appreciate your honesty about what level of commitment you are willing to make. You may also want to talk with staff or current volunteers.

Can my group volunteer together?

Yes, to register your group for a Free Arts Day contact Christie Phillips, Free Arts Day Program Manager at christie@freeartsnyc.org. Student groups can register a maximum of 10 people.