TAP 1: Portfolio Development
TAP 1 is a two-year program for artistically driven students beginning in 7th grade. Through monthly hands-on workshops, professional artist instruction, and small group mentorship, students build their portfolio, skills, and confidence to apply to NYC’s top visual arts high schools. After TAP 1, students can continue with Free Arts NYC through high school and college.
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Self Portrait
Ruxin W. -
Fantastical Sandwich
Sonya E. -
Full Figure
Veronica A. -
Still Life
Sabine F.
In This Program, Students Receive:
Monthly hands-on art workshops led by professional NYC artists
Small group mentorship and individualized feedback
A welcome kit with all art materials needed to create their portfolio
$100 gift card for additional art materials
Access to tablets with digital drawing programs (including Procreate, Adobe)
Support navigating the high school application process
100%
of last year's participants were accepted into arts-focused high schools, including Gramercy Arts High School, High School of Art & Design, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, and Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
“The Free Arts Portfolio Development Program helped me get into High School of Art and Design by helping me accomplish each requirement one by one. Not only did this program give me supplies, it gave me invaluable advice and support. I felt confident in my application because of the Free Arts program.”
—Aria, High School of Art and Design
Keep
Exploring
In 8th grade, students return for TAP 1’s second cycle, moving beyond portfolio requirements to explore new artistic disciplines such as digital drawing, animation, and gelli printing, while gaining access to tours and experiences at leading NYC museums and galleries.
Program Overview
Timeline: 7th grade program runs January–June 2027, meeting during the week for workshops. 8th Grade program runs October 2026–June 2027, meeting on the weekends.
Due Dates: Applications are open from September–December 7th 2026.
Participants: Students currently in 7th grade for the 2026–2027 school year, attending a school or after-school program that's a Free Arts NYC community partner, may apply. Students already in 8th grade are not eligible to apply as new participants.
Setting: In-person workshops take place at the Free Arts NYC studio located in Time Square (1431 Broadway).
Mentorship: Small group mentors provide direct feedback, encouragement, and guidance during workshops
Instruction: Workshops developed and led in partnership with professional NYC artists and educators
Objective: Students build a strong visual arts portfolio, strengthen their skills, and gain the confidence to pursue arts-focused high school opportunities
Cost: Program is completely free of charge with all art materials provided.
Get Involved
Become a Group Mentor: Support a small group of students during TAP 1 workshops with feedback, encouragement, and guidance.
For questions about applying, becoming a Group Mentor, or bringing TAP 1 to your school or after school program, contact TAP 1 Program Manager David Petrak at david.petrak@freeartsnyc.org.