Mentorship. Partnership. Community.

Designed to empower + propel artists of marginalized identities toward a career in commercial visual arts.

The We Create mentorship is a free, one-on-one experience, tailor-made to provide the knowledge and support necessary to advance the mentee’s artistic career. Aiming to address disparities within the creative industry, the program uplifts voices through meaningful relationships and engaged learning with established creative professionals.

Mentoring will be conducted via regular correspondence and virtual meetings. Each month will be dedicated to discussing topics and emerging artist strategies assigned by the syllabus which include:

+ Pricing + Contracts + Portfolio Prep + Vending + Networking + Production + More…

2025 Mentors

Mentees are paired with their We Create mentor through a mutual selection process. While their primary mentor serves as lead support and point of contact throughout the program, the mentee will also have access to the entire mentor ecosystem.

TRACIE CHING

Founder + principal mentor

About Tracie ↗

ERICA WILLIAMS

Mentor 2021-2025

About Erica ↗

Doaly

Mentor 2023-2025

About Doaly ↗

Prospective Mentees

We Create accepts three (3) mentees per cohort – one per mentor.

Applicants should demonstrate vision and drive in pursuit of their goal(s). We want to collaborate with individuals who will use the program as a springboard toward a life as a professional creative.

There is no maximum age. No restrictions on artistic background, preferred subject matter, style or process. As long as the applicant’s work could benefit from We Create mentorship, they are encouraged to apply.

REQUIREMENTS: To apply for the We Create mentorship you must:

+ Be 18 years or older
+ Be an emerging artist
+ Actively pursue a full-time visual arts career
+ Identify within a marginalized community
+ Utilize digital applications
+ Have access to a computer and internet*
+ Speak fluent English

+ Provide examples of your work via a website and/or online portfolio.

+ Be prepared to identify the following:
What you hope to gain from the program
Your work and creative process
Your goals – both short and long-term

* Internet + computer access

We Creates exists to act as a resource for marginalized identities within creative industries. As such, we hope to provide assets and ask only for your time in return. While access to a computer and internet are a requirement for participation, we realize not all have ready access to these resources. All efforts will be made to accommodate and assist applicants/mentees wherever possible.

Key Dates

Questions?

Sept. 3: Applications open
Nov. 30:  Applications close
Dec. 1-9:  Application review
Dec. 11:  Semi-finalists notified
Dec. 12-20:  Semi-finalist interviews
Dec. 30:  Mentees announced
Jan. 6:  Mentorships Begin
(2024 dates for the 2025 cohort)

Don’t see the answer to your question? Contact us!

For media or sponsorship inquiries, please contact Tracie Ching.

Read the Terms of Participation here.

2025 APPLICATIONS CLOSED

2027 APPLICATIONS OPEN SEPT. 1ST, 2026