The San Mateo County Youth Fellowship Program provides a platform for youth to highlight their art practice, become a part of a small cohort of young artists in the County, and provide them with leadership opportunities to work directly with communities through the arts and the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture. One fellow for each district will represent the County. Each fellow will receive $750 for their term. The Youth Art Fellows will be announced soon.

Fellowship Goals:

  • Highlight the work of talented youth artists of varied media throughout the County
  • Develop a community of young artists in the County
  • Provide youth artists with leadership opportunities to work with communities within their district and show their work
  • Foster an appreciation of the arts by youth in the County and demonstrate the value of being an artist

Eligibility:

  • Aged 14-19
  • Reside in San Mateo County
  • An artist specializing in one or more art disciplines that can include visual, performing, literary, and musical arts
  • Experienced in community events, projects, or outreach is a plus
  • Able to serve as a Youth Arts Fellow for one year beginning August 2024

Responsibilities of Youth Arts Fellows:

  • Develop and execute an arts/culture-related project that will engage the community on issues of social justice, environment/sustainability, mental health, equity, and/or other societal issues impacting their respective communities. These programs can be in collaboration with organizations like libraries, community centers, schools, art spaces, etc.
  • Support the Office of Arts and Culture September Arts and Culture Fest on September 28, 2024
  • Help distribute info on other youth arts programs in the County
  • Participate in a Spring showcase of the work of all Arts Fellows
  • Present their artwork at a Board of Supervisors meeting

For questions or more information contact mgrimes@smcgov.org.

In July 2023, the Office of Arts and Culture launched San Mateo County’s Youth Cultural Ambassador Program, to encourage youth voice in the arts and community, the predecessor to the Youth Arts Fellowship Program. Learn more about the past program.