with The Beautiful Project

FALL 2023 - SPRING 2024

Join us in boldly and unapologetically telling the stories of Black girls and gender-expansive youth. 

This year-long apprenticeship provides an opportunity for Black girls and gender-expansive creatives who are interested in using art and storytelling to advocate for social change in their communities. Past cohorts have created a short film and online campaign to support the healing and liberation of Black youth. 

In this program, you can expect to:

• Participate in weekly virtual training sessions and monthly in-person events.

• Define how you want to uniquely show up and impact the world.

• Learn creative practices to strengthen your voice, power, and art.

• Develop caring relationships with other young Black creatives. 

• Receive mentorship from Black women creatives in a variety of professions

• Lead an arts-based cultural activism project that explores an issue impact Black youth. 

In addition to the above training, you will receive the following benefits:

• Exposure to Black women in various fields who are committed to centering the voices of Black people. 

• A monetary stipend of $1000 for each semester.

• Temporary laptops to conduct activities (as needed).

• Access to cameras and audio/visual equipment.

• Community care from trained wellness professionals.

To be Eligible for this program, you must

• Live and/or go to school in the Triangle

• Be between the ages 14-18

• Identify as a Black girl/young woman or gender-expansive

• Desire to the arts for social change

• Have regular access to a stable Internet Connection 

• Submit a letter of recommendation 

• Be able to commit to the program dates

DURATION

Program Dates, August 5th, 2023- May 12th, 2024

Participants must be able to commit to:

• Orientation: Saturday, August 5th

• Starting August 21st: 

• Tuesdays: 4:00-6:00 pm

• One Saturday a month: 10:30- 3:00 pm 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

1. Complete Online Application: Applications can be found here: https://forms.gle/gmX8y8oSDDqXr5fq6.  Complete and submit the online application by midnight, Thursday, June 1st, 2023.  

2. Submit Letter of Reference: Ask someone to write you a letter of recommendation that shares why you are a good candidate for this apprenticeship. We recommend asking someone who knows you well and has supported or observed your work and/or leadership style, for example a teacher, mentor, coach, or boss. Letters must be signed and sent as a PDF or Microsoft Word by Thursday 1st at  programs@thebeautifulproject.org. 

3. Virtual Interviews: If selected, candidates will be invited by email to a 30-minute virtual interview with The Beautiful Project staff during the month of June. This is our chance to learn more about you and figure out if this is the right program for you. 

4. Final Selection: Selected Apprentices will be informed by June 26th.  

ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL PROJECT

TBP teaches Black girls and gender-expansive youth how to use their voice and power at the intersection of images, stories, and justice to advocate for their wellness and recognition by providing:  

• Free access to arts education and applied training in visual arts, storytelling, cultural literacy, creative production, and other topics. 

• Opportunities to participate in youth-led and intergenerational exhibitions, campaigns, films, and publications that explore their stories, needs, and dreams

• A community of care that provides holistic support and mentorship for young Black creatives wanting to explore, articulate themselves, and create.

For more information about this opportunity: 

• Follow us on Instagram @thebeautifulprj to learn more about the organization and the apprenticeship program

• Visit www.thebeautifulproject.org to learn more about The Beautiful Project

• Email the Associate Director of Artist Training, Madylin Nixon-Taplet at mnixontaplet@thebeautifulproject.org with any questions.