What Is an Art Mentor at Leah Justyce Art Gallery?

Empowering Neurodivergent & Disabled Artists to Thrive

At Leah Justyce Art Gallery, we believe that art isn’t just about creativity — it’s about identity, belonging, empowerment, and opportunity. Many disabled and neurodivergent artists have incredible talent yet face barriers accessing mainstream art communities, business knowledge, and professional pathways.

That’s why we created the Art Mentor Program — a supportive and accessible way for artists to teach other artists and be paid to share their skills, passion, and experience.

An Art Mentor at Leah Justyce Art Gallery is more than a teacher.
They are a guide, role model, advocate, and creative supporter.

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🌈 What Does an Art Mentor Do?

Art Mentors work 1:1 or in small groups with emerging disabled or neurodivergent artists, helping them:

✅ Grow creative skills and confidence
✅ Explore new styles and techniques
✅ Build daily routines and personal art practice
✅ Learn technology, materials, and creative tools
✅ Develop communication and social participation skills
✅ Progress toward professional and employment goals
✅ Prepare and promote artwork for sale or exhibitions

Each session is tailored to the artist’s needs, interests, and what brings them joy.

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🧠 Supporting Neurodivergent Learning Styles

We recognise that everyone learns differently. Mentors understand and support:

✨ Autistic communication preferences
✨ ADHD-based learning rhythms
✨ Sensory needs and emotional support
✨ Trauma-informed guidance
✨ Flexible pacing and structure

It’s about validating how each artist creates — not forcing them to fit into a restrictive system.

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💼 Creative Career Mentoring

Some participants want more than a hobby — they want a future.

Mentors can teach essential professional skills:

🖥️ Creating a portfolio or website
📣 Social media promotion strategies
💵 Pricing and selling artwork
🛍️ Creating prints and products
🧾 Invoicing and business setup
🎯 Setting step-by-step career goals

This support helps artists become independent creators and business owners, a pathway that aligns with NDIS goals such as Finding & Keeping a Job and Improved Daily Living Skills.

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🎨 Building Skill, Confidence & Identity

Art Mentors encourage:

✔ Self-expression
✔ Emotional regulation
✔ Better decision-making
✔ Pride and achievement
✔ A sense of community

When an artist sees their work valued, their confidence grows — and suddenly a world of new possibilities opens.

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🤝 Connection and Community

Isolation is one of the biggest challenges for disabled artists.
Our mentors create:

💬 A safe space for communication
🌍 A community where artists belong
🙌 A supportive pathway toward independence

This isn't just art — it's connection, purpose, and empowerment.

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💸 Paid Creative Employment

Art Mentors are paid $48 per hour per participant, with group sessions available for 1–5 artists — allowing mentors to scale their income while doing meaningful work.

It is one of the few art careers that:

✅ Provides stable income
✅ Is location-independent
✅ Doesn’t require formal qualifications
✅ Directly impacts someone’s life for the better

Mentors get to do what they love — while helping others do the same.

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✨ Who Can Become an Art Mentor?

You don’t need to be famous — you just need:

🎨 Artistic skill in ANY medium
💜 Patience and empathy
🧩 Understanding of disability and neurodiversity
🌱 A willingness to support others to grow
🖥️ Ability to run sessions online via video

Mentors come from all backgrounds: hobby artists, professional illustrators, sculptors, photographers, creators of all kinds.

Your unique experience can change someone’s world.

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🔥 The Heart of Our Mission

Art Mentors are essential to building an inclusive global art community where:

✨ Disabled artists are visible
✨ Neurodivergent artists are celebrated
✨ Everyone has a chance to thrive

We don’t just represent artists — we amplify them.

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🚀 Ready to Become an Art Mentor?

If you’re an artist who wants:

✅ A career built on creativity
✅ A flexible way to earn
✅ A role that creates real change
✅ Community and purpose

Then mentoring might be your perfect next step.

👉 Apply to join our mentoring team

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🖤 Where Art Meets Advocacy

Welcome to the future of inclusive creativity.
Welcome to Leah Justyce Art Gallery.