ARTIST X ADVOCACY MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
AXA PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Founded: 2020 by Iowa-based artist Jill Wells
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MISSION
The AXA Mentorship Program is designed to provide a comprehensive support system and resources for emerging Iowa artists of all abilities. By blending practical experience with professional development, AXA is committed to nurturing creativity and advocating for a more inclusive and vibrant art community.
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CONTACT + PARTICIPATION
Artists and interested parties can learn more about the AXA program and apply via the AXA website or by reaching out to Mainframe Studios. The program encourages diverse applications and is committed to fostering creativity and advocacy.
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PROGRAM DETAILS
The AXA program offers a comprehensive mentorship experience tailored for emerging artists, focusing on their creative and professional development over a span of three to six months, with two mentorship slots of three months each.
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PROGRAM COMPONENTS
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Weekly One-on-One Mentor/Mentee Sessions:
Personalized sessions with experienced mentors for tailored guidance and support. -
Mentee Stipend:
Financial support to assist with living expenses, allowing mentees to concentrate on their creative development. -
Community Engagement Workshops, Podcasts, and Interviews:
Participate in workshops and media engagements to build skills and connect with the broader art community. -
Mainframe Studio Space:
Access to Studio #447 at Mainframe Studios, providing a dedicated workspace within a vibrant creative community. -
Resume/Portfolio Prep Workshop:
Workshop focused on enhancing resumes and portfolios, essential for advancing careers in the arts. -
Professional Photography Headshots:
Receive professional headshots to boost your personal brand and presentation as an emerging artist. -
Creating an Original Public Work of Art:
Develop and execute a public art piece, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to the community. -
Professional Network Development:
Build connections with professionals across creative and corporate fields, expanding your network and future opportunities. -
Social/Emotional Support:
Access to resources addressing the social and emotional aspects of an artistic career for a well-rounded experience. -
Practical Experience Working with Professionals:
Collaborate with established professionals, enhancing your skills and industry knowledge.
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ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
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Eligibility:
Open to emerging artists, particularly those with disabilities or from underrepresented backgrounds. -
Application Process:
Submit an application outlining your artistic background, goals, and interest in the program.
King Yore II | JORDAN WEBER | 2023 AXA Public Work Project
Yore Jieng's legacy
honored in Oakridge through second mural
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"AXA was honored to help bring this mural to life for the artist Jordan Weber and the Oakridge community." ~ Jill Wells
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The Oakridge community is using art to honor the life of Yore Jieng, a neighborhood youth who was killed by a stray bullet in 2016. The bullet struck Jieng in the head while he was sitting in the passenger seat of a car his sister was driving. Five days later, he died. Jieng’s case remains open. No one has been arrested in relation to his death.The new mural will be the second in the Oakridge community to pay tribute to Jieng's life. In 2021, the community worked with local artist Jordan Weber to create a mural to celebrate Jieng's passions and the effect he had on his community.
The second mural is being installed this week on the side of an Oakridge Neighborhood apartment home facing Center Street between 14th and 15th streets, according to neighborhood spokesperson Christine Irvine.The painting is intended to draw inspiration from the previous one, according to Teree Caldwell Johnson, president of the Oakridge Neighborhood Association. She said the idea for a second mural, which is being installed in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, was always in the plan.
Designed by Weber and painted by Jill Wells' AXA Mentorship Program, the new mural's installation is set to take around one week, Irvine said. While the new mural seeks to honor Jieng's legacy, Johnson said the design also works to capture and celebrate the diversity of African cultures represented in the community.
It does so by prominently featuring a wide range of colors and native flowers from different African countries, she said.Johnson said the mural's blue background is already on display as Wells looks to make Weber's design come to life. As the artwork comes together over the next week, Johnson said she is excited to see responses from the community, particularly youth.
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"I'm sure excitement will build as they see it come together over the next few weeks," she said.