Created in 1994, Partners is a professional development program that matches an emerging artist with a disability with an established artist for 25 hours of one-on-one co-mentorship in the artists’ creative medium. Both artists are paid for their time spent working on the project and given a stipend for materials. Art Access staff also coordinates additional career development opportunities throughout the program. Each Partners cohort ends in a group exhibit that is free to the public.

“Art Access has been a major part of my journey as an artist with disabilities. They have helped our beautifully different community to feel comfortable and confident in being a professional in the art world.” - Tyler Pierce, Partners 2022 and Artist Working Group 2024 emerging artist

Partners 2026 program applications are open December 2, 2025 through January 13, 2026. 

"Emerging Artist": an artist in the early stages of their career, may not have a large body of work, or may not have yet been recognized by formal institutions but is/are recognized in their community and peer group.

For questions about the program, support with the application, or accessibility accommodations requests, email partners@artaccessutah.org.

Partners relies on mentors in many different mediums to support our program. If you are interested in participating in our Partners program as an established-artist mentor, please click the button below and fill out our interest form. We accept applications all year round. Please contact partners@artaccessutah.org with any questions.