Join our Artist Collective
Become an Artist at Daybreak Arts!
Daybreak Arts is a creative community where artists experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity can build their artistic practice, connect with other artists, and access opportunities to share and earn from their work.
You don’t need formal training, a degree, or professional experience to get started. Whether you’re an experienced artist or picking up a creative practice for the first time in years, there’s a place for you at Daybreak Arts.
Art forms represented at Daybreak include drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber arts, mixed media, digital art, printmaking, sewing, music, and writing. Artists are also welcome to explore new mediums and creative practices.
What to expect as a Daybreak Artist:
Studio + Gallery
An art studio where you can create, experiment, and develop your artistic practice, along with a shared gallery space where you can exhibit and sell your work.
Dedicated storage for your artwork and materials, including personal storage bins and artwork storage.
A welcoming shared kitchen with coffee, snacks, and a community resource board with information about local opportunities, services, and resources.
Access to a range of creative tools and equipment, including sewing machines, a matboard cutter, miter saw, art-making tools, iMac computers, Dell laptops, and more.
Art Supplies & Equipment
Explore your creativity with access to professional-grade art supplies and materials across a wide range of creative practices, including drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, leatherwork, fiber arts, sewing, mixed media, digital art, printmaking, instruments, and more.
Use our iMac computers and creative software for digital art, graphic design, photo editing, video, portfolio development, and other creative projects.
Need something specific for a project? Specialty art supplies and materials are available by request, giving you the opportunity to try new mediums, develop an idea, or bring a particular project to life.
Training + Education
Opportunities to learn, experiment, and grow through artistic and entrepreneurial workshops, including opportunities to try new techniques, explore different mediums, build creative and professional skills, and connect with other local artists.
Opportunities to visit galleries, museums, cultural institutions, and other creative spaces through offsite field trips designed to expand artists’ exposure to the local arts community and creative opportunities.
The opportunity to apply for the Next Horizon Academy, Daybreak Arts’ mentorship and professional development program for artists who want to deepen their practice, build skills, and pursue their goals.
Sponsored independent learning opportunities, such as classes, workshops, and other experiences that align with an artist’s interests, creative practice, or personal goals.
Paid Income Opportunities
Opportunities to share and sell your work through Daybreak’s online marketplace, local exhibitions, pop-ups, and other community events, with marketing and promotional support to help connect your work with new audiences, collectors, and buyers.
Support preparing, pricing, presenting, and selling your artwork, along with opportunities to build exhibition experience, develop a sales record, and grow your confidence as a working artist.
Access to additional paid creative opportunities, including commissions, murals, teaching, licensing, live painting, demonstrations, and other opportunities that allow you to share your skills and generate income from your creative practice.
Interested in Becoming a Daybreak Artist?
We’d love to connect with you! Our 2026–2027 New Artist Cohort is currently full, and applications are closed. We plan to open applications again in 2027. Join our waitlist to be the first notified when our application opens for new applicants.
Questions? Email our Program Engagement Director at Ashley@DaybreakArts.org or call/text 615-682-2049.
Want to get connected before then?
Sign up to get notified about our next Open Studio Day or Music Jam Session. These gatherings are an easy way to meet our artists, access to free, low-barrier supplies and resources, and learn more about opportunities to become part of the Artist Collective.
What’s next?
After we review your application and find that Daybreak Arts is the right fit for you, here’s what next steps will include:
Tour our building and attend a New Artist Orientation
Review contracts and community agreements
Create a plan for success with our program staff
Use our space to create, try new mediums, and connect with our community
“This program gives each artist not just the income that comes from selling their art, but also the value of knowing someone wanted and valued their work.”
- Daybreak Artist, BANDY
