Join our Artist Collective
Become a Daybreak Artist!
We welcome all artists who have experienced homelessness at some point in their life to apply regardless of technical artistic training, college degrees, and self-taught skills.
Art forms currently exhibited at Daybreak Arts include: drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber arts, mixed media, and sewing.
During COVID-19, our Artist Collective programming looks a little different. Normally we'd invite you to join our workshops, meals, and field trips, but we've had to put those opportunities on hold for now. Many of our artists are considered high-risk for COVID-19, so we’re taking our responsibility for safety seriously.
We don’t want to miss the opportunity to connect with you, though! See the steps below for how you can join Daybreak Arts until we move into the “next normal” for programming.
Apply
First, we ask that all interested artists complete an application. We welcome all ability levels. The application helps us learn more about you and how Daybreak Arts can assist you in your artistic journey. If you prefer to complete a paper application or answer verbally, we are happy to accommodate. Contact ashley@daybreakarts.org for alternate applications.
Join
Once you’ve completed the application, please allow 7-10 business days for our staff to review your responses. We will contact you by the preferred contact method listed in your application to schedule a tour of Daybreak Arts, during which we are mindful of CDC-recommended safety precautions.
Grow
After your tour, you are invited to reserve time to work in our studio. Currently, our studio is open by appointment only and for 1-2 artists per time slot. At your first studio appointment, we’ll also set you up with some basic art supplies. Immediate acceptance for sales in our marketplace is on a case-by-case basis.
What you can expect during COVID-19:
Studio & Gallery
Access to a professional art studio to create and a group gallery space to exhibit and sell work with CDC guidelines in place.
Access to a sewing machine, matboard cutter, a miter saw, personal storage bins, a resource board, coffee and snacks, and more.
Artistic Supplies
Access to quality and specialty art supplies including drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, leather, fiber arts, mixed media, sewing, printmaking, and more.
Access to desktop computers with graphic design, photo editing, and video software.
What you can expect after COVID-19:
Studio & Gallery
Access to a professional art studio to create and a group gallery space to exhibit and sell work.
Access to a sewing machine, matboard cutter, a miter saw, personal storage bins, a resource board, coffee and snacks, and more.
Artistic Supplies
Access to quality and specialty art supplies including drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, leather, fiber arts, mixed media, sewing, printmaking, and more.
Access to desktop computers with graphic design, photo editing, and video software.
Training & Education
Access to artistic and entrepreneurial workshops to gain new skills, discover new artistic mediums and passions, and meet local artists in the community.
Access to offsite field trips and sponsored independent learning opportunities like ABC’s Periscope.
Exhibitions & Marketplace
Access to an online marketplace, marketing & promotions, and participation in regular local exhibitions to exhibit and sell work.
Access to additional creative income opportunities like commissions, murals, teaching, and more.
“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
“How do artists learn about Daybreak Arts?”
Open Table Nashville
Open Table Nashville’s “Where To Turn In Nashville” resource guide is a 160-page printed guide that lists information for more than 300 resources for people experiencing poverty in Middle Tennessee. We helped OTN create an “Arts” section in their annual guide because we believe the arts are just as essential for people in poverty as food, housing, pets, and healthcare! Daybreak Arts (previously POVA) is under both the Arts and Employment sections.
Room in the Inn
Daybreak Arts’ mission and vision was birthed in the Art Room at local homeless service organization, Room In The Inn (RITI). For the first two years as a nonprofit, Daybreak Arts (previously POVA) hosted bi-annual Community Art Days at RITI where community members could attend and create art with Daybreak artists and the homeless participants at RITI. Currently, we partner with Room In The Inn to recruit new artists and refer our active artists to their services.
Do you know an artist who might be a good fit for our program?
We believe that “Together is Better,” so thank you for being a part of our collaborative community by connecting artists impacted by homelessness with Daybreak Arts. Please follow the steps above or contact ashley@daybreakarts.org for more information.
If you work for a local nonprofit or community service organization, we want to partner with you to establish a seamless point of entry for interested artists. We envision a network of collaborative partners that promotes limited barriers to accessing our resources. Click the button below to contact us about first steps in building this type of partnership.