A program from Apple that aims to help mentor young creatives in cities across the world is arriving in Chicago later this month.
Apple announced Wednesday that it's launching its Apple Creative Studios on Sept. 18 in Chicago. The program, which is a collaboration between the tech giant and local non-profits and community groups, will look to help underrepresented Chicago artists and creatives grow their work and hone their skills.
Artists will have access to mentorship, hands-on experience and industry expertise from Apple, the company said, with a focus on creative fields like illustration, writing and photography. Apple's mentors have included photographer Bethany Mollenkof, Apple Music’s global editorial head of Hip-Hop and R&B Ebro Darden, and iPhone photographer Eric Zhang.
In Chicago, Apple is working with youth in the city's Little Village neighborhood, partnering alongside local groups like Yollocalli Arts Reach, Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy, and Chicago Architecture Biennial.
Apple said it will provide free arts and cultural programming across five weeks, giving up-and-coming artists and photographers the tools they need to grow their portfolio. Local photographers Mercedes Zapata and Sebastián Hidalgo will serve as mentors in the program.
Apple, which also announced today it's bringing its Creative Studios to Washington, D.C., has previously launched the program in Los Angeles, Beijing, Bangkok and London.
