Cupertino-based Apple Inc. is launching Today at Apple Creative Studios Initiative, a mentorship program in Los Angeles to aid and inspire youths from underrepresented communities.
The program will work with nonprofits to provide training and resources to youth in cities worldwide who face challenges in accessing a meaningful arts education, according to a June 22 announcement.
The initiative is starting in Los Angeles and Beijing, with plans to expand to additional cities later this year.
Participants in the nine-week Los Angeles program will make a visual album using Apple products and applications. The free program will teach creative direction, production and writing and will collaborate with the local Inner-City Arts, Social Justice Learning Institute and Music Forward Foundation nonprofits.
“Music Forward aims to transform young lives by breaking barriers of gender, poverty, and race, and bridging them to pathways of success,” Nurit Smith, executive director of Music Forward Foundation, said in a statement. “We are proud to work hand-in-hand on Today at Apple Creative Studios – LA to spark creative discovery, chart careers, and provide opportunity to Los Angeles youth.”
The Los Angeles program will also offer mentorship from Bethany Mollenkof, a documentary photographer and filmmaker; Larrance “Rance” Dopson, a Grammy Award-winning producer; and Ebro Darden, global editorial head of hip-hop and R&B at Apple Music. Other artists will teach individual sessions.
The Today at Apple Creative Studios programs will range in duration from eight to 12 weeks and will encompass artistic mediums including film, art and design, photography and music. The 12-week Beijing program will serve migrant youth who haven’t had the opportunity to pursue creative expression, according to the release.
The programs will culminate in a showcase hosted by Apple. Artists offering mentorship through the programs will also host public sessions that anyone may register for.
“Creativity and access to education are core values for Apple, so we are absolutely thrilled to kick off Today at Apple Creative Studios in Los Angeles and Beijing and to bring this meaningful program to several more cities this year,” Deirdre O’Brien, senior vice president of retail and people at Apple, said in a statement.
