Desert Willow Conference Center 

4340 East Cotton Center Boulevard

Phoenix, AZ 85040

The 2024 “Inspiring Creativity in Mentoring Symposium” is hosted by Free Arts and in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, Gabriel’s Angels, and New Pathways for Youth. Together, these youth-serving agencies will provide a full day of engaging, trauma-informed learning opportunities for mentors, youth workers, artists, partnering agencies, and educators to support resilience-building work for children, teens, and young adults. Each learning opportunity will emphasize one of three themes: Cultivating Community, Inspiring Creativity, or Strengthening Futures.

On April 20, 2024, over two hundred people will convene for plenary learning sessions, breakout sessions, and expressive art experiences. Session topics will include evidence based mentoring principles, fostering inclusive mentoring relationships, supporting healthy relationships, information on emotional regulation, support for self-care, as well as trauma-informed arts-based activities for children and teens.

Confirmed plenary speakers include:

• Frank Thompson and Folade, Free Arts Professional Teaching Artists, speaking on “Community Music Making with Found Sounds”
• Terra Schaad, Founder and Executive Director of Hunkapi Farm, speaking on “How your past affects your present: A guided experience on how trauma affects our ability to create safety and connection”
• Darryl Tonemah, Ph.D., Psychologist and Musician, speaking on “The Pursuit of Wellness and Wholeness”

The symposium supports the mission of Free Arts by building skills and deepening relationships among staff, volunteers, and community members interested in the transformative power of the arts to help children heal from traumatic experiences. Participants in the symposium are engaged in child wellbeing programming in the greater Phoenix area with reach into all of Arizona. At Free Arts, the symposium is a key yearly opportunity for volunteers, artists, staff, and partner agencies to collaborate, celebrate, and learn from one another.

Early bird prices of only $129, with prices going up February 15th. 

We can’t wait to see you there!

Click Here for Full Agenda

Click Here for Symposium Bios