Mentoring the Creative Community
The Ballarat Arts Foundation has established a mentoring program to encourage and further develop the aspirations and talents of local artists.
Structured mentoring partnerships allow those being mentored to gain new skills and increased confidence in their abilities, while mentors can benefit from having the opportunity to share their skills and give back to the community by engaging with talented artists.
BAF’s mentoring programs in recent years have involved over 70 artists. The program has delivered many significant outcomes with participants reporting gaining direction and confidence, a wider network of connections and experiencing deep connections and care as well as personal and professional growth.
This year the program will be supported by the Rotary Club of Ballarat.
The need to support local artists is considered more important than ever given the impact the coronavirus continues to have on the cultural and creative sector, with an exciting mentoring program again planned for this year.
Mentoring will be on a one-to-one basis from July through November 2024, with the mentor and mentee aiming to meet on at least 4 occasions.
All participants would also be required to attend an introductory workshop on Saturday June 15th from 9:30am-12:30pm in Ballarat, where the mentoring process will be explained and guidelines provided, along with a closing workshop in November 2024.
Those interested in being mentored or being a mentor are asked to apply here before April 30th.
Participants will be selected based on mentors being available who can meet the specific needs of potential mentees. This could be someone from a similar background and industry experience, or a different background and with a different perspective. Should you not be selected for a mentoring partnership this year we will let you know about future opportunities.
“The mentoring program has been great for me. My mentor is wonderful - open and enthusiastic - and I’ve really appreciated their perspective on the world. ”
“It’s a process that creates a sense of connectedness, support – like a garden planted around an old oak – adds so much to the life, nature and atmosphere that helps us to grow.”
“I found it very inspiring and energising in my field. It is quite scary going into the unknown of the Arts Industry and it’s been great to get guidance.”
“My mentor was fantastic in steering a really interesting dialogue which touched on a lot of things that we rarely have the chance to unpack. ”
“I loved being a mentor. The things we discussed were so relevant in my own practise as an artist and I loved the role because I wasn’t a teacher - it was an experience where I had to let go of the reigns and let the mentee drive the ship.”
“The time with my mentor provided a place for me to explore and review my goals and receive feedback and hear different perspectives on my ideas. The 2 workshops set up and completed the process perfectly.”
“The outcomes were many. Deep connections and care. Personal and professional growth. Excitement and gratitude.”