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 80 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 2026, with the mentor and mentee aiming to meet on at least four occasions.
All participants would also be required to attend an introductory workshop on Saturday 13th June 2026 from 9:30am-12:30pm in Ballarat, where the mentoring process will be explained and guidelines provided, along with a closing workshop on November 14th 2026.
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.
Applications by both mentors and mentees, for the 2026 BAF Mentoring Program, will be open from 1 to 30 April 2026.
“I would highly recommend the BAF mentoring program to artists at all stages of their journey. It can be a lonely profession, and the network and connections made, not just in the pairings but across the cohort and the wider BAF family is invaluable.”
“I achieved all my goals and in also developed a relationship of trust and respect with my mentor. This seems to have been achieved across the whole group.”
“It’s a great way to take the next step (whatever that may be) in your arts practice and to have some structure, gentle guidance, clarification and support to journey through your work/practice.”
“I’ve locked in exhibitions, applied for grants, refined my artist statements and bio and made steps to move my career forward and I attribute so much of that to my mentor”
“The mutual relationships that were forged during the mentoring partnership with the mentee, other mentors and the BAF team are valuable outcomes, extending networks and creative opportunities”
“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. ”
“The program creates opportunities to extend your network and to be co-inspired in a supportive environment”