Mentor Application: SCC Mentorship Professional Development Program 2026

The Saskatchewan Craft Council is seeking Mentors for our Mentorship Program!

The Saskatchewan Craft Council is seeking experienced craft professionals, artists, makers, retailers, and creative entrepreneurs to serve as mentors in our 2026 Mentorship Professional Development Program. This program supports emerging craftspeople, makers, and visual artists by connecting them with experienced professionals who can share practical business knowledge, artistic business expertise, and industry experience. We are particularly seeking mentors with experience in creative business development practices. 

This mentorship program runs from September 1 to December 31, 2026.

 Qualified mentors will possess one or more of the following qualifications: 

• Wholesale and retail sales in physical shops, galleries, and/or online 
• Marketing and promotion for artists and makers 
• Consignment and wholesale agreements, pricing, and merchandising 
• Exporting and shipping products 
• Grant writing and professional applications 
• The use of social media and website development  

Mentors provide personalized support, advice, feedback, and encouragement to help mentees achieve their professional goals. Mentorship may occur through one-on-one consultations, group discussions, workshops, or a combination of formats. 

If a selected mentor is not already a member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council, they will need to become one. Annual memberships have an fee of $65 to $125 depending on membership type. Learn More.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Qualified mentors will possess one or more of the following: 

• Current Professional Craftsperson membership
• Juried membership with the Saskatchewan Craft Council  
• 10 or more years of professional experience in craft or the visual arts 
• Certificate, diploma, or degree in craft, design, or visual arts 
• Experience teaching workshops, classes, or serving as a mentor
• Experience serving as a juror for craft or art exhibitions

COMPENSATION 

Mentors will each sign agreements with the Saskatchewan Craft Council and receive renumeration of up to $60 per hour of service.

Mentors are anticipated to work one-on-one with mentees, in person if possible, but are likely to connect virtually online. Mentors may facilitate and deliver a series of sessions to several mentees if they are comfortable in facilitation. Each mentor may be asked to contribute approximately 15-25 hours total from September 1 to December 31 2026.    

SELECTION PROCESS 

The SCC Selection Committee will review applications and match mentors with appropriate mentees based on their qualifications and identified needs expressed by the participating mentees. Decisions will be sent to all those who apply by end of August.

Applicants may agree to allow applications to be retained for future mentorship opportunities as funding and programming become available.

Application Requirements

Please submit:

1. Mentor Cover Letter (max 1 page)

Give examples of professional experience related to business development practices in sales, marketing, and building relationships with galleries and shops. Provide a brief statement outlining why you would like to participate as a mentor. 

2. CV / Artistic Resume (max 1 page)

You will be required to upload your documents to the next pages of this application form.

Accepted file types: pdf, docx, doc

Note: Save and Continue later

• You can choose to save the form and continue it later, as long as you are on the same device (computer, tablet, phone).
• If you press "Save," a link will be sent to your email address. You can return to the saved version by clicking on the emailed link. You can then continue to fill out the form, or use the "next" and "back" buttons to review your application. When finished, go the last page and press submit.
• If you save multiple times, choose “resend link” and then use the new link to return to your latest version.

MENTOR DATABASE

The SCC will retain your application package for future opportunities in our Mentor Database. This would allow us to consider you for future mentorship pairings.

The Mentor Database will eliminate the need for mentors to reapply each year. This data will only be available to SCC staff to consider for other similar opportunities going forward.

If you need to purchase or renew your membership to the Saskatchewan Craft Council, please do so before submitting this application: Click here for payment options

Note: Save and Continue later

• You can choose to save the form and continue it later, as long as you are on the same device (computer, tablet, phone).
• If you press "Save," a link will be sent to your email address. You can return to the saved version by clicking on the emailed link. You can then continue to fill out the form, or use the "next" and "back" buttons to review your application. When finished, go the last page and press submit.
• If you save multiple times, choose “resend link” and then use the new link to return to your latest version.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

1. Mentor Cover Letter (maximum 1 page)

Give examples of professional experience related to business development practices in sales, marketing, and building relationships with galleries and shops. Provide a brief statement outlining why you would like to participate as a mentor.

Accepted file types: pdf, docx, doc

2. Mentor CV / Artistic Resume (maximum 1 page)

Accepted file types: pdf, docx, doc

Note: Save and Continue later

• You can choose to save the form and continue it later, as long as you are on the same device (computer, tablet, phone).
• If you press "Save," a link will be sent to your email address. You can return to the saved version by clicking on the emailed link. You can then continue to fill out the form, or use the "next" and "back" buttons to review your application. When finished, go the last page and press submit.
• If you save multiple times, choose “resend link” and then use the new link to return to your latest version.

Review your information carefully before pressing "Submit"

If you have questions or if you submit your application and realize there is an error, please email Alexa Hainsworth at members@saskcraftcouncil.org and we will help you to resolve any issues.

Thank you!