Established visual and media artists, musicians, and cultural managers in Guelph and Wellington County are invited to apply to mentor young artist participants in the Guelph Young Artist Mentorship Project. This paid opportunity will support established artists in: developing coaching and mentorship skills, accessing professional resources, making new connections, and helping young artists connect and learn within Guelph’s creative community.
Through the project, Guelph Arts Council (GAC) and the University of Guelph School of Fine Art and Music (SOFAM) will collaborate to support young artists in the critical transition from university to professional life. Young musicians, visual artists, and cultural managers will work with established-artist mentors and community curators to develop the professional networks and business and management skills needed for creative careers in Guelph.
The participants in the project will be aged 18 to 25 and intend to base their professional practice in Guelph or Wellington County. They will include SOFAM fourth-year students and recent grads, as well as young Guelph artists from other schools. Young artists interested in the project may apply here.
In launching this project, GAC and SOFAM are grateful for support from the Ontario150 Partnership Program.
The project aligns with the Program’s goal of celebrating the sesquicentennial with collaborative projects that engage youth and encourage cultural expression.
An information session for interested artists will be held Wednesday, April 19 from 5 – 6 pm at Guelph Arts Council, 147 Wyndham St. N, Suite 404.
Eligibility: Mentorship opportunities are open to established visual and media artists, cultural managers, and musicians actively practicing in Guelph or Wellington County. GAC and SOFAM will collaborate to match each young artist participant with a mentor that suits their artistic discipline and development needs.
Expectations: Established-artist mentors will be expected to:
1) attend a training session (maximum 3 hours)
2) engage in mentorship sessions (4 hours total per young artist):
a. augment the core curriculum (provided) of the training session with their own experience and perspective
b. advise young artists as they prepare for a finale exhibition or performance.
In leading the project, Guelph Arts Council will abide by its Code of Conduct and conflict of interest policy, and expects its project partners, participants, and mentors to do the same.
Remuneration: Established-artist mentors will be paid $75 for a training session and $120 ($30/hr) per young artist participant. Mentors are not limited to one participant. Reasonable project-related expenses, including limited mileage/transportation, will be reimbursed.
Timeline: The Project will be implemented in two rounds corresponding to the University of Guelph’s Summer and Fall semesters. The Summer semester runs May 11 – August 4, and the Fall semester from September 7 – December 1. Mentors may apply for Summer, Fall, or both semesters. Training will take place early in each semester.
Location: SOFAM and/or GAC will provide space for training and mentorship sessions.
Process: By completing this application by Sunday, April 23, before 11:59 pm.
Supporting Documents:
Current CV or Artist Bio (max. 4 pages) that includes artistic activities for the past 12 to 18 months.
Three to seven images, MP3 files, or video links of previous work.
List of images, MP3 files, or video links: Include file names, title, description, medium/instrument, dimensions (if applicable), date completed or performed.
Letter of interest: 100 - 350 word letter describing your fit with the project and any previous mentorship or teaching experience
Please include two professional references, noting your connection to those references.
Key Dates:
Information session: Wednesday, April 19, 5 – 6 pm, Guelph Arts Council, 147 Wyndham St. N, Suite 404
Call closes: Sunday, April 23 at 11:59 pm
Follow-up calls or interviews, as required: April 25 - 28
Matching notification: May 1 – 5
Call for artist mentors for Fall semester, as required: July 2017