What is mentoring?
What is Mentoring, why would I require it and is it for me?
Mentoring is a way to connect with and talk to someone about your practice. A mentor can act as a point of contact and a guiding voice.
The diversity of practitioners who might wish access this support is wide ranging, from those working within the Creative Industries who:
- have lost their way with their practice, are looking for support to get them back on track and help them to reinvigorate and suggest new projects, directions or approaches.
- are looking for support in writing a proposal for an exhibition.
- are looking for help to seek out relevant funding opportunity.
- are wanting advice and support on how to best use social media and develop their website for marketing advice and how to promote their business.
- what to discuss the issues surrounding working to commission.
- are seeking advice on how to price their work.
- are looking for advice and contacts links, relevant networks or ideas in relation to collaborative projects or opportunities.
Option 1: One to One
Cost: £130
This option is aimed at those already have some experience, maybe you have taken a number of courses, have a studio, workshop or business and who are looking for mentoring support to help move your ideas forward or discuss creative opportunities and funding options or discuss any next steps in your professional practice.
• 2-hour mentoring session that is conducted at Holyrood Campus following an agreed meeting time.
• Summary of the discussion and suggested next steps is then written up and sent to you by the Mentor.
Option 2: One to One with a Personal Project
Cost: £180
This option is aimed at those already have some experience, maybe you have taken a number of courses, have a studio or workshop and feel you have lost your creative direction or inspiration and who is looking for support to set you on a new creative path or directions. Within this slightly longer session the Mentor will be able to consider your thoughts and concerns and write a brief project that may help you find a new direction with your work.
• 2.5 hour mentoring session that is conducted at Holyrood Campus following an agreed meeting time.
• Brief summary of the discussion is written and sent to you by the Mentor.
• The Mentor creates a short project. This will be a written document sent to you, outlining the main focus and theme, including process and possible steps or actions to follow.
All our mentors are teaching fellows (tutors) within the Centre of Open Learning and are practitioners in their own fields, from drawing, digital media, painting, printmaking, jewellery and visual communication with national and international recognition. They have a wealth of teaching and professional practice experience and knowledge, able to support and offer critical reflection and guidance, highlighting your strengths and identifying areas of development within your own creative practice and endeavours.
| 1. | The first step is to complete the online form and section Ready to apply? |
| 2. | Once we have received this online request form, we can then review it and determine which mentor would be the most appropriate for you. |
| 3. | You will then be emailed directly by the Head of Arts, Oliver Reed, requesting that you send further and more specific information, possibly including images which can then be sent to the appropriate mentor. It is at this point you will be contacted and asked to pay for the relevant ‘Option’ before we proceed. |
| 4. | Within a few days you will hear from the mentor directly, who will arrange a date, time and location to meet. They will request that you bring a selection of works with you. An appropriate space within the campus, usually Paterson’s Land, will be booked for the meeting. |
| 5. | After the meeting, the mentor will then write up a summary or project depending on the option you have chosen. This summary or project will be emailed to you. |
| 6. | Approximately 1 month after your meeting, you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire about your experience of the process and what benefits, if any, you gained from the programme. |