Mentorship
A COVID-19 Response Initiative
Mentoring plays a crucial role in empowering artists and arts organizations, which is why we're providing free mentorship opportunities to help artists grow and thrive.
Mentorship brings the exchange of skills, encouragement, and fellowship, essential during this difficult and financially devastating time for artists and arts workers.
The time is now - art in the time of covid
With lockdowns and cancellations putting an end to performances and exhibitions, the livelihoods of many artists have been put on hold. The arts sector has been among the hardest hit by the pandemic; that's why we're working with civic minded partners to help with mitigation, resilience and recovery during the COVID-19 crisis in Toronto.
Now, artists are looking for assistance with how to manage and grow during these challenging times. Our Mentor in Residence program, managed by our Neighbourhood Arts Network, helps address this need by matiching artists with experienced peer professionals through virtual one-on-one consultation sessions.
Support covered in the sessions include, but are not limited to:
- Curation
- Equitable Arts Programming
- Editing or Proofreading for Grants
- Online Presence
- Grant Writing
- Indigenizing and decolonizing art and artist practices
- Tips for Art Facilitation, including Designing Accessible Classrooms
- Community Engaged Arts
- Adapting Performances for Public and Digital Spaces
- Moderating Events for Live Streams
- Filmmaking (fiction and documentary)
- Strategic planning
- DIY Event Production
- Concert Booking
- Media Relations and Pitches
- Studio and Art Photography
How it started - knowledge is power
Artists needed our help, and we responded. We quickly developed the program in partnership with North York Arts to provide an opportunity for experts to lend a hand to those who needed assistance. Mentors generously signed up to offer their support. Thanks to generous donors and sponsors, all mentors are compensated for their time and expertise. Additionally, those who sign up to seek help (mentees), are able to access the program free of charge.
About the mentor roster
After extensive outreach, 22 Mentors, 77% of which identify as IBPOC and/or LGBQT+, have been selected for the program with a range of support for artists.
All mentors have participated in training and a networking session with other mentors to support peer to peer learning. A full list of the mentors and their offerings can be found here.
Are you an artist looking for support?
Registration for free mentorship sessions opens in February 2022. Up to 80 mentorship sessions are available per month for artists to access. More information including how artists can register can be located here.
Are you an individual who wants to support this program?
Join us in strengthening this program, ensuring that Toronto's artists receive access to industry expertise - key to helping them thrive. This program will continue and expand as funds become available, so your support is essential! Please MAKE A DONATION today!