Rural Mentorship Program

Applications are now closed for our 2024/2025 program year. Please check back in the summer of 2025 for information regarding our 2025/2026 program year. See below for previous program information.

Unleash Your Potential with Personalized Mentorship

Are you ready to take the next step in your artistic career? Our Rural Mentorship Program is designed for aspiring professionals aged 16-29 living in Rural Manitoba who are eager to grow in their chosen creative field, no matter the discipline. This is your opportunity to forge a transformative relationship with a mentor handpicked by you to help you achieve your dreams.

Tailored to Your Ambitions

Following the mentee’s lead, you and your mentor will co-create a flexible plan that fits your goals and interests, working from your program proposal with the assistance of the program manager.

Program Design

Working one-on-one or in a small group of up to 5 mentees with a chosen mentor you will shape your own program so you can explore the aspects of your creative work that most excite you. Whether it’s focusing on a particular project, developing specific skills, or making key industry connections – your path is in your hands. Mentorship isn’t just about learning; it’s about becoming an independent professional, gaining hands-on experience and building a relationship with someone you can rely on! You can be a beginner, or someone who is looking to take that next step and connect more with your artistic and professional community.

You’ll start strong with an initial setup session with the Program Manager to help you connect and establish your mentorship plan, and receive personalized support with a mid-program check-in with the Program Director.

Program Requirements

Mentee Age: 16 – 29
Location: Rural Manitoba residents. Priority given to mentors also located in Rural Manitoba
Disciplines: Open to all artistic disciplines
Mentor Selection: Mentees must find the mentor they want to work with and build your proposal together, or a mentor can find mentees they wish to work with as well. Mentors must be a rural resident and professional for 5 years in their discipline.
- If you don’t have a mentor, our Program Manager can provide suggestions and help you connect with potential mentors (mentor@creativemanitoba.ca)
- If you are a mentor without a specific mentee and would like to be considered for a match, email the program manager at mentor@creativemanitoba.ca with a CV/resume and expression of interest.
Membership: If accepted Mentee(s) and Mentor receive a free annual membership
Mentors receive honorarium of $1,750.00

Download the 2024/25 Full Program Dates & Commitment Details

Program Dates

Program runs for approximately 5 months and can begin any time between September and January (must conclude by end of May).

Mentee Commitments

Minimum of 25 hours working with your mentor (approx. 5 hours/month)
Minimum 25 hours of independent work in addition to the time spent with your mentor (approx. 5 hours/month)
Participation in kick off zoom with Program Manager, program set up
2 progress update surveys completed in a timely manner
Provide feedback in final program evaluation in a timely manner
Opportunity to participate in Mentorship Spotlights

Mentor Commitments

Minimum of 25hrs working with your mentee(s) (approx. 5 hours/month)
Participation in kick off zoom with Program Manager, program set up
2 progress update surveys completed in a timely manner
Available to assist in guiding the mentee’s independent work
Provide feedback in final program evaluation in a timely manner
Receive honorarium of $1,750.00
Opportunity to participate in Mentorship Spotlights

If you are a prospective Mentee or group of Mentees:

Reach out to a potential mentor and discuss your interest in the program (if you need help finding a mentor reach out to our program manager for assistance)
Provide them with the program dates, commitments, and the link to their Mentor Application Form
Discuss your goals and general availability, see if it suits theirs and if it does you can apply together!
Fill in your Mentee Application Form by clicking Apply Here below.
- Questions will include demographics, option to link examples of your work, and your proposed plan that you’ve developed with your mentor.
- You will have the option to save and continue the application at a later point
- You will be redirected to a confirmation page and receive an email once your application has been accepted.
Confirm your Mentor has also submitted their Mentor Application Form

If you are a prospective Mentor:

Reach out to a potential mentee or group of up to 5 mentees and discuss your interest in the program
Provide them with the program dates, commitments, and the link to their Mentee Application Form found at the bottom of this page
Discuss possible plans and ideas as well as general availability, if it suits theirs you can apply together!
Fill in and submit your Mentor Application Form
- Questions will include demographics, option to link examples of your work, and your proposed plan that you’ve developed with your mentor.
- You will have the option to save and continue the application at a later point
- You will be redirected to a confirmation page and receive an email once your application has been accepted.
Confirm your Mentee(s) has also submitted their Mentee Application Form

Assessment Information

Applications will be assessed by the jury with the following questions in mind:

Specificity and Thoroughness:
- How specific and thorough is the application proposal regarding objectives, intentions, and career-related goals for the mentee(s)?
Commitment:
- Does the application show the ability of both mentor and mentee to commit to the 5-month program?
- Is this the optimum time for the mentee to participate in the program?
Mentor’s Experience:
- Does the mentor have the required experience and standing in their artistic community to offer networking opportunities and ideas to their mentee?
- Are these outlined in the application?

In addition to individual merit, the selection process also focuses on including a wide variety of geographic rural locations, disciplines and career areas within the full group of pairs. Gender parity, inclusivity, and welcoming first-time mentors into the program are priorities. Creative Manitoba strives to reserve 50% of program spaces for applicants who identify as IBPoC or part of an equity-seeking community.

Applications are now closed for our 2024/2025 program year. Please check back in the summer of 2025 for information regarding our 2025/2026 program year. See below for previous program information.