Professional Mentorship Program

Mentee Commitments & Benefits

• 35 hours or more working with your mentor (approximately 5 hours per month)
• 35 hours or more of independent work in addition to the time spent with your mentor (approximately 5 hours per month)
• Spend at least 5 hours of time connecting to others in your field (networking)
• Attend a “Mentee Connect Night” (dates provided above)
• Attend Creative Manitoba’s Creative Entrepreneurship Day (February, date to be confirmed)
• Be a Creative Manitoba member and complete a profile in our Arts Directory
• Monthly progress updates in a timely manner
• Provide feedback in final program evaluation in a timely manner
• Opportunity to participate in Mentorship Spotlights
• Reimbursed for up to $100 towards related expenses incurred during the program

Mentor Commitments & Benefits

• Minimum of 35 hours working with your mentee (approximately 5 hours per month)
• Monthly progress updates in a timely manner
• Attendance at mentorship events outlined in program dates (Orientation, final Share Night)
• Available to assist in guiding the mentee’s independent work
• Available to present connecting and professional development opportunities/suggestions for the mentee
• Provide feedback in final program evaluation in a timely manner
• Receive honorarium of $2,500.00 & one year of free Creative Manitoba membership
• Opportunity to participate in Mentorship Spotlights

Connect with a Mentor

• Reach out to a potential mentor and discuss your interest in the program.
• Provide them with the program dates, commitments, and the link to the Mentor Application Form.

Create a Program Plan Proposal

Create a program plan with your chosen mentor to guide your mentorship. Your application should include the following (max 250 words):

• Propose Your Plan: Give background on your creative work and the areas you would like to focus on.
• Goals: What do you plan to achieve during the mentorship?
• Projects: Is there a specific project you would like to work on with your mentor?
• Skills: Are there particular skills you aim to improve?
• Shadowing Interests: What aspects of your mentor’s work are you interested in shadowing?
• Connections: Are there connections you’d like to make with your mentor or others in the industry?

Be as specific as you can and include details, such as how and when you plan to work together, that you’ve decided on with your mentor.

Review Program Details

• Before applying, review the program dates, commitments, tips, assessment information, and FAQs to ensure you are fully informed.

Membership Requirement

• Mentees must be members of Creative Manitoba to apply. Find our membership information HERE.
• If the cost is a barrier, please reach out to our program manager for assistance.
• Once you have a membership, you can access the mentee application form.

Complete Your Application

• Submit your part of the application by clicking “apply now” at the bottom of this page. 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 Submission

• Ensure that your mentor has submitted their application form as well, as both need to be submitted for your application to be considered complete

Download a copy (pdf) of our Tips, Assessment & FAQ’s for Professional Mentorship

1. Understand the Mentorship Philosophy:
   
   • Reflect on what mentorship means to you and emphasize this in your application.
   • Highlight your goals, what you intend to ask, experience, and why this partnership is beneficial.
2. Articulate the Program’s Impact:
   
   • Explain how the mentorship will develop, enhance, and support your growth in your artistic practice.
   • Provide specific examples and insights into the expected outcomes.
3. Detail your Program Plan:
   
   • Be as detailed and specific as possible about your proposed program.
   • Outline your objectives, methods, and execution plan clearly.
4. Choose the Right Mentor:
   
   • Ensure your chosen mentor is a professional in their field and a good match for you.
   • Discuss your plans, schedules, and working styles with the mentor before committing.
5. Local Mentorship Requirement:
   
   • Your mentor must reside in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to allow for in-person activities.
   • If the mentor will be out of town during the program, ensure there is a plan in place for continued mentorship during these periods.

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

1. Specificity and Thoroughness:
   
   • How specific and thorough is the application proposal regarding objectives, intentions, and career-related goals for the mentee?
2. Commitment:
   
   • Does the application show the ability of both mentor and mentee to commit fully to the 7-month program?
   • Are they a full-time student or working full-time, and if so, how do they plan to allocate enough time for the program?
   • Is this the optimum time for the mentee to participate in the program?
   • Has the mentor made a plan for any potential absences?
3. 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 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 BIPOC or part of an equity-seeking community.

In case of two or more applications tying in all other areas of assessment, the date of receipt of the application may be considered, so early application is encouraged.

Q: Can I apply to this program if I will turn 19 or 32 during the run of the program?

A: Applicants must be 19 by December 2026. Applicants who are 32 at the time of application are eligible.

Q: If I want to apply to this program as a mentee but do not have a mentor, can I?

A: You must apply with a mentor. We must receive your mentor’s form as well as your nominator’s for your application to be complete. However, we can help find a mentor in your artistic discipline. Contact the program director before July 15th, 2026. Provide a “wish list” of potential mentors and information about your artistic practice and goals. Email mentor@creativemanitoba.ca for assistance.

Q: Do I need to become a Creative Manitoba member?

A: If accepted to the program, you must sign up as a Creative Manitoba Member. Reduced rates are available for students. Membership lasts for one year, providing access to workshops, coaching, programming, newsletters, and resources. If cost is a barrier, contact mentor@creativemanitoba.ca.

Q: How and when will I find out if I have been accepted into the program?

A: All applicants will be notified within three weeks of the application deadline (August 16th).

Q: If my chosen mentor has taken part in the program in a previous year, am I eligible to apply with them?

A: Yes, you may apply with a mentor who has participated in a previous year. However, first-time mentors may be prioritized if the program is highly competitive.

Q: Can a mentor apply for this program with more than one mentee?

A: No, mentors must choose one mentee to apply with for the program year.

If you have any questions along the way do not hesitate to contact our Mentorship Manager mentor@creativemanitoba.ca