Applications open August 25
and are juried case-by-case until the program is full.
Are you living in rural Manitoba and 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.
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 our mentorship manager.
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.
16 – 29
Rural Manitoba residents.
Priority is given to mentors who are also located in rural Manitoba
Open to all artistic disciplines
This program is FREE for Mentees. Mentors will receive an honorarium of $1750.00
5 hours of independent work per month (Mentees only) and 5 hours of one-on-one time per month (Mentors and Mentees)
Mentees must find the mentor they want to work with and build their proposal together, or a mentor can find mentees they wish to work with as well. Mentors must be rural residents and have practiced professionally in their discipline for at least 5 years.
If you don’t have a mentor, our Program Manager can provide suggestions and help you connect with potential mentors.
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.
If accepted, Mentee(s) and Mentor receive a free annual membership.
Program runs for approximately 5 months and can begin any time between September and January (must conclude by end of May).
Dates may be subject to change.
Applications will be assessed by the jury with the following questions in mind:
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.
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 16 or 30 during the run of the program?
A: Applicants must be 16 by December 2025. Applicants who are 29 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 for your application to be complete. However, we can help find a mentor in your artistic discipline. Contact the program director and provide a “wish list” of potential mentors and information about your artistic practice and goals. Email mentor@creativemanitoba.ca for assistance.
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.
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.
If you have any questions along the way do not hesitate to contact our Program Manager mentor@creativemanitoba.ca
Still on the fence about applying for mentorship? Read these spotlights and find out how mentorship can benefit you and your artistic career!
300-245 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
R3B 0S6
info@creativemanitoba.ca
204-927-2787
The Government of Canada
The Government of Manitoba
Creative Manitoba acknowledges we are gathered on Treaty 1 Territory, the ancestral lands and unceded homelands of the Anishinaabe, Anishininewuk, Nehiyawak, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline Nations and the National homeland of the Red River Métis. Our presence on this traditional land is sustained by Nibi (water) from the community Shoal Lake 40 First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory and electricity from beyond Treaty 1 Territory, including Nelson River in Treaty 5 Territory.
Water is life, and land is sacred to all Indigenous people. Acknowledging the land and territory on which we stand is a cultural practice meant to express gratitude to the original homelands, to pay respect to the original inhabitants, and honour the spirit of reconciliation.
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