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Rural Mentorship Program

Personalized mentorship pairings for creatives in rural Manitoba

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.

"This program has helped motivate me in being more creative and open-minded to learn new things."
Kevela Jag
Rural Mentee

Mentorship That's 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 our mentorship 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.

What You Need to Know

Mentee Age Requirement

16 – 29

Location 

Rural Manitoba residents.
Priority is given to mentors who are also located in rural Manitoba

Disciplines

Open to all artistic disciplines

Cost/Payment

This program is FREE for Mentees. Mentors will receive an honorarium of $1750.00

Time Commitment

5 hours of independent work per month (Mentees only) and 5 hours of one-on-one time per month (Mentors and Mentees)

Mentor Selection 

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.

Membership

If accepted, Mentee(s) and Mentor receive a free annual membership.

Dates

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.

Ready to Apply? Get Started Now!

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Participate in our Mentorship Programs

Mentee Commitments & Benefits

  • Minimum of 25 hours working with your mentor (approximately 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 and program set-up Zoom meeting with Program Manager
  • 2 progress update surveys completed in a timely manner
  • Provide feedback for final program evaluation in a timely manner
  • Opportunity to participate in Mentorship Spotlights

 

Mentor Commitments & Benefits

  • Minimum of 25 hours working with your mentee(s) (approximately 5 hours/month)
  • Participation in kick-off and program set-up Zoom meeting with Program Manager
  • 2 progress update surveys completed in a timely manner
  • Availability to guide the mentee’s independent work
  • Provide feedback for final program evaluation in a timely manner
  • Receive honorarium of $1,750.00
  • Opportunity to participate in Mentorship Spotlights
  • 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
  • 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
  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.
  1. 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.
  2. Detail your Program Plan:
    • Be as detailed and specific as possible about your proposed program.
    • Outline your objectives, methods, and execution plan clearly.
  3. 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.

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(s)?
  2. 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?
  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 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

Rural Mentorship Spotlights

Still on the fence about applying for mentorship? Read these spotlights and find out how mentorship can benefit you and your artistic career!

Kevela Jag and Annie Bergen working on mosaic art

Kevela Jag and Annie Bergen

Mentorship pair Kevela Jag & Annie Bergen are taking part in our 2022/2023 Rural Mentorship Program, in the discipline of...
Spliced image of man in cowboy hat at keyboard and younger man in t-shirt

Silas Presley and Ken Campbell

Mentorship pair Ken Campbell and Silas Presley took part in our 2021/2022 Rural Mentorship Program. Their mentorship was in the...
splice image of three people

Danita Stallard, Scarlett Gunn, and Lacey Svaren

Mentorship team Danita Stallard, Scarlett Gunn and Lacey Svaren took part in our 2021/2022 Rural Mentorship Program....