EXPECTATIONS

Past mentorees have said that their mentoring partnership has increased their confidence and their ability to talk about themselves as artists and artsworkers. It has also helped them to define their practice more clearly.

As a mentoree you can expect the following:

• Access to and contact with an established artist
• Advice and support
• Learning about difference career pathways
• Gaining confidence in your artistic ability
• Skills development
• Alternative approaches
• Public recognition
• Networking opportunities
• Knowledge of the business and arts industry

There are many benefits of being a mentoree, however, you need to be aware of having realistic expectations. Below are examples of expectations that are beyond the role of SPARK.

• That my mentoring relationship will go beyond the 9 month SPARK contract
• That I will immediately get work with my mentor
• That my relationship with my mentor will be more than a professional working relationship ie we might not be best mates

SPARK mentorees already have basic skills in arts or cultural practice, arts support or arts administration. Your mentorship is intended to guide you in further developing your artistic and related skills.

As a young emerging artist, you have indicated your commitment to developing your talent and improving your career opportunities in the arts and cultural industries. So, it is up to you to proactively drive your mentoring partnership.

Practically, that means it's your job to make sure that

• You are organised
• You have a clear mentoring plan,
• You meet regularly with your mentor, and
• You seek help and support from YAQ if you are having any problems.

It is not your mentor's role to manage your mentoring partnership.

• Sign SPARK contract, YAQ release form and other key documents
• Develop and submit a mentoring plan
• Consider a project partnership
• Participate in the Professional Development Training
• Participate in monthly professional reflection activities
• Develop and implement a plan to document your work
• Proactively maintain contact with YAQ and your mentor
• Provide invoices to YAQ for payment in time
• Participate in the program evaluation

Your mentor is an artist or artsworker who has an established a career in the arts and cultural industries. They want to share their expertise and experience in developing young emerging artists talents.

• Negotiate how much time commitment
• Find out what they want to get out of the partnership
• Find out what their strengths and weaknesses are

REMEMBER: It's not your mentor's role to manage your mentorship - that's your role

It's not just mentorees who benefit from the mentoring partnership. SPARK mentors have also highlighted a range of positive experiences from their involvement in the program.

Some of the benefits for your mentor include:

• Increased visibility and public approval for support young emerging artists and arts workers
• Access to different networks
• Alternative perspectives and approaches
• Artistic influence
• A sense of achievement in supporting mentoree's success
• Investment in the future of the industry

SPARK is mostly based on a mentoring partnership between two people. However, some mentorees have benefited from having more than one mentor during their mentorship.