The Foundation Mentorship Program has been MAWA’s core activity since 1985. It is offered each year because it is so effective in helping participants in their journey toward being professional artists. Many artists who have gone through the program describe it as having been “pivotal” and “transformative.”
It is a year-long program in which established artists share their experience with developing artists. It is designed to help women, trans, non-binary and Two-Spirit woman-identifying visual artists develop skills and define their decision-making philosophies, and to provide access to the information, resources and support they need to realize their goals. In addition to a one-on-one relationship with a mentor, the program provides a peer group for the mentees through group meetings.
MAWA mentors have achieved a high level of respect for their artistic production locally, nationally and internationally. They are connected to the art world. They know how to share information and skills. They communicate effectively. They are committed to building community.
How does it work? Mentors meet individually with their mentees for 4 hours per month, and the entire group meets for 3 hours monthly for critiques, discussion, gallery visits and other activities.
MAWA announces a call for applications to be a mentee every April. Applicants are selected based on the quality and potential of the work submitted, the emerging artist’s willingness to dedicate time to the program, and the mentor’s ability to work with the emerging artist because of mutuality of practice or conceptual framework. Potential mentees of all adult ages and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
If you have any questions, please contact Adriana Alarcon, Program Coordinator, at 204-949-9490 or [email protected].
