What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a way to connect with and talk to someone about your practice. A mentor can act as a point of contact and a guiding voice.

The diversity of practitioners who might wish access this support is wide ranging, from those working within the Creative Industries who:

• have lost their way with their practice, are looking for support to get them back on track and help them to reinvigorate and suggest new projects, directions or approaches.
• are looking for support in writing a proposal for an exhibition.
• are looking for help to seek out relevant funding opportunity.
• are wanting advice and support on how to best use social media and develop their website for marketing advice and how to promote their business.
• what to discuss the issues surrounding working to commission.
• are seeking advice on how to price their work.
• are looking for advice and contacts links, relevant networks or ideas in relation to collaborative projects or opportunities.

Option 1: One to One

Cost: £130

This option is aimed at those already have some experience, maybe you have taken a number of courses, have a studio, workshop or business and who are looking for mentoring support to help move your ideas forward or discuss creative opportunities and funding options or discuss any next steps in your professional practice.

• 2-hour mentoring session that is conducted at Holyrood Campus following an agreed meeting time.

• Summary of the discussion and suggested next steps is then written up and sent to you by the Mentor.

Option 2: One to One with a Personal Project

Cost: £180

This option is aimed at those already have some experience, maybe you have taken a number of courses, have a studio or workshop and feel you have lost your creative direction or inspiration and who is looking for support to set you on a new creative path or directions. Within this slightly longer session the Mentor will be able to consider your thoughts and concerns and write a brief project that may help you find a new direction with your work.

•  2.5 hour mentoring session that is conducted at Holyrood Campus following an agreed meeting time.

• Brief summary of the discussion is written and sent to you by the Mentor.

• The Mentor creates a short project. This will be a written document sent to you, outlining the main focus and theme, including process and possible steps or actions to follow.

All our mentors are teaching fellows (tutors) within the Centre of Open Learning and are practitioners in their own fields, from drawing, digital media, painting, printmaking, jewellery and visual communication with national and international recognition. They have a wealth of teaching and professional practice experience and knowledge, able to support and offer critical reflection and guidance, highlighting your strengths and identifying areas of development within your own creative practice and endeavours.