FOUNDATIONAL MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

ABOUT

The Foundational Mentorship Program supports visual artists working together in an informal, peer-learning framework, with experienced artists mentoring evolving artists. The pair’s direction is led by the mentee’s goals. Mentors are seasoned professionals who provide personalized support, training, advice, encouragement, and feedback on a regular basis. Mentees gain professional development, technical skills, and increased confidence. Artists at any career stage can benefit from working with a mentor and all participants can expect to enjoy revitalized art practices and enhanced community!

 

PROGRAM DETAILS

updated 29 July 2025

The program runs for 8 months, from September 01 to April 30 each year

  • The program is absolutely free

  • Mentors receive $3,200, paid in four instalments, for each mentee they support (maximum of two mentees)

    Please note, if Mentor is not already a CARFAC SASK member, a $50 membership fee will be withheld from the first payment to purchase an annual membership

  • Participants may be eligible for travel subsidy

  • Mentorship pairs are expected to spend a minimum of 7 hours per month working together

    Attendance at three group meetings is mandatory: Orientation, Midterm, and Final

    Mentors are required to submit three reports: Assist in the Mentorship Proposal (due October 15); Midterm Report (due January 31); and Final Report (due April 30)

  • The Selection Committee reviews applications and pairs successful mentees with appropriate mentors

    Please note, Mentees may request or apply with a mentor, but may not necessarily be matched afterwards

  • Participants must be residents of Saskatchewan and not currently enrolled as student

    Recent graduates are encouraged to spend at least two years developing their practice before applying

 

DEADLINE

Please fill out the below Application form no later than JUNE 15, 11:59 PM.

If you have any questions, you can direct them to Program Assistant, Joviel Buenavente at workshops.sask@carfac.ca.

All applicants will be notified once the Selection Committee has made a decision within 60 days of the deadline.

NOTE: The application will be closed between JUNE 16 to JULY 31 annually.
Application will be available again starting AUGUST 01.

Materials submitted by mentors are not adjudicated by the jury; they are used to determine the relevance of a mentorship pairing only, pending mentee selection.

 

APPLY HERE

 

The Mentor Database will serve three purposes:
1) To guide future mentees who do not have a mentor in mind when applying
2) To assist the Selections Committee during the jurying process
3) Eliminate the need for mentors with no mentees to reapply each year

The following information will be included in the publicly accessible Mentor Database:
Your Name
City you live / work in
Medium(s) you work with
Your support materials (Letter of Application and CV/Resume)
Website / Instagram