Artspace Mentorship Programme 2011/12

Operating since 2008, this programme sees new artists given the invaluable opportunity to work under the mentorship of an established artist. The mentees work towards a solo exhibition at Artspace's Rosebank Gallery. The programme has run for three years and has showcased nine new artists working under the guidance of some of our top contemporary artists. The objective of the programme is to provide a launch platform into the market for new contemporary artists

A Call for Nominations...

Outreach

Mentorship Programme

Launched in 2008, this programme sees new artists work under the mentorship and guidance of established artists to mount a gallery exhibition. This MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME aims to expose new visual artists, who have previously had little or no exposure to the market.

"It is very difficult for a new artist to break into the market," Says curator Teresa Lizamore. "Galleries rarely work with unknown names. This programme is designed to give these artists a foot in the door and to expose them to working within the professional sphere. Navigating through relationships with galleries can be intimidating for a new artist with little experience. " "Those few galleries that do support emerging artists often have full programmes, leaving many young artists waiting for up to three years at a reputable gallery." The mentees work under the mentorship of the established artists to manage all aspects of a gallery exhibition, from conception of the body of work, writing a proposal, creating the works and mounting the show. Artists are also expected to host public walkabouts and will be exposed to a critique by a respected academic in the field. Also added to the programme is a formal workshop on professional practice which offers an introduction to the newer artists as how to handle themselves within the arts industry, what to expect from a gallery relationship, how to handle PR and marketing of their work and shows and how to build towards a sustainable career. Lizamore works closely with the mentees through gallery visits and sessions advising them on issues such as presentation, pricing, engaging with the market, and how to work within the gallery context. The project is endorsed by Business and Art South Africa (BASA) and is a part of their Barloworld Mentoring Programme.