As a professional artist for over thirteen years, I have benefited so much from the informal mentors in my life. That said, as a queer artist of colour, I have also struggled with the lack of role models or access to elders, which has often made for a lonely journey.
In an effort to create more intergenerational dialogue and supports, I am offering a six-month, arts-based, one-on-one mentorship program to artists of colour under the age of 25 seeking support with a specific project.
The details of this mentorship are worked out between us and will largely depend on your project, but could look like the following:
- Regular feedback on a manuscript, stories, poems, songs, performance, film, etc.
- Advice relating to grant-writing, CV-writing, social media, promotion, organization, self-motivation, self-publishing, booking tours, touring, performing, music or film gear, etc.
- Informal conversations about art, process, the intersection of art with gender, sexuality, race & religion.
The program is wide open and we can tailor it to your needs!
Please note that while I live in Toronto, this program is not limited to Torontonians. If you do live in Toronto, we will have the benefit of meeting in person (if you like); but if you don’t, we will find ways to work together via email, phone and/or Skype.
The selection process will largely be based on how well I feel I can support your work on your proposed project. Also, while this initiative is new and therefore a bit of a trial, my hope is that this program will continue and renew with a fresh mentorship opportunity every six months.
Look forward to working with you!
–VS